No More Small Thinking

The world does not need anymore small thinking. The challenges before us are all big and we all need to think bigger to meet them. If you are thinking "How will we survive?", fine. (Room for doubt) Now enlarge your thinking to "How will our survival help someone else thrive?" (Expectation of succeeding) If you are thinking "How can I help 10 other people?", good. Now enlarge your mission to help 100 people, 1,000 people, . . . and keep growing in God's strength.
We have been meditating on Psalm 18 which is full of metaphors about doing superhuman, implausible feats. As we apply these metaphors to our lives, we move ahead to meet the challenges and find God performs through us what we viewed as impossible. Small thinking keeps us from becoming all that we are made to be.
A business leader of ours, Gary Burke, says, "If you don't go after it, you'll never get it. If you don't step forward, you'll always stay in the same place. If you don't ask, the answer will always be 'no' ". Jesus says, "Keep asking and it shall be given to you; keep seeking and you shall find; keep knocking and the door shall be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)
We're running with you.
Love,

Mark and Donna Turner
September, 2010

Being God's Instrument

This past Sunday sermon reminded us of three aspects to our mission.

Our Weakness is God's Opportunity
(Jeremiah 1:4-10) Jeremiah resisted God's call because he felt unqualified to be the Prophet of God. We are constantly aware of our weaknesses and flaws. Sometimes people around us point these out. Our confidence has to fight to stay on top long enough to get something done. But, as He told Jeremiah, God is with us, telling us where to go and what to say in the grand plan to renovate the world. Our weakness is the perfect place for God's power to fill the gap (I Corinthians 12:9-10).

Produce Like Christ
(Luke 4:16-30) Jesus told his home town that he was the embodiment of the prophets' message. But, when he did not fit their expectations, they tried to do away with him. Our word and deed (scripts, speaking, teaching, films, art) must be extensions of Christ, expressing the Truth in Love. Though we go about this as the image of Christ, we will not always be accepted.

Love is the Bottom Line
(I Corinthians 13:1-4) The Apostle Paul points out that all our films and art are validated only by their service to Love. Our films and art, as well as the way we produce them and exhibit them, must be motivated and guided by a kind of Love which is the fruit of God's Spirit born in us.

These three aspects are realized only in a close relationship with God, a state that only God can make possible through Christ and that only we can choose.

Images from 2009 for 2010

On our journey of 2009 God emphasized the following images from past events forming His People. We have witnessed parallels in our personal lives. We carry these images into 2010 for our courage, comfort and reminding.

lamp image by Infrogmation

the lamp and olive tree (Zechariah 4) - God's ceaseless supply of His Spirit to accomplish what He has commissioned us to do

Signed prints of the following two compositions by Mark Turner are available for purchase, an excellent way to contemplate and be reminded of the truths they represent while supporting Horizon Gate.

Peter walking on the water (Matt. 14:22-32) - We can do the "impossible" as Jesus calls us on. (print sizes: 9x14, or 12x18)

Peter sinking and being rescued (Matt. 14:30-31) - God rescues his disciples even when we fail and does not abandon us to the consequences of our zeal (print sizes: 8x14, or 10x18)

Purchasing the two prints
These images are available in the two sizes shown for $25 (small) and $35 (large), plus tax (CA residents), handling and shipping. To purchase, e-mail info (at) horizongate.org specifying which image you desire and the size. We will send you a link to PayPal and send you the print upon payment.

Imagine the pictures depicting our other images of faith:

the large catch of fish (John 21:1-14) -Our work is made holy and productive because Jesus commands it.

Jesus fixes breakfast (John 21:9-12 ) - God will care for the needs of his faithful followers

Jesus divides up 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed 5 thousand (John 6) - Bring to God what you have regardless if it seems sufficient and God will make it enough.

God makes the path through the Red Sea (Exodus 14), God makes a path through the Jordan River into Promised Land (Joshua 3) - Do not be intimidated by seemingly impossible barriers. With God all things are possible. "For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

Christmas Film: "Comforting Hovers"

Our film "Comforting Hovers" has been an inspiration and source of contemplation for many people. See what it will do for your perception of Christmas. We offer it with hope you will be renewed and comforted. Any ads, or offers of other videos are from Veoh, not us.

Please give your comments below. Thank you.

Notes on the Storm

Today we watch the first snowfall of the season. How lightly it floats down, belying the violent hail storm that just passed. Thank God for the break in the drought and the shelter He gives in the storm.
In another sense, we really are in a scary storm. The screaming wind and violent waves threaten to kill us. On top of that we are called to walk right upon those crashing waters.
Lord, save us!
We pass this reminder along: God does not hold our fears and doubts against us. When Peter challenged Jesus walking on the water, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water," Jesus did not reprimand him for skepticism, or presumption. He simply said "Come!"
After Peter actually walked on the water, then was intimidated by the storm and sank, Jesus did not say,
"Go on and drown. I gave you a chance and you doubted. It's your own fault. You shouldn't have tried the impossible!"
No. Instead of the "every-man-for-himself" attitude, Jesus shot his hand forward and caught Peter. And he was not berating Peter with his statement "Oh you little faith . . ." Jesus used this as a teachable moment to comment on the kind of faith Peter had right then as he helped him into the boat and caused the storm to cease. (Matthew 14:22-33)
As the financial storm rages around us we panic and sink over and over. Jesus has to be there to catch us each time,or we will drown alone. Even among well-meaning friends we often feel alone in the storm because everyone seems powerless and no one knows what to do.
We must habitually react by crying out like Peter, "Lord, save me!"
In whatever form it comes we grab the hand extended, pull up and get our footing again, walking with Jesus on the water.
Will you consider being part of Jesus' extended hand to us as we fight the waves on the mission to which Christ calls us?

Yours on the water,

Mark and Donna Turner