Blog Highlights for April 2010

Here are recent entries from The Faith Log — Exploring the Dynamics of Biblical Faith. Defibrillations to set your heart beating with the rhythms of God.

• Torrents of God’s Redeeming Love
• The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
• When the Spirit Takes Hold of Prayer
• Taking Hold of Answered Prayer
• The Algebra of Authority in Heaven and Earth

Highlights from Miracles and Manifestations of the Holy Spirit
God has always done miracles in His Church — and still does!

• Muslims Find Jesus Through Dreams and Visions!
• Holy Ghost Hokey Pokey at MorningStar

NEW Blog!
The Fellowship of Drunken Glory
“Let the saints be joyful in glory, let them sing aloud on their beds.” ~ Psalm 149:5

• Four Views of Joy
• That Your Joy May Be Full
• Holy and Happy
• The Inebriating Rivers of the Holy Spirit
• Loud, Disruptive Praise
• Much Leaping
• The Divine Woo-Hooooo!
• Joyful in Glory

Further Adventures of Jeff Doles

• The American Trinity ~ Prager
• Christos Anesti ~ Alithos Anesti
• Christos Anesti ~ Christ is Risen
• N. T. Wright on the Resurrection of Jesus the Mess...

Keeping the Faith in Tough Times

Rembrandt’s “St. Peter in Prison”

Here are the links for our recent blogs on First Peter, for those who want to read them in order from the beginning. I call this series "Keeping the Faith in Tough Times." The churches Peter wrote to were going through persecution, but what he says can help you apply the pressure of faith in whatever difficulties you might be going through today.

• A Letter from Rocky (1 Peter 1:1)
• A Letter to Scatterlings (1 Peter 1:1-2)
• The Abundant Mercy of God Revealed (1 Peter 1:3-5)
• A Joy Words Cannot Contain (1 Peter 1:6-9)
• The Intense Desire of Prophets and Angels (1 Peter 1:10-12)
• New Birth, New Mind, New Life (1 Peter 1:13-16)
• Living in Awe of the Redeemer God (1 Peter 1:17-21)
• The Gospel of Fervent Love (1 Peter 1:22-25)
• Growing Up in New Life (1 Peter 2:1-3)
• Honored by God or Destined to Fall? (1 Peter 2:4-8)
• A New Kind of People (1 Peter 2:9-10)
• Glorifying God on the Day of Inspection (1 Peter 2:11-12)
• Living in True Freedom (1 Peter 2:13-17)
• Undermining Slavery with True Freedom (1 Peter2:18-25)
• Transforming Marriages with True Freedom - Part 1 (1 Peter 3:1-6)
• Transforming Marriages with True Freedom -Part 2 (1 Peter 3:7)
• A Life of Blessing (1 Peter 3:8-12)
• A Ready Heart and a Gentle Response (1 Peter 3:13-17)
• Suffering Messiah, Reigning King (1 Peter 3:18-22)
• Armed with the Attitude of Jesus (1 Peter 4:1-6)
• The End is Here? (1 Peter 4:7)
• Manifesting the Glory and Dominion of Jesus (1 Peter 4:7-11)
• An Unexpected Cause for Rejoicing (1 Peter 4:12-16)
• Deliverance in Difficult Times (1 Peter 4:17-19)
• Wearing the Victor’s Crown (1 Peter 5:1-4)
• Clothing Yourself with Greatness (1 Peter 5:5)
• Under the Mighty Hand of God (1 Peter 5:5-7)
• Standing Firm Against the Adversary (1 Peter 5:8-11)
• The Grace of God in Which We Stand (1 Peter 5:12-14)

April 2010 Notes from our Friends

• From Dora: "Amen! Love it ... Crazy Joy! So beautiful, thanks so much for this and yes, it will be so amazing and He is so glorious!" [Comment left at a Facebook link, about Joyful in Glory, an article at one of our new blogs, The Fellowship of Drunken Glory.]
• From Rafael: "Jeff, this is awesome, my brother. You are in Florida and I am in the L.A. CA, area and I love this when just regular people that truly believe in the Word of GOD that He will not leave us orphans but that He will send His Spirit up on us that is truly without words, I am glad we got the almighty GOD." [Comment left at Facebook link, about Loud, Disruptive Praise, another new article at The Fellowship of Drunken Glory.]
• From Ken: "Jeff, Rivers are such a great analogy of God's power, His Holy Spirit, in our lives. We have had the opportunity of drinking river water from its mountain source here in Colorado, from a melting glacier. That trickle, as it makes its way down the mountain turns into streams, that empty into, river forks that empty into rivers. Water here runs all the way into the Pacific on the West and the Gulf of Mexico on the East.  It begins with melting.  The same could be said of the Holy Spirit in our lives when He melts our heart, melts us to yield to Him, melts us to make us as full of power as a rushing river.  We get to drink from the source of Living Water." [Comment left at Facebook about The Inebriating Rivers of the Holy Spirit, yet another new article at The Fellowship of Drunken Glory.]
• From Anonymous: "Inspiring and well balanced. It was like water to my soul and uplifted my heart :) Thanks" [Comment left at How to Prosper in Everything.]
  
• From Dave: "I love your website and added a link to it on mine. You bless me!" [Dave left this note for me when we became Facebook friends. You can find me here at Facebook.]
  
• From Denise: "That's such a beautiful image of the Holy Spirit helping us carry the load of prayer! I think the Holy Spirit is the most ignored and least understood of the Trinity and that would change if more people understood the role the Holy Spirit can play in prayer life. God bless!" [Talking about When the Spirit Takes Hold of Prayer.]
• From Anonymous: "This site is a gift from heaven. It is a blessing to the world. May the good Lord continue to strenghten you and inspire you. This article has saved my situation this morning. God bless you and your team." [This comment was left at How to Cast Your Cares, talking about our blog, The Faith Log.]
  
• From Pat in CT: "Yes, we live to glorify Him and to enjoy Him. And how The Faith Log affirms us in this!   Thank you, folks, in Jesus' precious Name." [Talking about Faith Log article, Manifesting the Glory and Dominion of Jesus. She receives The Faith Log by email. You can, too. Sign up here for a FREE subscription.]
• From Karen: "I would like your permission to copy this article to share with my Bible study group: How to Encourage Yourself in the LORD." [We are always happy for people to share our faith-building articles with others (on a non-commerical basis, of course). Just let them know where you got it.]
• From May: "I want to let you know that I am using this article to encourage my son who is incarceration. Thank you for this article. It is most helpful to me first! May God, continue to lead and guide you in your understanding." [Talking about How to Encourage Yourself in the LORD. Received this the same day as the request above.]
• From Pastor Caleb in Kenya: "Thank you Jeff for the good work you are doing. We love you and are praying for you, too."
• From Pastor Sammy in Kenya: "Receive love greetings in Jesus' Name. I'm pastoring in local parts of Kenya and your website was inspirational and transforming and scriptural in teachings and statement of faith."
  
  

The New Mrs. Doles

Our son has taken a bride and we have a new daughter-in-love. Here they are at rehearsal dinner. This photo is by our son-in-love, Matthew R. Kent, a professional photographer in the Tampa area (you can see more of his work at Matthew R Photo)

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Doles. The ceremony was performed by their pastor, Paul Wirth, of Relevant Church in the Ybor City section of Tampa. I had the privilege of serving Mike and Jenny their first communion as man and wife. (Photo is by one of the wedding guests.)

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,

Who delights greatly in His commandments.

His descendants will be mighty on earth;

The generation of the upright will be blessed.

(Psalm 112:1-2)

Suz and I are truly blessed.

March 2010 Update

Dear Barefoot Friends

This month we are in the home stretch for our son, Michael's, wedding. On March 27, he will marry Jenny Luebke at Safety Harbor Resort Spa, which is built over Espiritu Santo Springs (Springs of the Holy Spirit!). We look forward to welcoming our new daughter-in-love into the family. As you can imagine, this has largely been our focus, but we have managed to get a few other things done, too.

At the end of February, Suz and I were part of the 2010 convening of International Apostolic Ministries, the body that ordained us back in 2002. It is always a special event for us and this year was no exception. We caught up with some old friends and also made some new ones. Once again, the worship was wonderful and unbounded.

In the Tuesday a.m. Bible study, we continue our study through First Peter. We've also been blogging through it at The Faith Log (see below in Keeping the Faith in Tough Times) — though we've gotten further on the blog than we actually have in class.

The LORD bless you richly in every way,

Jeff & Suzanne Doles

WBM Books for iPhone

Suzanne and I recently upgraded our cell phones. We're still getting used to our new iPhones but already we are seeing how much more functional they are. They have an internet capability which allows me to keep close tabs on our ministry functions online. Also downloaded Logos, a Bible app so now I always have a variety of translations of the Word and a few study tools at hand. And I also download a Kindle app, which is really what I wanted to tell you about. As you might remember, we have converted all of our books into Amazon's Kindle format — more and more people are reading ebooks, and that will increase — and now you can read our books on iPhones.

Redesign for Healing Scriptures

This month we have also redesigned the covers for our Healing Scriptures and Prayers books (paperback and ebook), CDs and MP3s. They are now available at Amazon and other online booksellers, although the marketing image upgrades are still working their way through those systems.

Faith Log Highlights for March 2010

Here are recent entries from The Faith Log — Exploring the Dynamics of Biblical Faith. Defibrillations to set your heart beating with the rhythms of God.

• God the Rewarder 
• The Towardness of Prayer 
• Directing God in Prayer?

SPECIAL SERIES
Keeping the Faith in Tough Times: Studies in First Peter

• Undermining Slavery with True Freedom (1 Peter2:18-25)
• Transforming Marriages with True Freedom - Part 1 (1 Peter 3:1-6)
• Transforming Marriages with True Freedom -Part 2 (1 Peter 3:7)
• A Life of Blessing (1 Peter 3:8-12)
• A Ready Heart and a Gentle Response (1 Peter 3:13-17)
• Suffering Messiah, Reigning King (1 Peter 3:18-22)
• Armed with the Attitude of Jesus (1 Peter 4:1-6)
• The End is Here? (1 Peter 4:7)
• Manifesting the Glory and Dominion of Jesus (1 Peter 4:7-11)

Now you can receive The Faith Log in your email box. Every day we publish it, you will receive it that evening in your mailbox, at no cost. Sign up here for your FREE subscription.

Transform Your Thinking - Bill Winston

We recommend this spiritual growth resource to help you take the next step of faith in your walk with the Lord, and experience the power of God in your life, ministry and work:

Transform Your Thinking, Transform Your Life: Radically Change Your Thoughts, Your World, and Your Destiny
by Bill Winston

Now in paperback! (Preview hardcover edition here with Amazon's "Look Inside" feature.)

Dr. Bill Winston, broadcast nationwide in over 100 million homes on the Believer s Walk of Faith program, helps believers renovate their thought life by focusing on who they are in Christ, building success in every area of living. In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul encourages believers to be transformed by renewing their mind. The Greek word for transformed is "metamorphosis"; or "to change." Dr. Winston reveals that believers must believe what God says about them and their situations, more than what their circumstances say. They must build a new way of thinking. Dr. Winston encourages that God s Word takes a higher place than their current situations. God promises an abundant life, not a barely-get-through-it life, but that is where many believers have been living. Readers will begin to discover God s promises and find ways to renew their minds through study and meditation, giving them the inner strength to overcome adversity and find success in every area.

You can find this and other helpful spiritual resources at The WBM Bookshop. In association with Amazon.com. Anytime your order something from Amazon through our bookshop link, a portion of your purchase helps Walking Barefoot Ministries. Thank you!

February 2010 Update

Dear Barefoot Friends,

Had a wonderful Christmas with our family. Got Suz a Wii. The kids got us Wii Fit and Mario Kart. We haven't gotten around to Wii Fitting yet — still exploring the nuances of the Mario Kart.

January was very cold, of course, even for Florida. Did a lot of blogging. Inside, where it was warm.

In the Tuesday a.m. Bible study, we started in 1 Peter. That has also been the subject of most of my recent blogging (see below in Keeping the Faith in Tough Times). I expect it will turn into a book. That's called "re-tasking" : )

We also have a few other book projects in mind. It is proving to be a fruitful field for ministry outreach (see below in February 2010 Notes from our Friends), through blogging, print and now the growing popularity of ebooks.

This month, we look toward the annual convening of International Apostolic Ministries. We believe the Lord is preparing to shift it into a new gear and a higher level.

February 2010 Notes from our Friends

• From Kevin, about Transformed by the Holy Spirit: "Good word bro. There's the rub. Conform to rules or be transformed. I am amazed at how many still pick the rules and regs even being far down the road on the journey."
• From Dona, about Transformed by the Holy Spirit: "Amen! Well said!"
• From Chuck, about Faith and Doubt: "I have often contemplated the war between faith and doubt. Truly they are opposites. We also are given a measure of faith. I believe this measure increases with the time we spend getting to know God and His Son plus relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance. As faith becomes stronger the doubt becomes weaker, yet not until we make heaven will it be perfected. Oh, the struggle of this life."
• From Petrini, about A Joy Words Cannot Contain (part of our studies in First Peter: Keeping the Faith in Tough Times): "Thanks, Jeff. I am going through something right now, and these were the perfect words to hear: 'for a little while'."
• From Jason, about The Gospel of Fervent Love (also from our First Peter series): "Amen! Good word!"
• From Alex, about A New Kind of People (another from our First Peter studies): "Thank You, Father. Blessed be Your name."
• From Tanya: "I would like permission to post your lesson on encouraging yourself in the Lord on my Facebook page. I have several friends who need to encourage themselves and I would like to post it for them to see." [So many are needing encouragement these days and we are happy for you to share that article with others. Please tell them where you got it.]
• From Cindy, about Rain for the Just and the Unjust: "Thank you, I love your interpretation of the rain on the just and unjust...bit, I have a new way of looking at it now. Many thanks!"
• From Vadim, left at As He Is, So Are We in This World: "Amen, Amen, and Amen! Good stuff."
• From Anonymous, left at Deep Calls Unto Deep: "Yes ... His depths reaching to our depths ... depths to depths, longings to longings, His healing for our aching depths ... what a glorious mystery...the reward of covenant love! Thank you for sharing. [BTW, we'd love to hear your comments, too, on our articles.]
• From Jeanette in AZ: "I would like to print the article How to Not Worry. I lead a group at my church ... This is a group for women who have been hurt by their husbands betrayal. I want to share with them how worry can wear on them and your article is perfect as an addition to my notes." [We are delighted for our article to be so useful for those who are hurting.]
• From Erin, our new Facebook friend: "Thanks for your insight on the Word! I happened to find your site online looking for a verse!! Praise the Lord!".
• From Pat: "I am so very grateful to be on this mailing list, folks. At 86 yrs. the world better watch out as I learn in The Message translation "In God's Presence we are always young" Psalm 103:5. Your Healing Scriptures which I purchased continue to minister! I know you know this, but I had to print it out!

Faith Log Highlights for February 2010

Here are recent entries from The Faith Log — Exploring the Dynamics of Biblical Faith. Defibrillations to set your heart beating with the rhythms of God.

• Much Leaping
• Faith and Doubt
• Transformed by the Holy Spirit
• The Transforming Reality of God’s Kingdom
• The Prosperous Way of God
• A Resolution of Praise

SPECIAL SERIES
Keeping the Faith in Tough Times: Studies in First Peter

• A Letter from Rocky (1 Peter 1:1)
• A Letter to Scatterlings (1 Peter 1:1-2)
• The Abundant Mercy of God Revealed (1 Peter 1:3-5)
• A Joy Words Cannot Contain (1 Peter 1:6-9)
• The Intense Desire of Prophets and Angels (1 Peter 1:10-12)
• New Birth, New Mind, New Life (1 Peter 1:13-16)
• Living in Awe of the Redeemer God (1 Peter 1:17-21)
• The Gospel of Fervent Love (1 Peter 1:22-25)
• Growing Up in New Life (1 Peter 2:1-3)
• Honored by God or Destined to Fall? (1 Peter 2:4-8)
• A New Kind of People (1 Peter 2:9-10)
• Glorifying God on the Day of Inspection (1 Peter 2:11-12)
• Living in True Freedom (1 Peter 2:13-17)

Now you can receive The Faith Log in your email box. Every day we publish it, you will receive it that evening in your mailbox, at no cost. Sign up here for your FREE subscription.

Highlights from Miracles and Manifestations of the Holy Spirit

God has always done miracles in His Church — and still does!

• R. W. Shambach > Miracles
• Sid Roth > Supernatural Healing
• How to Raise the Dead - Surprise Sithole
• Hernia Healed in Seattle
• A Young Mother Set Free from Mental Illness
• Bill Johnson >> Being Aware of God's Presence
• Roger Webb >> How to Heal the Sick
• Healings at Revival Outreach Center
• Oral Roberts: Healing Testimonies
• Shaken Baby Receives Healing as Church Prays