Have you ever come to a place in your journey where you felt you had nothing to offer? Nothing to offer the world around your and nothing to offer the King who died for you? It seems to me, as I get older, that these places in the road come more frequently.
For the most part, ministry is happening, you are flowing in the Holy Spirit and lives are being touched as evidenced by the responses and feedback you receive.....And then...it happens.
I'm done, I'm empty, there is nothing left. What do You want of me, Lord? What would you have me do or say on this day? Who do I need to touch for You today? Where are You?
Why would this happen? You are obeying His instructions for your life. You have surrendered your gifts & talents back to Him who created and gave them. There is no unforgiveness, or sin in your life. You love Him and have no other gods and you love your neighbor......Why? I used to stress over these times when they came but I have learned to wait upon Him. I have learned, He is nearby, and this is the best thing for me now.
Did I get it when I began to recognize these bumps in the road? No! After a few times, did I get it? No! Over the years, it did finally started to make some sense to me. I can look back at the early days, and tell you that most of the time, I just ran out of what I could do on my own. And then, I would say, "Where are You, Lord?" Silence. Then I would proceed to make every effort to do what I am called to do and it felt like dragging a sack of potatoes around! "I need Your help with this, Lord. I cannot do this all by myself!" Basically, whining....still there was silence.
Then there came a day, when I am reeling off to Him, all the problems I am encountering: "I put everything I have into this for You and nobody cares. No one steps up to help or even acts like this means anything to them. I can work hours in preparation, 45 to 60 minutes its over and they just go on with their lives!"
Then comes the still, small voice...."So, this was all about you? What I have placed in you, your calling, your gifting....it's all about you." Life changing moment!
Did I get it after this encounter? No! I have found myself in this place more times than I can count. But in returning here many times, I have learned just to wait on Him. It has not always been because it was about me instead of Him and I have now learned that. I have learned to search myself, make sure that I am still walking in obedience to His Word and take care of it if I'm not.
The older Followers of Christ, have told us to keep short accounts with God. Don't let sin and frustration, unforgiveness, anger, sadness, steal what He has freely given you. Its time to stop and do some bookkeeping. Balance the accounts, so to speak.
When you know that you know everything is right between you and God.....wait. He is getting ready to do something awesome and He is giving you rest before the next journey.
"They who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" Isaiah 40:31
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
OUTSIDE THE WIRE
My granddaughter is a member of our U.S. Military and is stationed in Afghanistan. Because she has left the 'safety' of U. S. soil, I have become more and more interested in what the military does, the terminologies they use, etc.
I've learned that a F.O.B. is short for Forward Operating Base, which is the main base of operation from which all missions in that geographical area are conducted. And, I've learned what a Fobbit is as well. A Fobbit is a name adapted from the "Lord of the Rings" movies in which there were characters (Hobbits) that are normally loving and peaceful, who pretty much stayed at home and raised their little families, took care of their little gardens, and lived very peaceful lives for the most part. In the movies, several such characters were very brave and stepped out of their 'normal' way of life to defeat the evil one from controlling their world and the world of others.
So the military now uses the term 'Fobbit' to describe those soldiers whose duties require them to stay 'inside the wire' of the F.O.B.. Their contribution to the war effort and the ultimate success of the mission is dependent, in part, upon those who 'stay inside the wire' and conduct the day-to-day business of managing information, training, base operations, and intelligence. These soldiers are called Fobbits.
The Fobbit's exposure is less obvious than that of the infantry, special ops, field suppliers, as these are 'outside the wire,' engaging an enemy that cannot always be seen. An enemy that buries explosive devices in the path of those who are transporting troops, or carrying supplies to the troops. An enemy that uses children to lure a soldier to help, only to find that it is a trap.
To be a Fobbit is an honorable service as well, for they are the backbone of the operation to support the troops who are out in the field. One risk for them, is that they are always in the same place which makes them a static target, on a regular basis, for mortar attacks. They are always there, do not move around, the enemy always knows where they are and takes advantage of every opportunity to fire upon the F.O.B. in hopes of killing, injuring, or destroying equipment.
As I consider this military structure, it gives me pause to see that the true church of Jesus Christ operates much in the same manner. The followers of Christ are gifted and trained by the Holy Spirit for their particular assignment in the war against the evil one. For many, that assignment involves the teaching of the Word of God, supplying the information needed for a good soldier to carry out his duties. 'Inside the wire' of the church, encouragement, healing, structure, cleansing, and training are being conducted but the goal of all remains the same....take back what the enemy has stolen.
Those soldiers who are trained and skilled at confronting the enemy on his territory, go 'outside the wire' and conduct the rules of engagement against an enemy that is already defeated but is wreaking havoc in the lives of souls this side of eternity.
Are you a 'Fobbit' and conducting warfare from 'inside the church'? Are you building the troops, building disciples of Christ that will take the war to the streets? Giving them the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit and all the armor of God, so that they will stand against an enemy that cannot be seen and who uses every tactic to destroy souls before they can know how much Jesus loves them? Giving the basic training they need to follow the orders laid out so clearly, for the soldier of Christ?
Are you the soldier that goes 'outside the wire' and engages the enemy where he is? Are you the soldier that takes it to the street, always being aware of the snares that may be hidden from you to defeat or distract you from your mission?
It is an honorable thing to be part of God's Army, a soldier of the Cross, whether you work 'inside the wire' of the church or 'outside the wire' in enemy territory.
You have an assignment. It is temporary. Make it count!
I've learned that a F.O.B. is short for Forward Operating Base, which is the main base of operation from which all missions in that geographical area are conducted. And, I've learned what a Fobbit is as well. A Fobbit is a name adapted from the "Lord of the Rings" movies in which there were characters (Hobbits) that are normally loving and peaceful, who pretty much stayed at home and raised their little families, took care of their little gardens, and lived very peaceful lives for the most part. In the movies, several such characters were very brave and stepped out of their 'normal' way of life to defeat the evil one from controlling their world and the world of others.
So the military now uses the term 'Fobbit' to describe those soldiers whose duties require them to stay 'inside the wire' of the F.O.B.. Their contribution to the war effort and the ultimate success of the mission is dependent, in part, upon those who 'stay inside the wire' and conduct the day-to-day business of managing information, training, base operations, and intelligence. These soldiers are called Fobbits.
The Fobbit's exposure is less obvious than that of the infantry, special ops, field suppliers, as these are 'outside the wire,' engaging an enemy that cannot always be seen. An enemy that buries explosive devices in the path of those who are transporting troops, or carrying supplies to the troops. An enemy that uses children to lure a soldier to help, only to find that it is a trap.
To be a Fobbit is an honorable service as well, for they are the backbone of the operation to support the troops who are out in the field. One risk for them, is that they are always in the same place which makes them a static target, on a regular basis, for mortar attacks. They are always there, do not move around, the enemy always knows where they are and takes advantage of every opportunity to fire upon the F.O.B. in hopes of killing, injuring, or destroying equipment.
As I consider this military structure, it gives me pause to see that the true church of Jesus Christ operates much in the same manner. The followers of Christ are gifted and trained by the Holy Spirit for their particular assignment in the war against the evil one. For many, that assignment involves the teaching of the Word of God, supplying the information needed for a good soldier to carry out his duties. 'Inside the wire' of the church, encouragement, healing, structure, cleansing, and training are being conducted but the goal of all remains the same....take back what the enemy has stolen.
Those soldiers who are trained and skilled at confronting the enemy on his territory, go 'outside the wire' and conduct the rules of engagement against an enemy that is already defeated but is wreaking havoc in the lives of souls this side of eternity.
Are you a 'Fobbit' and conducting warfare from 'inside the church'? Are you building the troops, building disciples of Christ that will take the war to the streets? Giving them the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit and all the armor of God, so that they will stand against an enemy that cannot be seen and who uses every tactic to destroy souls before they can know how much Jesus loves them? Giving the basic training they need to follow the orders laid out so clearly, for the soldier of Christ?
Are you the soldier that goes 'outside the wire' and engages the enemy where he is? Are you the soldier that takes it to the street, always being aware of the snares that may be hidden from you to defeat or distract you from your mission?
It is an honorable thing to be part of God's Army, a soldier of the Cross, whether you work 'inside the wire' of the church or 'outside the wire' in enemy territory.
You have an assignment. It is temporary. Make it count!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
WHO IS THE ENEMY?
As I consider the lives of those around me, who mock the existance of God, my heart is greatly troubled. I see adults who once proclaimed that Jesus is Lord and worshiped in the House of God with me; participated in some of the most anointed dramas I've ever experienced and today are living lives that very much identify with the morally bankrupt lifestyles of most movies and television productions and the people that produce them.
Out of their mouths now, they are saying they have been liberated from the 'lies of the past' and are free for the first time in their life. And their children now reflect the parent's new lifestyle and every manner of evil choices are being done openly, without fear of consequences.
How can this be? Did some great trauma happen and suddenly everything changed overnight for them? Did they ever really have a relationship with the Lord? Was all they experienced in the Lord, an act? Was Jesus Christ ever real to them? Can't they see how their choices are now shaping the lives of their children?
It can be so subtle, going unnoticed as deception begins to creep into a life. We can blame it on the enemy of our soul if we choose. He definitly plays a role in the deception that will drag us off into a devil's hell but the Word of God tells us that we are drawn away by our own lust.
James 1:14-15 says, "Each one is tempted when, by his own desire, (lust) he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death."
For the most part, we deceive ourselves, so that we can satisfy our own lusts without the complication of having to be held accountable. We throw away the Truth and say it was a lie, so we can bow down at the altar of a self-directed, self-gratifying lifestyle; gods unto ourselves.
The enemy knows, that once we have started down the path of a lukewarm relationship with Christ, we need little help from him because life is all about us at that point.
And, even more deadly than these who are up front, in your face with their sin, is the one who is keeping all the rules, plays the perfect role, looks the perfect part, but under the surface, they are living another life inside their heads.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature, will reap destruction." (Galatians 6:7-8)
The grim consequences? "Don't you know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:9)
Who is the enemy?
Out of their mouths now, they are saying they have been liberated from the 'lies of the past' and are free for the first time in their life. And their children now reflect the parent's new lifestyle and every manner of evil choices are being done openly, without fear of consequences.
How can this be? Did some great trauma happen and suddenly everything changed overnight for them? Did they ever really have a relationship with the Lord? Was all they experienced in the Lord, an act? Was Jesus Christ ever real to them? Can't they see how their choices are now shaping the lives of their children?
It can be so subtle, going unnoticed as deception begins to creep into a life. We can blame it on the enemy of our soul if we choose. He definitly plays a role in the deception that will drag us off into a devil's hell but the Word of God tells us that we are drawn away by our own lust.
James 1:14-15 says, "Each one is tempted when, by his own desire, (lust) he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death."
For the most part, we deceive ourselves, so that we can satisfy our own lusts without the complication of having to be held accountable. We throw away the Truth and say it was a lie, so we can bow down at the altar of a self-directed, self-gratifying lifestyle; gods unto ourselves.
The enemy knows, that once we have started down the path of a lukewarm relationship with Christ, we need little help from him because life is all about us at that point.
And, even more deadly than these who are up front, in your face with their sin, is the one who is keeping all the rules, plays the perfect role, looks the perfect part, but under the surface, they are living another life inside their heads.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature, will reap destruction." (Galatians 6:7-8)
The grim consequences? "Don't you know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:9)
Who is the enemy?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
IS ANYONE LISTENING?
Is anyone listening? That's an odd question to be asking when starting to write a blog. After all, you read a blog, you don't listen to it.....or do you?
Some of us think we are compelled to share what is in our heart....and then we may begin to question that drive to do so when there is no input, no reaction, no "Amen", no one listening....
Let me encourage you, as I encourage myself. Never, ever think that what you do does not impact someone's life, for better or for worse. We do not live in a bubble, separated from the world, but rather, we live in a fish bowl.
Inside the fish bowl we only see the plants and deep sea artifacts that may have been placed in it for looks, but outside the bowl, others are watching every move we make. It may just be the cat, but someone is watching and therefore we are affecting the lives of others. Especially the cat who may be hungry and is trying to figure out how to get his paw in the bowl and retrieve you...
Life is very much like this. We come and go, move about in this culture, and may never feel sure that we are contributing or making a difference. The fact is, whether we realize it or not we are making a difference, one way or the other.
When it is all over, and we draw our last breath, I hope we can know that we did the best we could to fulfill our purpose in this life. And, yes, we each have a purpose and we only have a brief moment in time to complete it...
Make it count. Don't wait another moment. Say what you have to say now....someone is listening.
"Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
Some of us think we are compelled to share what is in our heart....and then we may begin to question that drive to do so when there is no input, no reaction, no "Amen", no one listening....
Let me encourage you, as I encourage myself. Never, ever think that what you do does not impact someone's life, for better or for worse. We do not live in a bubble, separated from the world, but rather, we live in a fish bowl.
Inside the fish bowl we only see the plants and deep sea artifacts that may have been placed in it for looks, but outside the bowl, others are watching every move we make. It may just be the cat, but someone is watching and therefore we are affecting the lives of others. Especially the cat who may be hungry and is trying to figure out how to get his paw in the bowl and retrieve you...
Life is very much like this. We come and go, move about in this culture, and may never feel sure that we are contributing or making a difference. The fact is, whether we realize it or not we are making a difference, one way or the other.
When it is all over, and we draw our last breath, I hope we can know that we did the best we could to fulfill our purpose in this life. And, yes, we each have a purpose and we only have a brief moment in time to complete it...
Make it count. Don't wait another moment. Say what you have to say now....someone is listening.
"Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
Monday, September 21, 2009
WHO ARE YOU WATCHING FOR?
Today many are looking at the condition of the nation and the world and wondering, "How much longer can this go on?" Even those who do not know the Word of God are questioning, "How much longer can things continue to spiral downward without complete chaos and collapse of everything as we know it?"
There is an answer found in the Word of God. Matthew 24 tells us that everything we are now witnessing is the prelude to the end of time.
Many are looking for the one called the antichrist. That one who will seem to have the solution to everything. Then, once he is in complete control, he will reveal his true agenda, which is to dominate the world.
Here is a Word for the world and the Church: Stop looking for the antichrist and start looking for Jesus!
Just like John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, we now must prepare the way for His return. There is much work to be done because many still do not know how much He loves them.
Soon, He will call the Church out of here and then He will return again, bringing the Church with Him. When His feet touch down on the Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.
We have work to do. Let's go-->
There is an answer found in the Word of God. Matthew 24 tells us that everything we are now witnessing is the prelude to the end of time.
Many are looking for the one called the antichrist. That one who will seem to have the solution to everything. Then, once he is in complete control, he will reveal his true agenda, which is to dominate the world.
Here is a Word for the world and the Church: Stop looking for the antichrist and start looking for Jesus!
Just like John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, we now must prepare the way for His return. There is much work to be done because many still do not know how much He loves them.
Soon, He will call the Church out of here and then He will return again, bringing the Church with Him. When His feet touch down on the Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.
We have work to do. Let's go-->
Monday, August 31, 2009
IT"S THE BLOOD!
I am amazed at how, over time, we lose sight of very profound truths. Truths that are an integral part of our faith, that somehow slip away into the shadows, only to be re-discovered.
Of late, it seems, I am going through a 'renaissance' period. I have been reading books written by Watchman Nee, specifically the "Normal Christian Life" and one by Arthur Katz, "Ben Israel, Odyssey of a Modern Jew.
Both of these guys from two entirely different cultures and perspectives, but their stories have touched deep within my soul and brought to light some precious truths of God.
I have not completed Watchman Nee's book yet, but out of the shute, he speaks of the power of the Blood of Jesus! He helped me to understand that Jesus took His Blood and sprinkled it upon the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. Much like the high priest did each year, on the Day of Atonement. Jesus, as the True High Priest, took His Blood( that of the True Pure Lamb of God) into the Holy of Holies, once and for all, to wash away the sins of the world.
Once man believes and receives Jesus Christ as the Sacrifice for his sin, he becomes a child of the Most High God and now has access to Him. However, it can feel intimidating to approach Him in prayer and we can question how He could even look at us or hear us.
Watchman Nee, who was imprisoned the last 20 years of his life because he refused to deny Christ, explains that we can enter into the Holy of Holies with boldness, as the Word instructs us, because we go through the Blood everytime. The Blood is covering us each time we bring our petitions before the Lord. The Righteousness of Jesus Christ is all the Father sees.
It does not depend on how good we have been. We do not need worry when we have failed Him. The Blood covers us as we surrender to Him. All the time, everytime. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
I praise Him for the Blood of Jesus that washes my sin away, that allows me to stand before Him in prayer, without fear, and know that He hears my petition: not because I deserve it, but because Jesus has covered me.
Of late, it seems, I am going through a 'renaissance' period. I have been reading books written by Watchman Nee, specifically the "Normal Christian Life" and one by Arthur Katz, "Ben Israel, Odyssey of a Modern Jew.
Both of these guys from two entirely different cultures and perspectives, but their stories have touched deep within my soul and brought to light some precious truths of God.
I have not completed Watchman Nee's book yet, but out of the shute, he speaks of the power of the Blood of Jesus! He helped me to understand that Jesus took His Blood and sprinkled it upon the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. Much like the high priest did each year, on the Day of Atonement. Jesus, as the True High Priest, took His Blood( that of the True Pure Lamb of God) into the Holy of Holies, once and for all, to wash away the sins of the world.
Once man believes and receives Jesus Christ as the Sacrifice for his sin, he becomes a child of the Most High God and now has access to Him. However, it can feel intimidating to approach Him in prayer and we can question how He could even look at us or hear us.
Watchman Nee, who was imprisoned the last 20 years of his life because he refused to deny Christ, explains that we can enter into the Holy of Holies with boldness, as the Word instructs us, because we go through the Blood everytime. The Blood is covering us each time we bring our petitions before the Lord. The Righteousness of Jesus Christ is all the Father sees.
It does not depend on how good we have been. We do not need worry when we have failed Him. The Blood covers us as we surrender to Him. All the time, everytime. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
I praise Him for the Blood of Jesus that washes my sin away, that allows me to stand before Him in prayer, without fear, and know that He hears my petition: not because I deserve it, but because Jesus has covered me.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
WHAT IS YOUR 'REALITY'?
Today, as I have spent several hours with the Lord ministering to me, I have come to realize a great gap in what I perceive my 'reality' to be and how the Lord sees it.
I recognize, and admit, that as long as I dwell in this house of clay, I am subject to faults and even sin, because of the choices I make based on my perception of 'reality'. Does it sound complicated? It really is quite simple.
We perceive our 'reality' based on how it relates (relative morality) to our core beliefs, standards set individually or by society or by the paradigms by which we govern our lives. In other words, we basically write our own 'reality'. The atheist or unbeliever and even the Church buy into the following: there are no absolutes; if it feels good, do it; if it doesn't hurt anyone, do it; there is no God, do it; there is a God but He is love, do it; everyone is doing it; there are no consequences....etc.
The Truth is there are absolutes that govern our life here on earth, beginning with: there is a God. We want to hide from this absolute, so that we do not have to experience guilt and can continue to satisfy our own lusts, of which there are many. It's just easier to go with the flow, than to follow the Truth, which was placed in all of our hearts at conception
The Truth died and was resurrected two thousand years ago, so that we might have life and that more abundantly. Not for us to squander it upon ourselves, but to let the Truth live through us.
We need to consider the way we interpret our 'reality'. God has placed Eternity in the heart of every man/woman. Whether we accept this or not is irrelevant. What His Word says is relevant and what His Word says is the guideline for being 'real'; how we must define our own 'reality'.
"You draw near to me with your mouth, and honor me with your lips, but your heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:8)
WHAT IS YOUR REALITY?
I recognize, and admit, that as long as I dwell in this house of clay, I am subject to faults and even sin, because of the choices I make based on my perception of 'reality'. Does it sound complicated? It really is quite simple.
We perceive our 'reality' based on how it relates (relative morality) to our core beliefs, standards set individually or by society or by the paradigms by which we govern our lives. In other words, we basically write our own 'reality'. The atheist or unbeliever and even the Church buy into the following: there are no absolutes; if it feels good, do it; if it doesn't hurt anyone, do it; there is no God, do it; there is a God but He is love, do it; everyone is doing it; there are no consequences....etc.
The Truth is there are absolutes that govern our life here on earth, beginning with: there is a God. We want to hide from this absolute, so that we do not have to experience guilt and can continue to satisfy our own lusts, of which there are many. It's just easier to go with the flow, than to follow the Truth, which was placed in all of our hearts at conception
The Truth died and was resurrected two thousand years ago, so that we might have life and that more abundantly. Not for us to squander it upon ourselves, but to let the Truth live through us.
We need to consider the way we interpret our 'reality'. God has placed Eternity in the heart of every man/woman. Whether we accept this or not is irrelevant. What His Word says is relevant and what His Word says is the guideline for being 'real'; how we must define our own 'reality'.
"You draw near to me with your mouth, and honor me with your lips, but your heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:8)
WHAT IS YOUR REALITY?
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