Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Jews in India - Morris Ruddick
Dear Steve,
Prior to our departure I wrote that "in the natural, our task might be described as hunting for a needle in a haystack; or even perhaps taking a shot in the dark." We set out on this journey believing that the Lord would uniquely lead each step. Even more than we realized, what we posed to do, in the natural, within the time we scheduled was more than just ambitious, it probably wasn't even realistic.
Yet, due to being convinced this mission was born in the heart of God, in retrospect, the Lord has exceeded our expectations. Praying frequently and taking time to discern developments, we have had many wonderful surprises as the Lord has arranged the pieces of this mosaic in a way we could have never done on our own.
We have traveled to three cities within India: Pune, Goa and Mumbai. We've visited synagogues, ancient Jewish quarters, interviewed rabbis, pastors, nuns, heads of local ministries, a journalist, community leaders, Christian and Jewish-Christian lay people, along with Indian nationals of both Catholic and Jewish heritage. We've been exposed to the history of the Jews in India; reviewed local books with insights into the time of the inquisition in India and visited the ruins of what some feel may be India's original synagogue in Goa, destroyed during the inquisition.
As I share just a few of the highlights, let me say that some things we have sought have not yet materialized; while others have far surpassed what we expected. However, an incredible foundation has been laid for the "next steps." In it all, God has been faithful. We also are so very grateful for your undergirding in prayer, as indeed, through faith and patience we are inheriting the promises (Hebrews 6:12).
The Process
Closing the gap on a word received from God, such as the guidance for this mission, is and has been a process. Our broad guidance, to search for the lost sheep of the House of Israel in India, included a more specific task of seeking Indian nationals of Jewish heritage descended from ones who fled persecution during the inquisition.
On a personal basis, my Israeli Ethiopian partner for this mission has wanted to close the gap on his family origins. The book of Esther notes a connection between Ethiopia and India. My partner has long suspected that his Ethiopian lineage may be traced to roots in India.
The survival of the hidden Jews during inquisition generations was based on their true identities being carefully masked. Gaining the trust of their modern-day descendents bears the same challenge with a definite relationship-building need.
After flying out of Denver and a six-hour layover in Newark, we left on a 15 hour flight to Mumbai. A referral made after our arrival in India put us in touch with a local pastor, whose heart seemed to leap as we shared our mission. Our first meeting with him was delayed several hours first due to his young son getting sick and then his old car breaking down, as he traveled across town to meet with us. After on-site repairs, this brother finally picked us up.
We then found ourselves in Mumbai rush hour, with an extended snarl of traffic in the midst of a tangle of vehicles, going nowhere fast, all trying to out-honk one another, seemingly intent on adding layers to the delays of our inauspicious start. It was roughly 8:30 p.m. that first day before we finally sat down for a meal and were able to make plans with this gracious brother.
The next morning, having hired a car and driver, we still didn't know whether the turbulence at home for this pastor was going to allow him to accompany us to Pune. To our joy, he did and we headed off on the three hour drive through terrain that we heard looked much like Ethiopia.
The Quest Begins
Our visit in Pune began at one of the city's two synagogues. Since the terrorist attack on the Jewish Chabad Center in Mumbai in 2008, entrance is screened and synagogues are guarded by armed Army security. Having called ahead of time, we were warmly welcomed by the rabbi. He explained that he had an active congregation of about 50 families, since most of the Jewish population in Pune had made aliyah, immigration to Israel, almost 50 years prior. This synagogue was on a street aptly named "Israel Lane" in the center of Pune's original Jewish neighborhood.
Our next visit was with a Jewish believer whose roots she could trace back to her Jewish grandfather in Karachi before the Indian/Pakistani partition. After her grandmother died, her grandfather was unable to give proper care to his nine children, so he put them in an orphanage where they were raised as Christians.
She called her cousin who soon joined us with her 88 year old father. As one of the children raised in the Karachi orphanage; he interestingly now lived in Pune's Jewish neighborhood on "Israel Lane." This kindly old man told us the story of his childhood. Yet when my partner spoke to him about his "Jewish" roots, he seemed to react fearfully, saying "no, no I am a Christian." Yet his flat was in the center of the Jewish quarter in Pune.
Their family tradition held they were descended from the Tribe of Benjamin. We heard about a menora passed down from her grandmother. She also shared her lifelong dream of making aliyah to Israel.
The next morning, our local pastor and friend traveling with us, who had grown up in Pune, astutely asked a guard at a complex of flats if there were any Jewish families still living there. This inquiry led to our introducing ourselves to an 84 year old Jewish woman whose son happened to be visiting from Great Britain. They proudly told us of being descended from the tribe of Judah.
They also explained the origins of the Jews in India. After the destruction of the second temple, there had been a shipwreck off the coast of Alibar, north of Goa. The nine surviving families had developed a trade of pressed oil and became known as the Shanivar: the Saturday oil people. We concluded this unplanned warm exchange by singing the Shema with them. A meeting with her younger brother, who was not only one of the former presidents of Pune's two synagogues, but a respected community leader in the city.
This man was a recently retired professor, as well as having been an Air Force pilot for India years prior. He and his Indian-Jewish wife, a double-certified MD, retained a role and status in the upper strata of Indian society. While strongly Jewish in their identities, their roots were clearly as Indian citizens, with no desire to make aliyah.
Going for More Clues
With strong indications that the area of Goa would hold clues to the answers we sought, we left Pune and headed for Goa. The Portuguese settlement at Goa is reputed to be the original locale where those fleeing to India from the Portuguese inquisition had come.
Our driver, who I glibly described as having an Esther anointing ("if I perish, I perish"), expertly navigated our 12 hour drive to Goa through hair-pin curves over mountain passes with 1500 foot drop-offs at speeds that defied gravity, passing trucks and other cars on curves with a bravado that we are glad is now just a memory. The arid hills around Pune gave way to a more tropical environment with monkeys, ox carts and water buffalo adding to the uniquely colored lorries, cars and three-wheeled motor-scooter taxis which were sprinkled along the route.
One of our first meetings in Goa was at a convent. Having dropped our bags at Goa's YMCA, we left to investigate Catholic resources about those we were seeking. Our drive was interrupted as we heard a whine in the engine indicating a bad belt. Within a few minutes we were stranded. Gratefully, instead of this happening at 11 p.m. the night before on a remote mountain road, it happened in front of a car dealership.
Unexpected Rescue
With the driver working on getting our vehicle back into working order, we were then "rescued" by a cheerful nun in a white habit, who arrived in a taxi to pick us up. The five nuns who manage the convent, along with a local kindergarten of 200, greeted us warmly. Our time yielded no tangible clues, but we left with the sense that the sister in charge would be back in touch after making inquiries.
Our Goa meetings concluded the next day with us being taken to an ancient ruin in Old Goa by a Norwegian brother who is married to an Indian national and has lived in India the last 11 years. He operates the local Goa Chamber of Commerce and also has an outreach to both Indian gypsies and the many Israeli soldiers who frequent Goa after concluding their army service. He reflected a deep passion for Goa inquisition history and shared in our desire to discover the hidden or crypto-Jews.
He was particularly keen about my partner's Ethiopian roots. The ancient ruin we visited, that many feel once was a synagogue in Old Goa, includes Ethiopian Orthodox symbols.
Discerning the Pivotal Questions
Having authored three texts on research-based planning, I know there is a stage in any investigation in which the insights gleaned begin to uncover more pivotal questions. From all the input received to this point, more questions are starting to arise. Jewish history is indelibly entwined into Indian history. The Jews shipwrecked on the Western coast grew into a vital part of Indian society. The apostle Thomas came to India during the first century and established the roots of Christianity in the Kerala area of the western coast. The first settlement of the Portuguese preceded the inquisition, but only by a generation. Then with the inquisition in Portugal came more Jews who joined what was already a strong Jewish community in Goa.
It was at that point, that history becomes vague. There already had been vibrant Jewish communities extending along the western coastline from Alibar to Goa to Kerala. Into this setting came the hidden Jews fleeing the inquisition, whose true identities were despised by both Jews and Catholics. The outgrowth of the first century church established by Thomas was another long established part of India's infrastructure in this region at the time. This was this area's mix of European settlers in the mid-1500s, which was followed by what locally is referred to as the Goa inquisition. So, the questions begin.
Thomas, one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus, was a Jew. His church would likely have reflected the strong Jewish roots of the first century church. The question remains whether the post-Constantine church of the fourth century, with its expunging of the original Jewish roots to the church, had made its way to India and reshaped the Thomas Church prior to the settlement of the Portuguese around 1500.
Today there remains little indigenous Jewish population in Goa. With the incredible level of Jewish activity along India's western coast; followed by the influx of the hidden Jews immigrating to Goa: where did all the Jews of that time go? What happened to the hidden Jews? The mystery has led one we spoke with to conclude that the Goa inquisition was all-encompassing and akin to its own holocaust. Without discounting the impact of the inquisition, historical patterns of Jewish persecution more likely support the premise of flight and relocation over the 250 years in question.
Lost Sheep of the House of Israel
Assuming that to be the case, what is the lineage of the fearful 88 year old Jewish Christian we met, who was raised as a Christian in Karachi and then settled in the Jewish quarter in Pune? What about the Jewish believer Yerush whose grandmother passed down a menora? With two of the families interviewed knowing the tribes of Israel of their heritage, is it not likely that we have made initial connections with lost sheep of the house of Israel?
This is proving to just be the start. Indeed, there will be more steps to our quest. The importance of these issues has spilled over to the Indian brethren who have helped and collaborated with us; and to you with your prayers. Likewise, the invitation has already been extended to return with the God's economy program. Our pastor/guide, as General Secretary for his denomination in India is eagerly embracing the mantle to make this happen, along sharing our next steps in discovering the anusim of India.
This has been a most unusual journey. Unlike most I've been on, we've been without any internet access until just before departing and were unable to give you any glimmers of our progress, or to ask for interim prayer support. Yet it's been enough.
Jesus said, "That which is hidden will be revealed and that which is covered will be made known." God's faithfulness with your prayers has already uncovered a great deal; indicating there to be much more. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Gratefully in His service,
Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/
Added note by Love For His People: Morris spoke recently at a conference in Charlotte, NC. Here is Part 1 of that message. (Parts 2 and 3 also available.) Morris Ruddick Speaks on the Jewish Gift
Prior to our departure I wrote that "in the natural, our task might be described as hunting for a needle in a haystack; or even perhaps taking a shot in the dark." We set out on this journey believing that the Lord would uniquely lead each step. Even more than we realized, what we posed to do, in the natural, within the time we scheduled was more than just ambitious, it probably wasn't even realistic.
Yet, due to being convinced this mission was born in the heart of God, in retrospect, the Lord has exceeded our expectations. Praying frequently and taking time to discern developments, we have had many wonderful surprises as the Lord has arranged the pieces of this mosaic in a way we could have never done on our own.
We have traveled to three cities within India: Pune, Goa and Mumbai. We've visited synagogues, ancient Jewish quarters, interviewed rabbis, pastors, nuns, heads of local ministries, a journalist, community leaders, Christian and Jewish-Christian lay people, along with Indian nationals of both Catholic and Jewish heritage. We've been exposed to the history of the Jews in India; reviewed local books with insights into the time of the inquisition in India and visited the ruins of what some feel may be India's original synagogue in Goa, destroyed during the inquisition.
As I share just a few of the highlights, let me say that some things we have sought have not yet materialized; while others have far surpassed what we expected. However, an incredible foundation has been laid for the "next steps." In it all, God has been faithful. We also are so very grateful for your undergirding in prayer, as indeed, through faith and patience we are inheriting the promises (Hebrews 6:12).
The Process
Closing the gap on a word received from God, such as the guidance for this mission, is and has been a process. Our broad guidance, to search for the lost sheep of the House of Israel in India, included a more specific task of seeking Indian nationals of Jewish heritage descended from ones who fled persecution during the inquisition.
On a personal basis, my Israeli Ethiopian partner for this mission has wanted to close the gap on his family origins. The book of Esther notes a connection between Ethiopia and India. My partner has long suspected that his Ethiopian lineage may be traced to roots in India.
The survival of the hidden Jews during inquisition generations was based on their true identities being carefully masked. Gaining the trust of their modern-day descendents bears the same challenge with a definite relationship-building need.
After flying out of Denver and a six-hour layover in Newark, we left on a 15 hour flight to Mumbai. A referral made after our arrival in India put us in touch with a local pastor, whose heart seemed to leap as we shared our mission. Our first meeting with him was delayed several hours first due to his young son getting sick and then his old car breaking down, as he traveled across town to meet with us. After on-site repairs, this brother finally picked us up.
We then found ourselves in Mumbai rush hour, with an extended snarl of traffic in the midst of a tangle of vehicles, going nowhere fast, all trying to out-honk one another, seemingly intent on adding layers to the delays of our inauspicious start. It was roughly 8:30 p.m. that first day before we finally sat down for a meal and were able to make plans with this gracious brother.
The next morning, having hired a car and driver, we still didn't know whether the turbulence at home for this pastor was going to allow him to accompany us to Pune. To our joy, he did and we headed off on the three hour drive through terrain that we heard looked much like Ethiopia.
The Quest Begins
Our visit in Pune began at one of the city's two synagogues. Since the terrorist attack on the Jewish Chabad Center in Mumbai in 2008, entrance is screened and synagogues are guarded by armed Army security. Having called ahead of time, we were warmly welcomed by the rabbi. He explained that he had an active congregation of about 50 families, since most of the Jewish population in Pune had made aliyah, immigration to Israel, almost 50 years prior. This synagogue was on a street aptly named "Israel Lane" in the center of Pune's original Jewish neighborhood.
Our next visit was with a Jewish believer whose roots she could trace back to her Jewish grandfather in Karachi before the Indian/Pakistani partition. After her grandmother died, her grandfather was unable to give proper care to his nine children, so he put them in an orphanage where they were raised as Christians.
She called her cousin who soon joined us with her 88 year old father. As one of the children raised in the Karachi orphanage; he interestingly now lived in Pune's Jewish neighborhood on "Israel Lane." This kindly old man told us the story of his childhood. Yet when my partner spoke to him about his "Jewish" roots, he seemed to react fearfully, saying "no, no I am a Christian." Yet his flat was in the center of the Jewish quarter in Pune.
Their family tradition held they were descended from the Tribe of Benjamin. We heard about a menora passed down from her grandmother. She also shared her lifelong dream of making aliyah to Israel.
The next morning, our local pastor and friend traveling with us, who had grown up in Pune, astutely asked a guard at a complex of flats if there were any Jewish families still living there. This inquiry led to our introducing ourselves to an 84 year old Jewish woman whose son happened to be visiting from Great Britain. They proudly told us of being descended from the tribe of Judah.
They also explained the origins of the Jews in India. After the destruction of the second temple, there had been a shipwreck off the coast of Alibar, north of Goa. The nine surviving families had developed a trade of pressed oil and became known as the Shanivar: the Saturday oil people. We concluded this unplanned warm exchange by singing the Shema with them. A meeting with her younger brother, who was not only one of the former presidents of Pune's two synagogues, but a respected community leader in the city.
This man was a recently retired professor, as well as having been an Air Force pilot for India years prior. He and his Indian-Jewish wife, a double-certified MD, retained a role and status in the upper strata of Indian society. While strongly Jewish in their identities, their roots were clearly as Indian citizens, with no desire to make aliyah.
Going for More Clues
With strong indications that the area of Goa would hold clues to the answers we sought, we left Pune and headed for Goa. The Portuguese settlement at Goa is reputed to be the original locale where those fleeing to India from the Portuguese inquisition had come.
Our driver, who I glibly described as having an Esther anointing ("if I perish, I perish"), expertly navigated our 12 hour drive to Goa through hair-pin curves over mountain passes with 1500 foot drop-offs at speeds that defied gravity, passing trucks and other cars on curves with a bravado that we are glad is now just a memory. The arid hills around Pune gave way to a more tropical environment with monkeys, ox carts and water buffalo adding to the uniquely colored lorries, cars and three-wheeled motor-scooter taxis which were sprinkled along the route.
One of our first meetings in Goa was at a convent. Having dropped our bags at Goa's YMCA, we left to investigate Catholic resources about those we were seeking. Our drive was interrupted as we heard a whine in the engine indicating a bad belt. Within a few minutes we were stranded. Gratefully, instead of this happening at 11 p.m. the night before on a remote mountain road, it happened in front of a car dealership.
Unexpected Rescue
With the driver working on getting our vehicle back into working order, we were then "rescued" by a cheerful nun in a white habit, who arrived in a taxi to pick us up. The five nuns who manage the convent, along with a local kindergarten of 200, greeted us warmly. Our time yielded no tangible clues, but we left with the sense that the sister in charge would be back in touch after making inquiries.
Our Goa meetings concluded the next day with us being taken to an ancient ruin in Old Goa by a Norwegian brother who is married to an Indian national and has lived in India the last 11 years. He operates the local Goa Chamber of Commerce and also has an outreach to both Indian gypsies and the many Israeli soldiers who frequent Goa after concluding their army service. He reflected a deep passion for Goa inquisition history and shared in our desire to discover the hidden or crypto-Jews.
He was particularly keen about my partner's Ethiopian roots. The ancient ruin we visited, that many feel once was a synagogue in Old Goa, includes Ethiopian Orthodox symbols.
Discerning the Pivotal Questions
Having authored three texts on research-based planning, I know there is a stage in any investigation in which the insights gleaned begin to uncover more pivotal questions. From all the input received to this point, more questions are starting to arise. Jewish history is indelibly entwined into Indian history. The Jews shipwrecked on the Western coast grew into a vital part of Indian society. The apostle Thomas came to India during the first century and established the roots of Christianity in the Kerala area of the western coast. The first settlement of the Portuguese preceded the inquisition, but only by a generation. Then with the inquisition in Portugal came more Jews who joined what was already a strong Jewish community in Goa.
It was at that point, that history becomes vague. There already had been vibrant Jewish communities extending along the western coastline from Alibar to Goa to Kerala. Into this setting came the hidden Jews fleeing the inquisition, whose true identities were despised by both Jews and Catholics. The outgrowth of the first century church established by Thomas was another long established part of India's infrastructure in this region at the time. This was this area's mix of European settlers in the mid-1500s, which was followed by what locally is referred to as the Goa inquisition. So, the questions begin.
Thomas, one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus, was a Jew. His church would likely have reflected the strong Jewish roots of the first century church. The question remains whether the post-Constantine church of the fourth century, with its expunging of the original Jewish roots to the church, had made its way to India and reshaped the Thomas Church prior to the settlement of the Portuguese around 1500.
Today there remains little indigenous Jewish population in Goa. With the incredible level of Jewish activity along India's western coast; followed by the influx of the hidden Jews immigrating to Goa: where did all the Jews of that time go? What happened to the hidden Jews? The mystery has led one we spoke with to conclude that the Goa inquisition was all-encompassing and akin to its own holocaust. Without discounting the impact of the inquisition, historical patterns of Jewish persecution more likely support the premise of flight and relocation over the 250 years in question.
Lost Sheep of the House of Israel
Assuming that to be the case, what is the lineage of the fearful 88 year old Jewish Christian we met, who was raised as a Christian in Karachi and then settled in the Jewish quarter in Pune? What about the Jewish believer Yerush whose grandmother passed down a menora? With two of the families interviewed knowing the tribes of Israel of their heritage, is it not likely that we have made initial connections with lost sheep of the house of Israel?
This is proving to just be the start. Indeed, there will be more steps to our quest. The importance of these issues has spilled over to the Indian brethren who have helped and collaborated with us; and to you with your prayers. Likewise, the invitation has already been extended to return with the God's economy program. Our pastor/guide, as General Secretary for his denomination in India is eagerly embracing the mantle to make this happen, along sharing our next steps in discovering the anusim of India.
This has been a most unusual journey. Unlike most I've been on, we've been without any internet access until just before departing and were unable to give you any glimmers of our progress, or to ask for interim prayer support. Yet it's been enough.
Jesus said, "That which is hidden will be revealed and that which is covered will be made known." God's faithfulness with your prayers has already uncovered a great deal; indicating there to be much more. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Gratefully in His service,
Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/
Added note by Love For His People: Morris spoke recently at a conference in Charlotte, NC. Here is Part 1 of that message. (Parts 2 and 3 also available.) Morris Ruddick Speaks on the Jewish Gift
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Fogel Family Murdered in Itamar, Israel
The Fogel Family from Itamar, Israel
Murdered March 11, 2011
- in their home by terrorists.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." -- Yeshua HaMashiach
Monday, March 14, 2011
"Solid in Constant Change" - Ahava Love Letter
Ahava Love Letter
“Solid in Constant Change”
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrew 13:8 NASB) |
Dear family of friends,
Seasons come and go, except if you live in southern Florida, and other parts of this small globe, where it is just hot and hotter. Or wet and wetter. Some like it that way. I prefer the seasons myself.
In the natural, spring is a great time following a long, hard winter. Blankets and blizzards of snow can be a good change for a while. But after shoveling many feet of the heavy white stuff over several months, you are ready for the next climate rotation. You are looking for the higher, “warmer” sun of the new season. You are ready for change.
Scripture says that the Lord never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. So how is it that the Creator of seasonal change never changes in His love and compassion for the people of earth?
I believe it is through the changes we experience, both in the natural and the spiritual, where we see more of the Lord’s character, and Who He is. When we delight ourselves in His natural changes all around us, and give thanks for the hope that they bring, we can further appreciate the fact that even among continual change that He is constant. What He said He will do. What is written will be done.
I am daily encouraged in my regular Bible reading that His promises spoken to us, and specifically to the Jewish people, are proof of His bedrock truth, even in the midst of ongoing change. As the Jews have gone through so much movement over the past twenty centuries, He has now brought them to their Promised Land. The God Who is the Solid Rock has shown His constant, faithful love for them, and protection over them, even as the world around them erupts in upheaval and uncertainty.
He never changes, and yet works all things for good in the midst of constant change.
The Jewish nation of Israel will always be further ongoing proof of His promises being fulfilled. No person, nation, or enemy in the natural or spiritual will keep them from fulfilling His Word. Not even themselves, among themselves.
Our faith is based on solid ground, that the One Who promised to fulfill His Word, never changes. Even as earthly seasons and the acts of the nations come and go, the fact that Israel and the Jewish people are protected from an ever increasing hostility towards their existence is proof of His constant and living love.
During these times of ongoing upheaval and constant change, the Jewish nation of Israel is a sign to the world of His faithfulness. Our love and support for them must never change, if we serve the God we say we do.
Ahava to you my family of friends,
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.
P.S. Our 2nd annual “Ahava Adventures” service trip to Israel is set, with flights, hotels, and ground transportation in place. On the date of Oct. 29, 2011, only ten will depart from Charlotte (or join us in Philadelphia) to spend six days/nights in Jerusalem and two days/nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias (only $2495 for the entire trip!) Our Israeli friends will meet us there, as we further connect with the believers in The Land.
This isn’t your “basic tour” time. We go where not many can, or would go, for we want to be more adventurous, more supportive, and experience even more what Israel’s people and land is about in this day and age. We do see spiritually and historically important locations, but our primary focus is to bless the ones living the day to day life there. Curious enough to find out further? Contact info is below.
Can’t go yourself? Please consider sponsoring a friend, family member, or person in your church, especially of “the next generation” age group. Trust the Lord to highly impact their lives for life, to impart to them a heart for His people that will never leave them, and give them an adventure they will never forget. (Heh, it is tax-deductable for you too. In part or full, it doesn’t matter.)
One special note: When we are there in The Promised Land, we will spend time with three local organizations that serve the youth and so many more of Israel, each in their special ways. One of these will be with us at the Beit Tikvah meeting on March 25, 2011. Friday night, 7 pm, Antioch International Church, in Fort Mill, SC. After meeting them, you may want to come see what they do first hand with the youth in Jerusalem!
Before then, on Friday, March 18, and again on Sunday, March 20, Antioch International Church and its Beit Tikvah gathering will celebrate the Lord’s feast of Purim. Come if you can. We also will be having a Passover seder on Good Friday in April.
Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)
©2011 Steve Martin Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box 470035 Charlotte, NC 28247-0035 E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com
Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People Twitter: martinlighthous and LovingHisPeople
Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858. Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)
Ahava Love Letter #18 Date: March 15, in the year of our Lord 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The 2 Spies: Prayer
The 2 Spies: Prayer: "Dear Praying Friends In light of the recent attacks and demonstrations on Believers in the Land by the Orthodox community, we are reminde..."
Tehinnah - Prayer Petitions: Purim 5771
Tehinnah - Prayer Petitions: Purim 5771: "Our apologies for having neglected the Tehinnah blog, and hope it has not caused a break in prayer for the religious believers in Israel. Si..."
Monday, March 7, 2011
Jewish Roots, Seasons & Swirls
In like fashion, we need to recognize the potential and purpose of the spiritual swirls that manifest during seasons marked by the crazed passions of the enemies of the Lord." (Morris Ruddick, "The Heart of the King")
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Lost Jews in India - Going To Find Them! (Morris Ruddick)
March 6, 2011
Dear Steve,
In roughly 24 hours, together with my Israeli Ethiopian friend Kokeb, I'll be flying to India.
From the time we arrive on India's west coast, we will begin searching for Indian nationals of Jewish heritage, whose ancestors were forceably converted during the inquisition and who later fled from Spain and Portugal as the inquisition scourges continued.
In some circles they are known as conversos or in Hebrew as anusim. In others they are referred to as hidden (or crypto) Jews, having secretly retained and passed down certain Jewish practices, within their families, from one generation to another.
In Jeremiah's days, the Lord spoke to a unique family-group known as the Rechabites (Jer 35). Their faithfulness to obey the mandate passed down by their forebearer and adhere to vows he had made, brought them honor from the prophet and the promise of safety and a word from God that "Jehonadab son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before Me forever."
This trans-generational mantle parallel is at the heart of our mission of identifying and bringing release and blessing to these hidden Jews.
In the natural, our task might be described as hunting for a needle in a haystack; or perhaps even taking a shot in the dark. The survival of the hidden Jews during inquisition generations was based on their true identities being carefully masked. Gaining the trust of their modern-day descendents will take a special sensitivity both spiritually and interpersonally.
Since we're convinced this unique assignment was birthed in the heart of God; we believe He will not only lead us, but will give us the awareness and wisdom needed when we meet those of this lineage.
It is a mission distinctly out of the box. Spiritually, this pioneering effort represents the opportunity to bring closure, honor and release to ones bearing a generational brand-mark of persecution. Our desire in connecting with these dear ones is simply to open the door of blessing to them.
In the western hemisphere, extensive efforts along these lines have resulted in communities of Jewish believers being identified, with reports of some reestablishing their roots in Israel. However, despite the history of the conversos/anusim settling on the west coast of India during the inquisition; little is known as to their current-day status.
With so much of this assignment broaching the unknown, we also anticipate it will carry something new and supernatural that the Lord is forging for both Kokeb's and my ministry.
After a late evening arrival and spending the night in Mumbai, we will be heading south to the university city of Pune. The leads we have there, we pray, will determine whether those we are seeking are in that area; or whether we need to travel to another locale.
In other words, we are depending on the leading of the Lord and your prayers to guide us, and lead us to these dear ones. Indeed, we walk by faith and not by sight.
What is unfolding is clearly taking me off the beaten path. Clearly it is a part of the change the Lord recently advised me about. As we proceed, there is a powerful anticipation for what lies ahead, as the Lord integrates the old with the new.
May the Lord impart to you a special excitement and blessing, as you become participators with us, in this pathway of discovery, with your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
In His service,
Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/
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Dear Steve,
In roughly 24 hours, together with my Israeli Ethiopian friend Kokeb, I'll be flying to India.
From the time we arrive on India's west coast, we will begin searching for Indian nationals of Jewish heritage, whose ancestors were forceably converted during the inquisition and who later fled from Spain and Portugal as the inquisition scourges continued.
In some circles they are known as conversos or in Hebrew as anusim. In others they are referred to as hidden (or crypto) Jews, having secretly retained and passed down certain Jewish practices, within their families, from one generation to another.
In Jeremiah's days, the Lord spoke to a unique family-group known as the Rechabites (Jer 35). Their faithfulness to obey the mandate passed down by their forebearer and adhere to vows he had made, brought them honor from the prophet and the promise of safety and a word from God that "Jehonadab son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before Me forever."
This trans-generational mantle parallel is at the heart of our mission of identifying and bringing release and blessing to these hidden Jews.
In the natural, our task might be described as hunting for a needle in a haystack; or perhaps even taking a shot in the dark. The survival of the hidden Jews during inquisition generations was based on their true identities being carefully masked. Gaining the trust of their modern-day descendents will take a special sensitivity both spiritually and interpersonally.
Since we're convinced this unique assignment was birthed in the heart of God; we believe He will not only lead us, but will give us the awareness and wisdom needed when we meet those of this lineage.
It is a mission distinctly out of the box. Spiritually, this pioneering effort represents the opportunity to bring closure, honor and release to ones bearing a generational brand-mark of persecution. Our desire in connecting with these dear ones is simply to open the door of blessing to them.
In the western hemisphere, extensive efforts along these lines have resulted in communities of Jewish believers being identified, with reports of some reestablishing their roots in Israel. However, despite the history of the conversos/anusim settling on the west coast of India during the inquisition; little is known as to their current-day status.
With so much of this assignment broaching the unknown, we also anticipate it will carry something new and supernatural that the Lord is forging for both Kokeb's and my ministry.
After a late evening arrival and spending the night in Mumbai, we will be heading south to the university city of Pune. The leads we have there, we pray, will determine whether those we are seeking are in that area; or whether we need to travel to another locale.
In other words, we are depending on the leading of the Lord and your prayers to guide us, and lead us to these dear ones. Indeed, we walk by faith and not by sight.
What is unfolding is clearly taking me off the beaten path. Clearly it is a part of the change the Lord recently advised me about. As we proceed, there is a powerful anticipation for what lies ahead, as the Lord integrates the old with the new.
May the Lord impart to you a special excitement and blessing, as you become participators with us, in this pathway of discovery, with your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
In His service,
Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/
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Saturday, March 5, 2011
Ahava Love Letter - "And The Shift Goes On"
Ahava Love Letter
“And The Shift Goes On”
“... if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation ...”( Colossians 1:23) |
Dear family of friends,
Who was it that sang the song, “And the Beat Goes On?” As I began to write this, I couldn’t remember (senior moment) if it was Jane Fonda or Madonna (which I didn’t care much for either), so I looked it up with my three fingers on the keyboard.In case you want to know, here is what Wikipedia says, "The Beat Goes On" is a song written by Sonny Bono and recorded by Sonny & Cher. It was issued as a single and appeared on their 1967 album “In Case You're In Love.” It entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart on January 14, 1967, peaking at #6. This song is incorrectly referred to as "And The Beat Goes On" due to the closing lyric adding the word "and" to the song's title. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beat_Goes_On) Yes, others like me got the title wrong. Sorry Sonny.
Why I thought of that song probably has nothing to do with what I am writing about, but then again maybe so.
There seems to be a place where some of us are at now, where there is "shifting," rather than the "beat going on." I know of many in the Body of Christ that are trying to sail on the high seas, but not sure where the wind is blowing them to. Or they feel more like they are "rowing up the small creek the wrong way." Are you one of them?
A man with a prophetic gifting, (I am very grateful for all of the Lord’s gifts), gave me this word on July 24, 2010. I was real excited when I first heard it. Now it is taking more faith than I thought it would to walk it out. I think some of you might bear witness to it also for yourself, so please read and be encouraged with where you might be at today, in your shifting times.
“I believe I hear the Lord is saying, “Did I say it, that I was calling you? Did I say that I was going to use you? Did I say that I was ordering your footsteps? Did I say that everywhere you walked you would possess the land? Yes I did. What I started in you I am willing and able to finish.”
I believe the Lord is saying He is going to complete what you thought He started in you a long time ago. Even those things you said that must not have been God, I must have missed it. I have a sense that you thought at one time that you knew just what God had called you for, and there was this purpose that you were working towards it, and everything was going that way. Sorta like the prophecy earlier about the water being thrown on the fire – that something just happened and things seemed to go off course.
I believe that God wants me to encourage you, that things have not gone off course, that He has not forgotten about you, that you have not gone astray. Everything is in God’s hands. His work is going to come to fruition just like He originally intended it to. That which He started is going to be finished and completed.” (Thank you again, Chas, for being a faithful one to deliver His “rhema” word! Love it!)
Read it again. Read it as if the Lord is saying that TO YOU right now. Let His Holy Spirit breathe life again into your moment of need, and be reassured of His guidance and provision.
And May His Holy Spirit continue to direct your steps in all your ways, as you too seek His face today. Lean on, no, cling onto Him even now. He is the Solid Rock on which we stand. Thank you Jesus!
Ahava to you my family of friends,
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.
P.S. Our 2nd annual “Ahava Adventures” service trip to Israel is set, with flights, hotels, and ground transportation in place. On the date of Oct. 29, 2011, only ten will depart from Charlotte (or join us in Philadelphia) to spend six days/nights in Jerusalem and two days/nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias. Our Israeli friends will meet us there, as we further connect with the believers in The Land. This isn’t your “basic tour” time. We go where not many can, or would go, for we want to be more adventurous, more supportive, and experience even more what Israel’s people and land is about in this day and age. We do see spiritually and historically important locations, but our primary focus is to bless the ones living the day to day life there. Curious enough to find out further? Read the attached flyer and itinerary.
Can’t go yourself? Please consider sponsoring a friend, family member, or person in your church, especially of “the next generation” age group. Trust the Lord to highly impact their lives for life, to impart to them a heart for His people that will never leave them, and give them an adventure they will never forget. (Heh, it is tax-deductable for you too. In part or full, it doesn’t matter.)
One special note: When we are there in The Promised Land, we will spend time with three local organizations that serve the youth and so many more of Israel, each in their special ways. One is My Brother’s Keeper, founded by Dov Ben Zion Gellman and his wife Lyndee. They will be with us at the Beit Tikvah meeting on March 25, 2011. Friday night, 7 pm, Antioch International Church, in Fort Mill, SC. After meeting Dov, you will more than want to come see what he does first hand with the youth in Jerusalem!
Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)
©2011 Steve Martin Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box 470035 Charlotte, NC 28247-0035 E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com
Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People Twitter: martinlighthous and LovingHisPeople
Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858. Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)
Ahava Love Letter #17 Date: March 8, in the year of our Lord 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Right or Wrong - Morris Ruddick 2011
RIGHT OR WRONG -- 2011
(c) Morris E. Ruddick
"I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." 1 Kings 19: 10,14
Years ago, as senior partner in a consulting firm I founded, I had an issue that needed to be addressed. It was a recurring situation with one my partners. It was a matter I had broached politely and gently on more than a couple of occasions. This time I came down hard on my partner. He deserved it; and I was right.
Afterwards the Lord very simply said to me, "Morris, do you know you can be wrong when you're right and right when you're wrong?" Immediately I knew what the Lord meant. Although I had been right, my approach had sown the wrong kind of seeds.
The Issue of Being Right or Wrong
Being right when you're wrong and wrong when you're right.
The matter of being right can involve operating according the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law. It may involve an idolatry tied with a position you consider as right, but with an overriding condition of the heart that negates the premise on which you stand. It may also relate to what 1 Corinthians 13 has to say about love or the lack of it; which potentially can reduce our gifts and positions of "rightness" to nothing more than a hollow, unharmonious clang.
Right or wrong? The stance of those of us who operate prophetically deserves a closer look as we genuinely strive to be right about things. Nothing wrong with that! Precision accuracy! Watching our words. Like Samuel, "letting none of our words fall to the ground."
Right or wrong? Or is this bi-polar perspective always the issue? There are times when one with a keen sensitivity to the Spirit says something that simply may not seem to fit. It may not, seemingly, line up with the facts. But there comes that gentle witness of the Spirit, which prompts the need for more clarity. Then with the simplicity of inquiring of the Lord, it is found to lead to another insight, which in turn leads to another, which then opens up a truth we would not have arrived at otherwise. Were they right? Maybe or maybe not! The issue may have been beyond our grasp of what might be right or wrong.
There are some who seem to worship at the altar of right and wrong. There are predispositions that have long passed the issue of righteousness, and have almost become obsessive. Sometimes it's arrogance. Sometimes it's a mask and the NEED to be right. It can be a need resulting in not seeing the forest for the trees. It may be a deception that has perverted the otherwise genuine operation of the gifts of the Spirit. It can be an illusion of "rightness" that shoots itself in the foot. Right or wrong may not always be the issue.
Walking by Faith and Not by Sight
What is at issue is a dimension of walking by FAITH and not by sight. Walking by faith involves FLOWING in the Spirit. It involves connecting the dots, when the dots aren't that recognizable or readily connected. It is not about forcing issues; but rather, a flow of the Spirit that involves bypassing our linear approach to the way we process cognitive information and being willing to make inferential leaps. Inferential leaps that bypass the obvious, which are prompted by the Spirit of God that show us something or get us to a place that has no context or bearing with our current frame of reference or perspective.
We KNOW that God is not limited by the parameters of our minds. The issue is whether we are, if it reflects where we dwell or becomes our modus operandi?
"Being right" can indeed be turned into a form of idolatry. The illusion of "rightness" can cast a blindness into prophetic gifts or create a brittleness of self-righteousness. It can digress into a perverted sense of holiness. Prophetic words without wisdom and prophetic words without love are empty. Very possibly right, but also wrong.
The Maturity Factor
All of which brings us to that fine line of maturity. Maturity is marked by the dividing asunder between soul and spirit. It is genuinely walking by faith and not by sight; with a commitment to being a God-pleaser rather than a man-pleaser, but not as with any hint of arrogance or self-righteousness. That would be wrong.
The fine line of maturity involves the way we handle the truths entrusted to us. It reflects hungering and thirsting after Him to such a degree that there is not one vestige of variation between His will and our will. It is guided by humility and a love that operate with wisdom. In Romans 14:21 and I Corinthians 8:13, Paul makes the point although he had the right and liberty, that he would do nothing; illustrating with the example of eating meat or drinking wine, that might cause his brethren to stumble. Paul is making the point that that which was right could be wrong.
Elijah the prophet lived his life and was an example to us all in the level in which he walked by faith and not by sight. Yet there was an awesome cost for the life he led.
Elijah and the Real Issue
Elijah was a man of incredible faith. Elijah, stood against the idolatry and sorcery that ran rampant in the seats of power of his day. He raised the dead. By his word, the heavens were closed. Angelic interactions were common in his life. Then in one culminating event, Elijah came forth into the midst of those who hated and despised him when he confronted the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah.
The drama of that situation must have been off the charts. By his word, fire came from heaven. The courage and faith it took for Elijah to stride into that situation must have been akin to marching into the heart of darkness. Was Elijah right in what he was doing? Of course he was. Still he sure needed to be MORE than right in that situation. He needed to be walking by faith. He needed to be operating in the Spirit.
In years past, I spent over two years in combat, some of which was deep within enemy territory. Sometimes I think the glamour of the outcome of Elijah's encounter with the prophets of Baal tends to mask what it took for him to come forth into the presence of King Ahab, the prophets of Baal and Asherah, and the gathering of the people of Israel for this encounter. Yet Elijah KNEW Who was with him. He knew the timing. He knew what he was supposed to do and he was walking by faith. His was a faith that superseded any fear or doubt. His was a faith far beyond reason. It was a faith operating beyond whether Elijah was right or wrong.
A very seasoned man of God who was a mentor to me early in my walk with God, once shared with me that nine-tenths of faith is patience. That is where faithfulness comes in to play. It's also where the rubber meets the road in a walk of faith. There is something in the waiting process that begins to birth the promises. Along with the promises this process of waiting yields an authority and power.
It is an authority and power that has no need to be right. It is an authority that operates in a realm beyond human reason.
It's not an authority that demands. It's an authority the very presence of which commands. Somehow, it seems to work more for those who have been through unusual fires; whose dedication to the Lord is such that their dreams, desires, hopes and the like have become submerged in His. It marks those who flow in Him. Not just occasionally, but in the manner they normally operate.
It's more than a territorial authority. It's the type of authority that makes demons tremble. It's the type of authority that serves to usher in the presence of the Lord. The type of authority that Joseph flowed in at the time he was first brought into the presence of Pharaoh. It has nothing to do with position or status. It has everything to do with our walk of faith; in the genuineness of our relationship with Him.
The Fine Line
Those who operate in this realm with this authority, walk a fine line. Paul noted that it was in his weakness that God's strength was manifested. There indeed is a fine line between the time we spend alone in God's presence and the balance that's needed from our connection to community.
It is in this balance that the strength that paves the way into this type of walk and authority is manifested. Spending time alone in His presence is foundational to shape and bring into fullness our calling and destiny. Yet, we need one another and the God-ordained diversity and perspectives of those the Lord has put within our sphere. It is in community that the higher levels of our callings will be manifested. It is within a community who walk by faith; who are called to make a difference, that God's supernatural power is multiplied.
Elijah's confrontation addressed each side of power in this equation; the political, spiritual and community: with Ahab, the priests of Baal and Asherah and the people all present. His remarkable encounter against the seats of power and forces of darkness carried a cost. Operating far beyond the realm of human effort, he pierced the veil to turn the tide spiritually.
Afterwards, in what seems comparatively as a minor encounter, yet in his depleted spiritual condition was his tipping point, he crawled into a cave and asked God to let him die. God had to twice speak to him in that cave; and ask him what he was doing there.
Elijah twice recounted his fixated perception leading to his awesome victory against the prophets of Baal.
"I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." 1 Kings 19: 10,14
"I alone am left."
Elijah's response to the Lord did not have any basis in fact. Yet, he believed it! It was the perception he was operating from. The recent event was so over the top that Elijah was over the edge and became wrong when he was right. He did want to die. At that juncture, Elijah needed something more. Despite the fire from heaven, with the people falling on their faces, proclaiming that "the Lord He is God, the Lord He is God," Elijah needed something more.
So after this momentous face-off with the powers of darkness and the achievement of this astounding victory on the Lord's behalf; when Jezebel sent a message threatening his life, Elijah fled. Even though the job was done, he fled in terror. Later, Jezebel, without much to-do, was disposed of by an army commander. But at that point, Elijah fled and when God asked what he was doing in that cave, his response might be summed up that "he alone was left." Not even that was correct, as the Lord advised him that He still had 7000, a remnant, who had not bowed the knee to Baal.
"I alone am left." Elijah's greatest strength had become his Achilles' heel. That strength was his solitude with the Lord. From that low point, the Lord reoriented Elijah and tasked him with anointing new kings over Israel and Judah, as well as preparing the man who God selected as Elijah's replacement. Then God honored Elijah by sending angels and the chariots of fire to take him to heaven.
For Such a Time as This
For those called for this season, to bring change beyond the ordinary, the message is this. This is a time in which we will see increasingly greater manifestations of God's power. The nine-tenths of faith being patience and its tie to faithfulness plays out in a very intense one-tenth of the times the Lord has prepared us for. During those times, we need to recognize our need for one another. We also need to recognize when to stand alongside those within our sphere who are entering the times they have been prepared for.
We will always need those times alone in His presence. Always! But we are entering a time in which we are going to have to stand alongside one another. THAT is not only wisdom for us individually, but as a community. We need to be connected.
Our victories will be side-by-side with others within the Body. These victories will be beautifully orchestrated by the hand of the Lord as he prepares and leads us individually, but side-by-side connected in community, in a way that fits with the big picture of His purposes and agendas.
We walk by faith and not by sight. That means we can be right when we are wrong and wrong when we are right. We need to discern that fine line. We need to be tough with ourselves in discerning the dividing asunder between soul and spirit. We need to stand alongside one another. Above all, we can never take ourselves so seriously that we conclude, that "I alone am left."
"A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second son and said likewise. He answered him, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? They said to Him, 'The first.' So Jesus said to the Scribes and Pharisees, 'Surely tax collectors and harlots will enter the kingdom of God before you.'" Matt 21: 28-31
The Prayer
Father God, in the mighty Name of Jesus, enable us to recognize when we are wrong when we are right and right when we are wrong. Lord, deliver us from getting stuck by the parameters of our own thinking. Keep us from the idols of our own minds. Lord, keep us in balance so that we can be genuine God-pleasers while maintaining the love and wisdom needed to build up and strengthen one another. Keep us far from the NEED to right, O Lord.
And Lord God, keep us connected. Keep us from allowing ourselves to become isolated, in either thought or deed. Give us right attitudes in our relationships, as well as toward ourselves. Lord, give us the wisdom to appreciate and embrace the diversity and perspectives of those around us. As we cry out to You to be more sensitive to Your Spirit, grant us that same increase in our sensitivity to those within our sphere.
We want to walk by faith and not in any way slip into the religious mode reflected by what your Word describes as "what we began in the Spirit, is now being worked out in the flesh." Lord, equip us to operate beyond the wrong or right dimensions; beyond the limitations of our sensory levels. Forgive us where we've stumbled. Anoint us afresh and give us wisdom and love so that our words will bring Life. May we be genuine ministers of Yours, as Your Word say: "not of the letter but of the Spirit."
Indeed, let us walk in Your Truth. But, give us the balance between Spirit and Truth. Make us able ministers of Spirit and Life. Keep us far from the deceptions and the arrogance and the fear. God, grant us the grace to be able to speak truth in our own hearts. Within ourselves, as well as with You.
Keep us from deviating from that fine line. Enable us to handle aright the authority that You're entrusting us with. Give us the steadfastness to operate faithfully and effectively in that realm where the only thing we have to go on is Your direction to us.
Lord God, we indeed want to hear You more clearly than ever before. We do want to operate with precision accuracy. But Lord, let us not obsess on it. Keep us sensitive and caring for one another. Give us listening hearts. Oh Lord, we want to be ones who consistently flow in You. We want to be making a difference, for You, in our own spheres. We're crying out to You for balance Lord, as we proceed and press more deeply into that place of Your presence. Help us in abiding in You, dear Lord.
And Lord, we want to truly walk by faith, always being sensitive and obedient to your Spirit. Always rightly discerning the input we are constantly getting, always operating with a right perspective in that dividing asunder between soul and spirit, always being a blessing to those around us.
Thank You Father for equipping us for the days we are entering. Thank You for calling us. Thank You for being with us. Thank You for hearing this cry of our hearts.
_________________________________________
Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" and "Something More," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.
Mr. Ruddick is also the founder of the Global Equippers Entrepreneurial Program, which imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. To schedule a speaking engagement, sponsor a workshop, make a donation or to get more information on how you can help, contact Global Initiatives at 303.741.9000.
2011 Copyright Morris Ruddick - response@strategic-initiatives.org
Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org/
Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/
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This email was sent to martinlighthouse@gmail.com by sign@strategicintercession.org |
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Global Initiative Foundation | PO Box 370291 | Denver | CO | 80237
(c) Morris E. Ruddick
"I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." 1 Kings 19: 10,14
Years ago, as senior partner in a consulting firm I founded, I had an issue that needed to be addressed. It was a recurring situation with one my partners. It was a matter I had broached politely and gently on more than a couple of occasions. This time I came down hard on my partner. He deserved it; and I was right.
Afterwards the Lord very simply said to me, "Morris, do you know you can be wrong when you're right and right when you're wrong?" Immediately I knew what the Lord meant. Although I had been right, my approach had sown the wrong kind of seeds.
The Issue of Being Right or Wrong
Being right when you're wrong and wrong when you're right.
The matter of being right can involve operating according the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law. It may involve an idolatry tied with a position you consider as right, but with an overriding condition of the heart that negates the premise on which you stand. It may also relate to what 1 Corinthians 13 has to say about love or the lack of it; which potentially can reduce our gifts and positions of "rightness" to nothing more than a hollow, unharmonious clang.
Right or wrong? The stance of those of us who operate prophetically deserves a closer look as we genuinely strive to be right about things. Nothing wrong with that! Precision accuracy! Watching our words. Like Samuel, "letting none of our words fall to the ground."
Right or wrong? Or is this bi-polar perspective always the issue? There are times when one with a keen sensitivity to the Spirit says something that simply may not seem to fit. It may not, seemingly, line up with the facts. But there comes that gentle witness of the Spirit, which prompts the need for more clarity. Then with the simplicity of inquiring of the Lord, it is found to lead to another insight, which in turn leads to another, which then opens up a truth we would not have arrived at otherwise. Were they right? Maybe or maybe not! The issue may have been beyond our grasp of what might be right or wrong.
There are some who seem to worship at the altar of right and wrong. There are predispositions that have long passed the issue of righteousness, and have almost become obsessive. Sometimes it's arrogance. Sometimes it's a mask and the NEED to be right. It can be a need resulting in not seeing the forest for the trees. It may be a deception that has perverted the otherwise genuine operation of the gifts of the Spirit. It can be an illusion of "rightness" that shoots itself in the foot. Right or wrong may not always be the issue.
Walking by Faith and Not by Sight
What is at issue is a dimension of walking by FAITH and not by sight. Walking by faith involves FLOWING in the Spirit. It involves connecting the dots, when the dots aren't that recognizable or readily connected. It is not about forcing issues; but rather, a flow of the Spirit that involves bypassing our linear approach to the way we process cognitive information and being willing to make inferential leaps. Inferential leaps that bypass the obvious, which are prompted by the Spirit of God that show us something or get us to a place that has no context or bearing with our current frame of reference or perspective.
We KNOW that God is not limited by the parameters of our minds. The issue is whether we are, if it reflects where we dwell or becomes our modus operandi?
"Being right" can indeed be turned into a form of idolatry. The illusion of "rightness" can cast a blindness into prophetic gifts or create a brittleness of self-righteousness. It can digress into a perverted sense of holiness. Prophetic words without wisdom and prophetic words without love are empty. Very possibly right, but also wrong.
The Maturity Factor
All of which brings us to that fine line of maturity. Maturity is marked by the dividing asunder between soul and spirit. It is genuinely walking by faith and not by sight; with a commitment to being a God-pleaser rather than a man-pleaser, but not as with any hint of arrogance or self-righteousness. That would be wrong.
The fine line of maturity involves the way we handle the truths entrusted to us. It reflects hungering and thirsting after Him to such a degree that there is not one vestige of variation between His will and our will. It is guided by humility and a love that operate with wisdom. In Romans 14:21 and I Corinthians 8:13, Paul makes the point although he had the right and liberty, that he would do nothing; illustrating with the example of eating meat or drinking wine, that might cause his brethren to stumble. Paul is making the point that that which was right could be wrong.
Elijah the prophet lived his life and was an example to us all in the level in which he walked by faith and not by sight. Yet there was an awesome cost for the life he led.
Elijah and the Real Issue
Elijah was a man of incredible faith. Elijah, stood against the idolatry and sorcery that ran rampant in the seats of power of his day. He raised the dead. By his word, the heavens were closed. Angelic interactions were common in his life. Then in one culminating event, Elijah came forth into the midst of those who hated and despised him when he confronted the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah.
The drama of that situation must have been off the charts. By his word, fire came from heaven. The courage and faith it took for Elijah to stride into that situation must have been akin to marching into the heart of darkness. Was Elijah right in what he was doing? Of course he was. Still he sure needed to be MORE than right in that situation. He needed to be walking by faith. He needed to be operating in the Spirit.
In years past, I spent over two years in combat, some of which was deep within enemy territory. Sometimes I think the glamour of the outcome of Elijah's encounter with the prophets of Baal tends to mask what it took for him to come forth into the presence of King Ahab, the prophets of Baal and Asherah, and the gathering of the people of Israel for this encounter. Yet Elijah KNEW Who was with him. He knew the timing. He knew what he was supposed to do and he was walking by faith. His was a faith that superseded any fear or doubt. His was a faith far beyond reason. It was a faith operating beyond whether Elijah was right or wrong.
A very seasoned man of God who was a mentor to me early in my walk with God, once shared with me that nine-tenths of faith is patience. That is where faithfulness comes in to play. It's also where the rubber meets the road in a walk of faith. There is something in the waiting process that begins to birth the promises. Along with the promises this process of waiting yields an authority and power.
It is an authority and power that has no need to be right. It is an authority that operates in a realm beyond human reason.
It's not an authority that demands. It's an authority the very presence of which commands. Somehow, it seems to work more for those who have been through unusual fires; whose dedication to the Lord is such that their dreams, desires, hopes and the like have become submerged in His. It marks those who flow in Him. Not just occasionally, but in the manner they normally operate.
It's more than a territorial authority. It's the type of authority that makes demons tremble. It's the type of authority that serves to usher in the presence of the Lord. The type of authority that Joseph flowed in at the time he was first brought into the presence of Pharaoh. It has nothing to do with position or status. It has everything to do with our walk of faith; in the genuineness of our relationship with Him.
The Fine Line
Those who operate in this realm with this authority, walk a fine line. Paul noted that it was in his weakness that God's strength was manifested. There indeed is a fine line between the time we spend alone in God's presence and the balance that's needed from our connection to community.
It is in this balance that the strength that paves the way into this type of walk and authority is manifested. Spending time alone in His presence is foundational to shape and bring into fullness our calling and destiny. Yet, we need one another and the God-ordained diversity and perspectives of those the Lord has put within our sphere. It is in community that the higher levels of our callings will be manifested. It is within a community who walk by faith; who are called to make a difference, that God's supernatural power is multiplied.
Elijah's confrontation addressed each side of power in this equation; the political, spiritual and community: with Ahab, the priests of Baal and Asherah and the people all present. His remarkable encounter against the seats of power and forces of darkness carried a cost. Operating far beyond the realm of human effort, he pierced the veil to turn the tide spiritually.
Afterwards, in what seems comparatively as a minor encounter, yet in his depleted spiritual condition was his tipping point, he crawled into a cave and asked God to let him die. God had to twice speak to him in that cave; and ask him what he was doing there.
Elijah twice recounted his fixated perception leading to his awesome victory against the prophets of Baal.
"I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." 1 Kings 19: 10,14
"I alone am left."
Elijah's response to the Lord did not have any basis in fact. Yet, he believed it! It was the perception he was operating from. The recent event was so over the top that Elijah was over the edge and became wrong when he was right. He did want to die. At that juncture, Elijah needed something more. Despite the fire from heaven, with the people falling on their faces, proclaiming that "the Lord He is God, the Lord He is God," Elijah needed something more.
So after this momentous face-off with the powers of darkness and the achievement of this astounding victory on the Lord's behalf; when Jezebel sent a message threatening his life, Elijah fled. Even though the job was done, he fled in terror. Later, Jezebel, without much to-do, was disposed of by an army commander. But at that point, Elijah fled and when God asked what he was doing in that cave, his response might be summed up that "he alone was left." Not even that was correct, as the Lord advised him that He still had 7000, a remnant, who had not bowed the knee to Baal.
"I alone am left." Elijah's greatest strength had become his Achilles' heel. That strength was his solitude with the Lord. From that low point, the Lord reoriented Elijah and tasked him with anointing new kings over Israel and Judah, as well as preparing the man who God selected as Elijah's replacement. Then God honored Elijah by sending angels and the chariots of fire to take him to heaven.
For Such a Time as This
For those called for this season, to bring change beyond the ordinary, the message is this. This is a time in which we will see increasingly greater manifestations of God's power. The nine-tenths of faith being patience and its tie to faithfulness plays out in a very intense one-tenth of the times the Lord has prepared us for. During those times, we need to recognize our need for one another. We also need to recognize when to stand alongside those within our sphere who are entering the times they have been prepared for.
We will always need those times alone in His presence. Always! But we are entering a time in which we are going to have to stand alongside one another. THAT is not only wisdom for us individually, but as a community. We need to be connected.
Our victories will be side-by-side with others within the Body. These victories will be beautifully orchestrated by the hand of the Lord as he prepares and leads us individually, but side-by-side connected in community, in a way that fits with the big picture of His purposes and agendas.
We walk by faith and not by sight. That means we can be right when we are wrong and wrong when we are right. We need to discern that fine line. We need to be tough with ourselves in discerning the dividing asunder between soul and spirit. We need to stand alongside one another. Above all, we can never take ourselves so seriously that we conclude, that "I alone am left."
"A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second son and said likewise. He answered him, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? They said to Him, 'The first.' So Jesus said to the Scribes and Pharisees, 'Surely tax collectors and harlots will enter the kingdom of God before you.'" Matt 21: 28-31
The Prayer
Father God, in the mighty Name of Jesus, enable us to recognize when we are wrong when we are right and right when we are wrong. Lord, deliver us from getting stuck by the parameters of our own thinking. Keep us from the idols of our own minds. Lord, keep us in balance so that we can be genuine God-pleasers while maintaining the love and wisdom needed to build up and strengthen one another. Keep us far from the NEED to right, O Lord.
And Lord God, keep us connected. Keep us from allowing ourselves to become isolated, in either thought or deed. Give us right attitudes in our relationships, as well as toward ourselves. Lord, give us the wisdom to appreciate and embrace the diversity and perspectives of those around us. As we cry out to You to be more sensitive to Your Spirit, grant us that same increase in our sensitivity to those within our sphere.
We want to walk by faith and not in any way slip into the religious mode reflected by what your Word describes as "what we began in the Spirit, is now being worked out in the flesh." Lord, equip us to operate beyond the wrong or right dimensions; beyond the limitations of our sensory levels. Forgive us where we've stumbled. Anoint us afresh and give us wisdom and love so that our words will bring Life. May we be genuine ministers of Yours, as Your Word say: "not of the letter but of the Spirit."
Indeed, let us walk in Your Truth. But, give us the balance between Spirit and Truth. Make us able ministers of Spirit and Life. Keep us far from the deceptions and the arrogance and the fear. God, grant us the grace to be able to speak truth in our own hearts. Within ourselves, as well as with You.
Keep us from deviating from that fine line. Enable us to handle aright the authority that You're entrusting us with. Give us the steadfastness to operate faithfully and effectively in that realm where the only thing we have to go on is Your direction to us.
Lord God, we indeed want to hear You more clearly than ever before. We do want to operate with precision accuracy. But Lord, let us not obsess on it. Keep us sensitive and caring for one another. Give us listening hearts. Oh Lord, we want to be ones who consistently flow in You. We want to be making a difference, for You, in our own spheres. We're crying out to You for balance Lord, as we proceed and press more deeply into that place of Your presence. Help us in abiding in You, dear Lord.
And Lord, we want to truly walk by faith, always being sensitive and obedient to your Spirit. Always rightly discerning the input we are constantly getting, always operating with a right perspective in that dividing asunder between soul and spirit, always being a blessing to those around us.
Thank You Father for equipping us for the days we are entering. Thank You for calling us. Thank You for being with us. Thank You for hearing this cry of our hearts.
_________________________________________
Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" and "Something More," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.
Mr. Ruddick is also the founder of the Global Equippers Entrepreneurial Program, which imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. To schedule a speaking engagement, sponsor a workshop, make a donation or to get more information on how you can help, contact Global Initiatives at 303.741.9000.
2011 Copyright Morris Ruddick - response@strategic-initiatives.org
Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org/
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Global Initiatives Foundation
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Ahava Love Letter - "Disappointment - His Appointment"
Ahava Love Letter (#16)
“Disappointment – His Appointment”
“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” (Heb. 12:2 (NAS)
Dear family of friends,
Phil Keaggy is a very gifted nine-finger guitarist, who many have said is better than another “famous” one, Jimi Hendrix. I never listened to Jimi (thank God!), but I loved Phil. I still have several of his albums (the real 33 1/3 black vinyl ones) and then several of his CDs. Great music; and his voice is very unique.
Phil is a cool guy. In one interview with Harmony Magazine in 1976 he spoke of being one of ten children, with his mother being a very devout Catholic. (We have only eight kids in our family, and were pretty good Catholics.) He also spoke of how he lost his one finger.
Phil is a cool guy. In one interview with Harmony Magazine in 1976 he spoke of being one of ten children, with his mother being a very devout Catholic. (We have only eight kids in our family, and were pretty good Catholics.) He also spoke of how he lost his one finger.
“I was born in 1951. In 1955 I lost a finger on my right hand, my middle finger. We lived on a farm in Hubbard, Ohio, which had a big water pump, and I was climbing up on it. As I was kneeling on top of the platform, it broke and the faucets came crashing down on my finger and cut it off. I can remember it very vividly--as if it happened yesterday, and I can see my dad running down the hill, rescuing me, and taking me to the hospital. I can recall having a white cast and bandage; it was gigantic!
They tried to sew it on, but it didn't take, so I grew up with nine fingers. As a young kid, I was embarrassed about it a lot, especially when I was beginning to get into guitar. I used to be red when I'd play in front of people because I believed they were looking at my hand, which they probably weren't.” (The complete interview is at the very bottom of this Ahava Love Letter. But please read this part of my letter first!)
Phil was living at the Love Inn in Upper New York State, with Scott Ross (700 Club) and Ted Sandquist (who wrote the song “All Praise To The Rock,” which our band Ahava Love sings) when Laurie and I were also in a common purse community in LaSalle/Peru, IL in the late ’70’s. He came to Victory Community with his band in 1978, and held a concert at LP High School. What a concert that was! (They then stayed in our homes.)
I had the joy of taking Phil to the Charlotte, NC airport after he sang at Derek Prince’s Memorial Service on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003. What a day that was. (He has an album called “What A Day” (1973), so I thought I’d use that pun here. Hope you caught it.) He actually sang two songs during the two hours of honoring Derek. One was “What A Day” that I have on the recorded video tape of the service.
Keaggy wrote and sang another great song on one of his 63 albums, entitled “Love Broke Through.” That specific song is called “Disappointment.” (Released: October 1976 New Song)
When we sometimes think of disappointments in our lives, and dwell on the thought, “What was up with that, Lord?” Phil’s lyrics can surely help us in our considerations and wonderings. In fact, I still appreciate them so much, that I thought they are worth sharing here with you now. Read on…and allow the Lord to speak to you.
Disappointment - His appointment,
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing
Though it may come in disguise
For the end from the beginning,
Open to His wisdom lies.
Disappointment - His appointment
Whose? The Lord's who loves best.
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test.
For like loving, earthy parent
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts unquestioned
All that from His wisdom flows.
Disappointment - His appointment
No good thing will He withhold
From denials oft we gather
Treasures from His love untold.
Well, He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller deeper trust
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.
Disappointment - His appointment
Lord I take it then as such,
Like the clay in hands of potter
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life's plan is Thy molding
Not one single choice be mine
Let me answer unrepining,
Father not my will but Thine.
Though it may come in disguise
For the end from the beginning,
Open to His wisdom lies.
Disappointment - His appointment
Whose? The Lord's who loves best.
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test.
For like loving, earthy parent
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts unquestioned
All that from His wisdom flows.
Disappointment - His appointment
No good thing will He withhold
From denials oft we gather
Treasures from His love untold.
Well, He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller deeper trust
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.
Disappointment - His appointment
Lord I take it then as such,
Like the clay in hands of potter
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life's plan is Thy molding
Not one single choice be mine
Let me answer unrepining,
Father not my will but Thine.
(Phil Keaggy)
These lines stood out to me. “His appointment must be blessing, though it may come in disguise, for the end from the beginning, open to His wisdom lies. Disappointment - His appointment. Whose? The Lord's who loves best. Understands and knows me fully, Who my faith and love would test.”
If you recently had a disappointment, or even one from years ago that still haunts you, such as, “They should have done this”, or “You could have done that, but…,” consider again the answer to the “Whys” and the “Why Nots?” that we often ask ourselves and others. Start to trust again. As you seek Him, you will find that the answer will always be found in Yeshua (Jesus).
Let’s give our disappointments up to the Lord. We don’t need to keep fretting over what has been done. Move on. Get your eyes and faith fixed once again on Him, the Author and Finisher of your faith and mine.
He loves you. You can always be sure of that. Rest in His peace, His leading, His provision.
Ahava to you my family of friends,
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.
Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)
©2011 Steve Martin Love For His People, Inc. 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134
E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com
©2011 Steve Martin Love For His People, Inc. 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134
E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com
Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People Twitter: martinlighthous and LovingHisPeople
Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858. Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)
Ahava Love letter #16 Date: Feb. 22, in the year of our Lord 2011
Phil Keaggy Interview
Harmony Magazine
Early 1976
Early 1976
His dark hair and beard frame a face that expresses the openness and serenity of an inner joy. And when he smiles!-- somehow his eyes get into the act. He is Phil Keaggy, guitarist extraordinaire.
Phil lives with his wife, Bernadette, at Freeville, NY and is an active brother there at the Love Inn community. Besides his solo album, "What a Day," on the New Song label, and the three he did as a member of Glass Harp (Decca), Phil has contributed to many of the best Christian releases to date: Honeytree’s "Evergreen,'' Paul Clark's "Good to Be Home" and the 2nd Chapter's "In the Volume of the Book."
Not so much an interview as a testimony, the length necessitated our presenting in it two parts, with the conclusion to follow in the next issue of Harmony.
To Chuck Brown, Randall Pflum and Billy Gray, the interviewers who gave such care to see that the spirit of that afternoon was maintained, our heartfelt thanks.
Phil lives with his wife, Bernadette, at Freeville, NY and is an active brother there at the Love Inn community. Besides his solo album, "What a Day," on the New Song label, and the three he did as a member of Glass Harp (Decca), Phil has contributed to many of the best Christian releases to date: Honeytree’s "Evergreen,'' Paul Clark's "Good to Be Home" and the 2nd Chapter's "In the Volume of the Book."
Not so much an interview as a testimony, the length necessitated our presenting in it two parts, with the conclusion to follow in the next issue of Harmony.
To Chuck Brown, Randall Pflum and Billy Gray, the interviewers who gave such care to see that the spirit of that afternoon was maintained, our heartfelt thanks.
Harmony: Could we begin with a testimony?
Keaggy: Sure, I was one of ten children; my mother was a very devout Catholic, but my dad was just sort of hangin' in there. He was raised a Lutheran, but he didn't really commit his life to Jesus. He was a hard working man-an iron worker. He put all his time and efforts into supporting the family.
My older sister, Ellen, had sung with orchestras like Guy Lombardo's and others. Later she became an actress. Ellen has been a real influence in my life. I always looked up to her as the star of the family and someone I could relate to, because I was really into music and television sets and watching movies.
As a kid, I was interested in anything that spun on a phonograph. I was fascinated by my brother's Magnavox hi-fi console, and I remember we used to play Guy Lombardo, Mantovani, even the Hilltoppers. all kinds of old music. My younger sister and I--just learning how to walk and talk and everything, would be watching the records and cutting our incoming teeth on the console of the hi-fi. By the time my brother got rid of the hi-fi, there were teeth marks all along the front of it.
Musically, at this time, Mom got me some Fats Domino records like “Blueberry Hill.” Then I got into Elvis Presley. I can remember the day my brother brought home records like "All Shook Up" and "Hound Dog". So anyway, this was all shaping my musical interests--all this kind of music --all these kinds of records.
My older sister, Ellen, had sung with orchestras like Guy Lombardo's and others. Later she became an actress. Ellen has been a real influence in my life. I always looked up to her as the star of the family and someone I could relate to, because I was really into music and television sets and watching movies.
As a kid, I was interested in anything that spun on a phonograph. I was fascinated by my brother's Magnavox hi-fi console, and I remember we used to play Guy Lombardo, Mantovani, even the Hilltoppers. all kinds of old music. My younger sister and I--just learning how to walk and talk and everything, would be watching the records and cutting our incoming teeth on the console of the hi-fi. By the time my brother got rid of the hi-fi, there were teeth marks all along the front of it.
Musically, at this time, Mom got me some Fats Domino records like “Blueberry Hill.” Then I got into Elvis Presley. I can remember the day my brother brought home records like "All Shook Up" and "Hound Dog". So anyway, this was all shaping my musical interests--all this kind of music --all these kinds of records.
Harmony: You caught the late fifties, then.
Keaggy: Well, yes. I was born in 1951. In 1955 I lost a finger on my right hand, my middle finger.
Harmony: How did it happen?
Keaggy: We lived on a farm in Hubbard, Ohio, which had a big water pump, and I was climbing up on it. As I was kneeling on top of the platform, it broke and the faucets came crashing down on my finger and cut it off. I can remember it very vividly--as if it happened yesterday, and I can see my dad running down the hill, rescuing me, and taking me to the hospital. I can recall having a white cast and bandage; it was gigantic! They tried to sew it on, but it didn't take, so I grew up with nine fingers. As a young kid, I was embarrassed about it a lot, especially when I was beginning to get into guitar. I used to be red when I'd play in front of people because I believed they were looking at my hand, which they probably weren't.
Harmony: It's amazing that you can do the finger picking that you do.
Keaggy: I'm not amazing at finger picking. I use my thumb, my forefinger, my ring finger and my little finger, and I put try to use them the best that I can.
Before my accident with my finger occurred, my oldest brother was killed in a car accident and two weeks afterward my younger sister had her big toe cut off. These were all really heavy things for my mom and dad to go through.
Before my accident with my finger occurred, my oldest brother was killed in a car accident and two weeks afterward my younger sister had her big toe cut off. These were all really heavy things for my mom and dad to go through.
Harmony: It sure was. Musically, where were you about this time?
Keaggy: Well, we moved to the city in 1958. So here I was, just out of training wheels on my bicycle, and I had a little plastic guitar. After third grade I moved to a suburb of Youngstown, Ohio, called Boardman, and I got my first real guitar. It was a Sears Silvertone for about $19 that my dad bought me for my tenth birthday. I had wanted a set of drums, but my folks couldn't afford them, so I got the guitar.
I didn't know how to tune the guitar;. as it was when it came, that's how I thought it was supposed to be. A good friend once told me that when he got his first guitar, he tuned them all the same. So for about nine months I learned funny little melodies with my guitar tuned out. Finally, my brother Dave said "Here, let me show you how to tune this thing properly." I said, "Well, O.K., but I gotta learn all over again." I was disappointed.
It wasn't too long after that we moved to California for a season. I can still recall being into Elvis and the Ventures back then; old groups like that. I liked funky stuff, too, and I was getting more into the guitar and going to church on Sunday.
I didn't know how to tune the guitar;. as it was when it came, that's how I thought it was supposed to be. A good friend once told me that when he got his first guitar, he tuned them all the same. So for about nine months I learned funny little melodies with my guitar tuned out. Finally, my brother Dave said "Here, let me show you how to tune this thing properly." I said, "Well, O.K., but I gotta learn all over again." I was disappointed.
It wasn't too long after that we moved to California for a season. I can still recall being into Elvis and the Ventures back then; old groups like that. I liked funky stuff, too, and I was getting more into the guitar and going to church on Sunday.
Harmony: It was your mother, then, that was the dominant Christian force.
Keaggy: Yeah. She was fantastic. She had so much love, and she was such a giving woman; she gave all of her time to her children and to people that she loved. She brought joy into a lot of people's hearts, so I put wanted to please her as well as I could as far as going to church. My dad didn't go. He'd just drop us off and then come back and pick us up, so there wasn't a spiritual unity in our family. My dad drank, which was a hardship for my mom, and all of us, too, and scared us kids a lot with the things that go along with drinking. Some people, they can't drink without being kinda mean sometimes. But I'm not talking down on my dad, because I know it was just the fact that he wasn’t born again, then. He is now. He just didn’t have a personal knowledge of Jesus then, and so he became a slave of drink and it would take him over.
Harmony: When did you get your first electric guitar?
Keaggy: For Christmas, when I was in fifth grade. It was a hand-made electric guitar and when I got it, wow. I was so happy! I spent most of my time with it. And when I was 12, I got my first good electric.
I was very interested in how record players worked, especially stereos, and Nick, who really impressed me as a nice guy and who worked at this electronic store, would show me around and let me work the different systems, stereo components and all that. One day I mentioned that I really liked playing guitar and he allowed me to record on the Sony Tape Deck and put sound with sound. I played little tunes like "Malaguena" and some different instrumentals I had made up.
One day Nick took me to a music store and said, "'Do you like all those guitars up there." I nodded and he said, "Pick one out.” So I tried them out and chose a Fender Stratocaster. I played it for a while and expected to put it back but Nick said, "Do you like that?"
"Sure!" "Well, it's yours," he said and bought it for me. I paid him back by sweeping driveways and working in the electronics store.
I had that guitar for quite a while and put a lot of time and effort into playing it.
We moved back to Ohio and I joined a group called the Squires. I was an eighth grader at a Catholic school, and everyone else in the group was out of high school. I played in clubs when I was that young, but I was protected from a lot of evil back in those days. The Lord had a shield about me. It wasn't until I was much older that I began to get into loose living and drugs and things like that.
After two years with the Squires, I joined another group, The New Hudson Exit. But the strain of going to school and playing all the time got to me so I left and went to California. I stayed with my sister there until my folks came out. We found an apartment and they lived there for a year and a half, I only stayed seven months. They allowed me to come back home to be with a friend who I'd been writing to, that I'd known since grade school. His name was John Sferra.
John and I had written back and forth expressing our desire to form a group of our own to play the kind of music we wanted to play, especially our own music. Our desire was to have a group that was big--nine piece--like the Electric Flag and Blood, Sweat and Tears. We had big dreams.
Over the neat year and a half Glass Harp was formed consisting of John, myself and Dan Pecchio. My god, at this time, was my instrument. I worshipped musicians, listened to their music, copied their styles and spent hours playing along with Beck or Bloomfield or Hendrix, with Harrison, Clapton and others. I wanted to be a really good rock guitarist and become well known; that was my heart's desire. The Beatles were idols to me. I had every album, every European album, every single they ever recorded. I tried to fashion my vocal style like McCartney. Now I realize the Lord’s given me my own style and I appreciate that, though I still consider McCartney a much better vocalist than myself.
I was very interested in how record players worked, especially stereos, and Nick, who really impressed me as a nice guy and who worked at this electronic store, would show me around and let me work the different systems, stereo components and all that. One day I mentioned that I really liked playing guitar and he allowed me to record on the Sony Tape Deck and put sound with sound. I played little tunes like "Malaguena" and some different instrumentals I had made up.
One day Nick took me to a music store and said, "'Do you like all those guitars up there." I nodded and he said, "Pick one out.” So I tried them out and chose a Fender Stratocaster. I played it for a while and expected to put it back but Nick said, "Do you like that?"
"Sure!" "Well, it's yours," he said and bought it for me. I paid him back by sweeping driveways and working in the electronics store.
I had that guitar for quite a while and put a lot of time and effort into playing it.
We moved back to Ohio and I joined a group called the Squires. I was an eighth grader at a Catholic school, and everyone else in the group was out of high school. I played in clubs when I was that young, but I was protected from a lot of evil back in those days. The Lord had a shield about me. It wasn't until I was much older that I began to get into loose living and drugs and things like that.
After two years with the Squires, I joined another group, The New Hudson Exit. But the strain of going to school and playing all the time got to me so I left and went to California. I stayed with my sister there until my folks came out. We found an apartment and they lived there for a year and a half, I only stayed seven months. They allowed me to come back home to be with a friend who I'd been writing to, that I'd known since grade school. His name was John Sferra.
John and I had written back and forth expressing our desire to form a group of our own to play the kind of music we wanted to play, especially our own music. Our desire was to have a group that was big--nine piece--like the Electric Flag and Blood, Sweat and Tears. We had big dreams.
Over the neat year and a half Glass Harp was formed consisting of John, myself and Dan Pecchio. My god, at this time, was my instrument. I worshipped musicians, listened to their music, copied their styles and spent hours playing along with Beck or Bloomfield or Hendrix, with Harrison, Clapton and others. I wanted to be a really good rock guitarist and become well known; that was my heart's desire. The Beatles were idols to me. I had every album, every European album, every single they ever recorded. I tried to fashion my vocal style like McCartney. Now I realize the Lord’s given me my own style and I appreciate that, though I still consider McCartney a much better vocalist than myself.
Harmony: Well, I don't know about that.
Keaggy: (laugh) Anyway, we were beginning to become better known in record contracts, our crowds began to grow and we were beginning to play second billing to well-known groups.
But the 18th year of my life was very dark; I was into drugs by now. I knew my mom was concerned about me. My dad didn't know anything; if he did, he'd have hit the ceiling. The unity and discipline wasn't happening in our home, the Bible was not openly read. That was something you heard about in church; that's the way Catholics were taught, at least in those days. So I never read the Bible till I was saved when I was 19. Ever! Now, it's like my road map to heaven; I read it every day. It speaks to my heart; it speaks to me about. everything I need to be and do.
Anyway, back in '69 I was experimenting with LSD. I had done some trips and it was terrible, I thought it might enhance my creative ability in music, but it didn't. I once heard a tape of me playing when I was high and it was awful. I sang weird and I played badly. I thought I was doing such a great job, but it was a deception.
People I was supposedly very close to, who were close to me, were turning on me. It seemed really strange. They were making gestures or mocking me. The things that people do under the influence of drugs is incredible! It's satanic. I was experiencing such fear, I thought I was going to get my head bashed in once because this guy looked at me and I saw hatred coming out of his eyes and oh ! it was just, oh ! terrible. It was like a nightmare.
During these days I would take naps in the afternoon because I'd be so tired playing at night, staying up till 4 in the morning, getting up early and napping again in the afternoon. I'd wake up having nightmares, or daymares, whatever you want to call them; whatever it was, it was like flashbacks.
I was into that whole scene! I had "Peace" written on my wall and I went around giving the peace sign, but I didn't experience peace in my life. I didn't know what peace really meant; it was just a cliché.
But the 18th year of my life was very dark; I was into drugs by now. I knew my mom was concerned about me. My dad didn't know anything; if he did, he'd have hit the ceiling. The unity and discipline wasn't happening in our home, the Bible was not openly read. That was something you heard about in church; that's the way Catholics were taught, at least in those days. So I never read the Bible till I was saved when I was 19. Ever! Now, it's like my road map to heaven; I read it every day. It speaks to my heart; it speaks to me about. everything I need to be and do.
Anyway, back in '69 I was experimenting with LSD. I had done some trips and it was terrible, I thought it might enhance my creative ability in music, but it didn't. I once heard a tape of me playing when I was high and it was awful. I sang weird and I played badly. I thought I was doing such a great job, but it was a deception.
People I was supposedly very close to, who were close to me, were turning on me. It seemed really strange. They were making gestures or mocking me. The things that people do under the influence of drugs is incredible! It's satanic. I was experiencing such fear, I thought I was going to get my head bashed in once because this guy looked at me and I saw hatred coming out of his eyes and oh ! it was just, oh ! terrible. It was like a nightmare.
During these days I would take naps in the afternoon because I'd be so tired playing at night, staying up till 4 in the morning, getting up early and napping again in the afternoon. I'd wake up having nightmares, or daymares, whatever you want to call them; whatever it was, it was like flashbacks.
I was into that whole scene! I had "Peace" written on my wall and I went around giving the peace sign, but I didn't experience peace in my life. I didn't know what peace really meant; it was just a cliché.
Harmony: How did you get turned around?
Keaggy: On February 14, 1970, my dad and mother were on their way to take my sister to her girlfriend's house. At the time I was down in Maryland playing with the group and was high as usual. When I returned I received word from my brother Bill that they were in an accident, a head-on collision. The steering rod had punctured my dad's lung; mom was in critical condition and, as a result, members of the family came from Arizona, California, Pennsylvania and all over. Dad was going to be all right but he was shattered. His world, his whole life was crumbling.
Mom looked very bad but I thought she would snap right out of it, I was very insensitive to the reality of what was going on. I was living in my own world, trying to do my own thing, not really caring about people, just myself. I remember visiting her at the hospital and saying, "Don't worry, mom, you'll be okay." A week later she died.
I was in Mansfield that weekend playing. I came home at 5 in the morning and the lights were on as I entered the house. They told me mom had died at such and such a time and I remember that I fell right to floor in despair. My whole world was shattered, too, because I had really loved mom and I knew that she prayed for me and wanted the best for me. I began now to experience an emptiness in my life--right down deep, gut level, right where my spirit is. I felt I was lost and needed help.
My sister, Ellen, who I hadn't seen for about three years, told me she had an experience that changed her life completely, a born-again experience. She had met Jesus Christ and her life was changed. I just listened to her as she shared her experience with me. And as I looked at her, I saw that she had hope. I could see that she was reflecting peace in her life, and joy, and love.
She shared with me that mom, before she died, praised Jesus. She said that mom had a vision of Jesus, that she literally saw the Lord and beckoned everyone to come see what she was seeing. Mom could only whisper but she was saying, "Praise God."
Mary Ellen was sharing with me and my younger sister, Geri, about how we both could come to know the Lord and have our lives changed. She invited us to an Assembly of Cod service one Sunday morning while she was in our area. I heard the Gospel preached and I responded with my need, I went forward, knelt down and said, "Jesus, come into my life."
I knew I'd tried a lot of other things; I'd seen the other side. I wanted to see what God had to offer me. But I didn't know a whole lot. I didn't even know what He was going to do, but I knew Jesus was the answer.
Mom looked very bad but I thought she would snap right out of it, I was very insensitive to the reality of what was going on. I was living in my own world, trying to do my own thing, not really caring about people, just myself. I remember visiting her at the hospital and saying, "Don't worry, mom, you'll be okay." A week later she died.
I was in Mansfield that weekend playing. I came home at 5 in the morning and the lights were on as I entered the house. They told me mom had died at such and such a time and I remember that I fell right to floor in despair. My whole world was shattered, too, because I had really loved mom and I knew that she prayed for me and wanted the best for me. I began now to experience an emptiness in my life--right down deep, gut level, right where my spirit is. I felt I was lost and needed help.
My sister, Ellen, who I hadn't seen for about three years, told me she had an experience that changed her life completely, a born-again experience. She had met Jesus Christ and her life was changed. I just listened to her as she shared her experience with me. And as I looked at her, I saw that she had hope. I could see that she was reflecting peace in her life, and joy, and love.
She shared with me that mom, before she died, praised Jesus. She said that mom had a vision of Jesus, that she literally saw the Lord and beckoned everyone to come see what she was seeing. Mom could only whisper but she was saying, "Praise God."
Mary Ellen was sharing with me and my younger sister, Geri, about how we both could come to know the Lord and have our lives changed. She invited us to an Assembly of Cod service one Sunday morning while she was in our area. I heard the Gospel preached and I responded with my need, I went forward, knelt down and said, "Jesus, come into my life."
I knew I'd tried a lot of other things; I'd seen the other side. I wanted to see what God had to offer me. But I didn't know a whole lot. I didn't even know what He was going to do, but I knew Jesus was the answer.
Part 2:
Keaggy: So I was saved on a Sunday morning, two weeks after my mom passed away. I experienced a joy that morning; a burden was lifted from my shoulders and something new took place. In the Bible, I John I, it says that I wasn't born of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the living and abiding word of God, so that when I received Jesus, I received the seed of eternal life and it's been growing ever since. My life began to change -- even my desires that very day that I accepted Jesus were different. I went home and listened to "Presence of the Lord" by Blind Faith. Out of all my rock collection, I just wanted to hear that song; something to talk about the Lord.
Harmony: What was the reaction of your friends to your experience?
Keaggy: Well, there's a verse in the Bible, Psalm 118:7, that says, "The Lord is for me among those who help me." That's a verse that I'll always remember because God's people, the few that I knew, were beginning to be a blessing to me, and lead me by the hand to answer some of my questions and to pray with me, because I had no fellowship.
The rest of the band just couldn't figure out what was going on. I liked them; we got along well and were united in our goals for the band. But something had happened to me. I saw something in my own life that I had never seen before, and I saw that the reason that I had been given a talent was to glorify God. I was to write music that expressed the love of Jesus.
I began to refuse their dope. We traveled in a little Fiat together, and we'd squeeze in and they'd offer me a joint, but I just didn't want it. The Holy Spirit had spoken directly to my heart. I remember being stoned one night and I just started feeling a conviction happening inside me. It was like hearing another voice saying, "What are you doing to yourself? You don't need that, it's deceiving you." But on the other hand, I heard other people saying, "Here, come on. What's wrong with you? Be like us." Hey, that's a really heavy thing to go through as a very young Christian, and I really sympathize with your young Christians, became it's really hard to take that step. But I was strengthened at this time by some regular fellowship at a little place called The Barn.
The rest of the band just couldn't figure out what was going on. I liked them; we got along well and were united in our goals for the band. But something had happened to me. I saw something in my own life that I had never seen before, and I saw that the reason that I had been given a talent was to glorify God. I was to write music that expressed the love of Jesus.
I began to refuse their dope. We traveled in a little Fiat together, and we'd squeeze in and they'd offer me a joint, but I just didn't want it. The Holy Spirit had spoken directly to my heart. I remember being stoned one night and I just started feeling a conviction happening inside me. It was like hearing another voice saying, "What are you doing to yourself? You don't need that, it's deceiving you." But on the other hand, I heard other people saying, "Here, come on. What's wrong with you? Be like us." Hey, that's a really heavy thing to go through as a very young Christian, and I really sympathize with your young Christians, became it's really hard to take that step. But I was strengthened at this time by some regular fellowship at a little place called The Barn.
Keaggy: We signed a contract with Decca in the summer of 1970 and in September we recorded our first album. It was recorded in New York City in about a week. Even though I had bronchitis and had to sing one verse at a time, it worked out. And I was even able to get in a witness for the Lord Jesus in "Can You See Me" and "Look in the Sky." "Look in the Sky" was completely spontaneous in the studio, at a warm- up practice at 10:00 in the morning. The words just came, they flowed; nothing really spectacular, but it came out of our hearts. We enjoyed playing together and we really got tight musically. But spiritually we were going different directions.
We did a California tour right after we recorded our second album, Synergy. I met a lot of Christians there, I remember leading a brother to the Lord in San Diego who later gave me an acoustic guitar valued at close to $1,000. He just gave it to me. I was not expecting it. That album was a real experience because I was able to sing The Answer, a song I wrote right after my conversion to Christ. And with two Jewish producers and an engineer that didn't care about Jesus, I was surprised that out of 15 songs, one of the ten that got on the album was The Answer. I praise Jesus for that work, because it's just a simple song of testimony.
We did a California tour right after we recorded our second album, Synergy. I met a lot of Christians there, I remember leading a brother to the Lord in San Diego who later gave me an acoustic guitar valued at close to $1,000. He just gave it to me. I was not expecting it. That album was a real experience because I was able to sing The Answer, a song I wrote right after my conversion to Christ. And with two Jewish producers and an engineer that didn't care about Jesus, I was surprised that out of 15 songs, one of the ten that got on the album was The Answer. I praise Jesus for that work, because it's just a simple song of testimony.
Harmony: The California tour was a very successful one for you?
Keaggy: Well, yes. It opened a lot of doors for the group. We played Winterland out there, and Whiskey A Go-Go, and we did a KSAN-FM live concert, which was aired over the whole San Francisco area. We played on the same bill with Michael Bloomfield. Mike's a guitar player I'd respected for a long time. I learned his licks and I worked with his style, but when I saw him I was kind of disappointed because he was going through a lot of changes. It's like the Bible says: "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." It's the same way with a musician. If he's living in despair, if he's down a lot, it will come out in his music.
I was very up: I was the most up at that concert than I had been in a long time because, first of all, I wanted to play well: I was clear-headed, I loved Jesus, and I wanted to play unto the Lord with all my might; secondly, Michael Bloomfield was there and I wanted him to be impressed. What we played was recorded that night and to this day I am happier with that recording than I am with any of the albums that we recorded, it's that good. But when Bloomfield's band played it seemed down and just wasn't flowing. But I still respect him; I don't know what he's doing these days, but I pray that he's beginning to see the light. I know he's Jewish, and the Lord is doing great things among Jewish people. So I pray for him.
Anyway, as far as recording, after the second album, we did a concert in Carnegie Hall, which was recorded and supposed to be the third album. It was good, but it wasn't released for some reason. We then went into the studio and recorded It Makes Me Glad. We all worked the best that we could. The group knew that it would be our last album together because I had given notice that I was going to leave. And on August 8, I did. It was a really heavy thing for everybody. I had changed my mind four times previously but this time I knew that if I stayed, I'd be disappointed.
I was very up: I was the most up at that concert than I had been in a long time because, first of all, I wanted to play well: I was clear-headed, I loved Jesus, and I wanted to play unto the Lord with all my might; secondly, Michael Bloomfield was there and I wanted him to be impressed. What we played was recorded that night and to this day I am happier with that recording than I am with any of the albums that we recorded, it's that good. But when Bloomfield's band played it seemed down and just wasn't flowing. But I still respect him; I don't know what he's doing these days, but I pray that he's beginning to see the light. I know he's Jewish, and the Lord is doing great things among Jewish people. So I pray for him.
Anyway, as far as recording, after the second album, we did a concert in Carnegie Hall, which was recorded and supposed to be the third album. It was good, but it wasn't released for some reason. We then went into the studio and recorded It Makes Me Glad. We all worked the best that we could. The group knew that it would be our last album together because I had given notice that I was going to leave. And on August 8, I did. It was a really heavy thing for everybody. I had changed my mind four times previously but this time I knew that if I stayed, I'd be disappointed.
Harmony: So you left. What then?
Keaggy: I was out of Glass Harp for only two weeks, and started searching for "a kingdom of God in the flesh." I stayed four days at Love Inn, worshipped and sang my songs for them. The day I left to go back to Youngstown, Ohio, they cried; they had attached themselves to me.
Harmony: How did you know about Love Inn?
Keaggy: Well, Peter York's brother Bruce told me that he had stopped there on the way back from his honeymoon in Cape Cod. He told me that I should check it out, that the Lord was doing some really great things there.
Harmony: Who is Peter York?
Keaggy: Well, he's a brother that I had met and spent some time jamming with even when I was with Glass Harp. He was only 14 at the time. He wasn't Joe Musician, but I sure enjoyed his company. He was simple, not heady or highminded, and he and I hit it off as friends. We got together and wrote a couple of songs and really experienced something between us. The Lord was joining us without our knowing it.
Bruce had said, "Someday you ought to get together with Peter and just sort of play once in a while.” And I said, "I’d enjoy it occasionally, but I couldn't think of a permanent thing with him." But it ended up that way for about 51/2 years, Peter and I touring together.
Bruce had said, "Someday you ought to get together with Peter and just sort of play once in a while.” And I said, "I’d enjoy it occasionally, but I couldn't think of a permanent thing with him." But it ended up that way for about 51/2 years, Peter and I touring together.
Harmony: How did the What A Day album get recorded?
Keaggy: After I left the Love Inn I went back to Youngstown and did the music for some children's films. I really hit it off with the engineer at Motion Picture Sound in Cleveland. His name was Gary Hedden. He suggested that I cut some of my songs there. So things started falling into place.
I had also met a man by the name of Al Stevenson who had worked at Channel 25 in Cleveland. Out of the goodness of his heart he said he would back me in this album project. So he put forth $2,800 and said, "Whatever the cost is, go right ahead. You can pay me back when the album comes out." It was really incredible how God was doing this; the desire of my heart for two years before this had been to record an album of the songs that the Lord had given me. So on January 2, 1973, What A Day began to be recorded. I spent six days in the studio with Gary. Sessions were from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Everything flowed; there was no striving. Gary and I became good friends, and I didn't preach at him; I just showed him how Jesus had changed me and let him know how I felt about the Lord when he asked me. The Bible says, "If any man ask you to give the reason for the hope that lies within you, do it". I was able to do that, and a week later Gary accepted Christ on his own. Both he and his wife became Christians and they're doing well. They're both baptized in the Holy Spirit. I was baptized in the Spirit in 1970 at a Kathryn Kuhlman service: It was a beautiful experience.
I had also met a man by the name of Al Stevenson who had worked at Channel 25 in Cleveland. Out of the goodness of his heart he said he would back me in this album project. So he put forth $2,800 and said, "Whatever the cost is, go right ahead. You can pay me back when the album comes out." It was really incredible how God was doing this; the desire of my heart for two years before this had been to record an album of the songs that the Lord had given me. So on January 2, 1973, What A Day began to be recorded. I spent six days in the studio with Gary. Sessions were from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Everything flowed; there was no striving. Gary and I became good friends, and I didn't preach at him; I just showed him how Jesus had changed me and let him know how I felt about the Lord when he asked me. The Bible says, "If any man ask you to give the reason for the hope that lies within you, do it". I was able to do that, and a week later Gary accepted Christ on his own. Both he and his wife became Christians and they're doing well. They're both baptized in the Holy Spirit. I was baptized in the Spirit in 1970 at a Kathryn Kuhlman service: It was a beautiful experience.
Harmony: Back to the album, what next?
Keaggy: Well, after Scott Ross and I had shared his vision of a record company called New Song when I visited Love Inn. I believed in it and wanted to be a part of a record company that would be totally for the Lord and guided by scriptural principles. So I sent the masters to Freeville with a note saying, ‘This is the album and if New Song wants to release it, I'm all for it.’ But due to lack of experience and finances we were unable to put the album out until June ‘74.
Harmony: What finally made you leave Youngstown for Freeville?
Keaggy: In June, 1974, while touring with Paul Clark and Peter York, the Lord spoke to my heart and told me to 'get off the road, quit being a lone-ranger minister and get plugged into a body (join a community).'
Bernadette (my wife of 11 months at that time) and I were still in Ohio but we knew our hearts were at Love Inn. I felt a part of Love Inn and the album connected me with them.
Bernadette (my wife of 11 months at that time) and I were still in Ohio but we knew our hearts were at Love Inn. I felt a part of Love Inn and the album connected me with them.
Harmony: How did the Love Inn begin?
Keaggy: Love Inn began as an idea in Scott Ross' head and grew into a large fellowship group with a national ministry.
Harmony: Could you describe Love Inn and the function of its ministry?
Keaggy: The elders at Love Inn are Scott Ross, a former deejay turned minister and Ted Sandquist. The Love Inn Community of Freeville, New York, is a body of believers functioning primarily according to New Testament patterns, and is not just another church on the corner, or a commune. We're a family and God is teaching us more and more. There's a quality of life that's being experienced here, in a practical outworking of the Lordship of Jesus in our lives, that is surpassing anything I've come from.
In addition to New Song Records, we publish Free Love, a bimonthly newspaper, produce biblical teaching tapes, and produce the Scott Ross Show, which is a nationally distributed contemporary gospel music show. Our worship and business center is in a completely remodeled barn, which also homes the book and record store and studio where Scott's show is produced.
In addition to New Song Records, we publish Free Love, a bimonthly newspaper, produce biblical teaching tapes, and produce the Scott Ross Show, which is a nationally distributed contemporary gospel music show. Our worship and business center is in a completely remodeled barn, which also homes the book and record store and studio where Scott's show is produced.
Harmony: What was your immediate reaction upon joining the community?
Keaggy: One of the first things that happened to me here was that I had to come under authority. It's been hard for me to let go of my independence, but I am learning that they are not trying to hold me down, or restrict me out of jealousy, or just to put their thumb on me so that I won't be happy. It means less time spent on the road sometimes but I'm experiencing a lasting closeness with other Christians. I look in my brothers' faces and see the love they have for me.
Harmony: What is your function at Love Inn?
Keaggy: To learn discipline and how to serve others. I've taken on the responsibility of being part of the Love Inn staff. If I show faithfulness in this job, the Lord will entrust me with greater things. When I'm not on the road, which is most of the time now, I work at Love Inn. Nine to five, Monday through Friday, I work in the tape duplicating room. I clean the place, unpack twenty-five tapes of the Scott Boss Show each day and duplicate a total of 800 shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday afternoons, I work in the recording studio with Ted Sandquist on a song to go along with Scott’s show topic. It becomes tedious and menial work sometimes. I get my eyes off Jesus and say, 'Oh, Lord, this is a drag I could be out there telling people about Jesus with my music realize, though, that He's trying to tell me, 'Son, I’m not finished with you yet."
Harmony: Where did you and Bernadette meet? Is she a hometown Ohio girl?
Keaggy: Yes, she is. We met in '71, when the Glass Harp was playing at Oden's Den in Akron. I'd see her there Monday nights with her friends every week. She can tell it, if she likes.
Bernadette: Well, you about said it. We used to go hear the band play and I guess I hadn’t ever planned on meeting him. I just enjoyed their music. One time, during a break, he came over and stated talking to me. And gradually we became good friends.
Harmony: Did he reveal he was a Christian at the time?
Bernadette: Yes, he shared the Lord Jesus with me, and it was a totally new thing for me. I was brought up Catholic but I had strayed from that, so it was a different approach and it really interested me, I was open to it. He took me to a couple of prayer meetings that he regularly went to and introduced me to some of his Christian friends, and I could see that they bad something special, a glow and a happiness that I really desired.
Keaggy: People need to see it in us. I'm sorry that I couldn't have been more loving toward people when I was a young Christian. I was so zealous and interested in winning them to Jesus that I forgot about loving them first. I think marriage has helped me understand that. We have been married since July 1973, and our relationship is as exciting as it was when we were first married. Jesus renews our love. daily. Because of our relationship, we can learn how to love others well. Down deep inside, people can sense whether or not you receive them in love, or you are trying to rap on them or Bible belt them.
Harmony: Bernadette, what's it like being married to one of the top guitarists in the world?
Keaggy: First of all, I'm not. Not even in New York.
Bernadette: You know, it's funny. A lot of people ask me that and also questions like "What's it like to be ministered to 24 hours a day?" But even when I first met him, I just saw him as a person, not as some famous musician up there playing in front of hundreds of people. I love his music and I listen to it, and I don't play his album every day but just once a while.
Keaggy: (laughter) Mostly when I'm gone.
Bernadette: And I love to hear him when he creates new music.
Harmony: Getting back to What a Day, the album really ministers.
Keaggy: I appreciate that. The album came out of my life. Now I Can See is the song that really speaks what my heart is saying. When life goes into an album, life comes out. There is a lot of music that is fantastic technically but it lacks life and spirit. Jesus said, "The flesh profits nothing, but the Spirit gives life." I've got music that's fantastic musically, but then there's music that the Lord ministers through. He anoints it. The input that you receive is also your output. Its roots go back to influences in a person's life that have been good and pure. You know, when it comes to anointing, that's something only the Lord can do: He can use someone who isn't as talented or someone who is much more talented than I am. I encourage people to get into music but I remind them to remember who's the author and giver of that gift. I discourage people from getting a guitar just to be like me. When someone is given a gift from the Lord, the Lord will accomplish that which concerns that gift. It's all for the purpose of glorifying Him, to build up the Body, to edify the Body, and to bring news to the fainthearted -- -- to those who are lost, and to set the captives free.
Harmony: What are your goals?
Keaggy: I know I can't let my music take prominence over the Lord’s will. We haven't had the finances to put out my second album, but I'm been doing backup work and production. I guess my goal is to really trust the Lord for all of it. I want the album to be released and I want to know more about guitar -- those are the desires of my heart. Those are desires God can grant if you delight yourself in the Lord.
As this story goes to press, Phil is going into a west coast studio to cut his second New Song album. The album, produced by Buck Herring is scheduled for a fall release. As reported in Vol. I No. 6 of Harmony, New Song is now distributed by Word, Inc. (http://www.museweb.com/keaggy/harmony76.html)
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