I really like Memorial Day, my son David plays trumpet in the Marching Band. I walked along side of him as the parade made it down to the park. It is an honor to stand beside the older men and women as we honor those that have died protecting our freedom. I always get a little teary eyed when we sing "God bless America", this is a great nation and it is an honor to live here.

Earlier this week I was joking around with a friend of mine as he was talking about Moses leading the people to the promised land. I looked at him and said, "I thought that was Noah, Nope I am pretty sure that was Moses."

As our churches are changing to be more relevant to our culture, the flannel boards are long gone and the VHS tapes of Veggie Tales are being recycled to Goodwill. The question becomes:How do we teach this new generation about Moses, Jonah, Elijah and Methuselah?

In modern preaching it is tempting to use movie clips rather then Bible stories to drive home a point, for example, if I want to preach about being ruthless against sin, do I use the example of Elijah, who after the victory on Mount Carmel, still chased down the prophets of Baal (representing sexual immorality) and killed them, making sure that they would not reappear.
Or, do I use a movie clip from Braveheart, where Mel Gibson not only defeats the enemy, but drives him out, claiming his territory.

There is a chance that a lot of people would tune me out because they are unfamiliar with Elijah, Baal and Mount Carmel. But there is also a chance that other people would tune me out because they have never seen Braveheart and have no interest in secular movies.

So the question remains: Where does this generation learn about the Bible stories ??
So here is the balancing act once again. Do I want to be relevant to my community and use movie clips or do I want to be relevant to God and use His stories.

Some days I lean one way and other days the other. kinda like walking. Somehow by switching my weight from one foot to another and a little forward motion I find myself walking...

I am in pursuit. In pursuit of His presence, my hearts desire is to be relevant to the throne of God, I want to move to the Fathers heartbeat. I also want to be relevant to the world and culture that I live in. In there lays a balancing act, I often find myself swaying from one side to another.
It has been a struggle for me to figure out what to put in my blog but for a season I will have you join me in this balancing act.
Last week I went to the District Council with the Assembly of God, it is so interesting to see where we are going as a fellowship, I love diversity of churches and Pastors. The council was hosted by Mount Hope in Lansing, I love the presence of God that is in that place. Mount Hope is a church that is growing in numbers without compromising the gospel or the gifts of the Spirit. Next month I am going there for a 5 days intense Pace setting leadership school. I am really excited about this and about spending time in their prayer room.

I just found an article that was preached by David Wilkerson at the AG headquarters in 1996.
I know that it is long but, as you read it you will find that you will be firmly planted in the importance of being relevant before God.

truedsicernment.com/2008/07/12/david-wilkersons-warning-for-the-assembly-of-god-sadly-unheeded/

This Sunday I am preaching about Jehova Rapha, The Lord our healer. I dug out an old classic "Christ the healer by F.F Bosworth. what an awesome book !!!
It has been a great Joy to be researching the redemptive names of God. Last week I preached on Jehova Nissi, The Lord our Banner, I got really excited as we compared the extended arms of Moses to the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. On the way home I asked my youngest son what he thought of it, he told me I was loud !! Oh well, we will see what happens this Sunday, Maybe I will whisper,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

it's time to wake up

It has been way to long since I posted a blog, and I needed a wake up call. The reason that I am starting up again is because we are trying to figure out the best way to communicate within the church and outside of the church. Debbie (our office coordinator) and I are looking at the effectiveness of announcement times, bulletins and websites. In that process I saw that my blog was very old, so here we go, ready or not, Henrik"s pursuit is back.

My son Daniel and Ben Petersen went to Houghton MI to visit Daniel and Staci Cerminaro this weekend. First long trip without parents or youth leaders.
This has been a summer of many goodbyes: Cerminaros moved to the UP, the Alleys to Maine and the Mortons to Wyoming. It is in these times that you hold on to prophetic words such as this one.
You understand what it means to be an offering. You have chosen to give and not hoard. To release what you cannot hold on to. You have an understanding of a kingdom principle that few grasp. For those that come in are meant to go out. Every resource is meant to release and distribute, you have not been selfish or extravagant, but have given all for my kingdom. For I have made you a drinkoffering for many and you will be poured time and time again. And many will come and many sent out. People, resources, provision. I will make you a place of refuge, recovery, healing and release. This place will be a place of shelter from the storm. For since you have held open hands with the things I have given you, I will make you a source of relief and blessing to many.
Kim PuffPaff

It is time for the church to leave the building and go to the street.
This video will stir your heart and mess with your head.At church we are currently talking about the gifts of the Spirit, we want to be fully equipped for what every situation. Enjoy,,, there is more on YouTube search for God lands in Disneyland.