‘You were running the race well; who has stopped you from following the truth?’’ Galatians 5:7 NIV
That is what I heard so strongly today as I prayed. I rejoice because the Lord is our SHEPHERD, He guides us along the right paths for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3)
We have cooled. He wants us HOT.
[‘’I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.’’ – Jesus Revelation 3:15-17]
This is not general or about the past. This is now, right now for whatever reason, we have cooled recently. I am not writing my opinion or the observation of my eye, it is his word. Neither is it judgement but an observation of the Father. He is nudging us out of a beckoning stupor. The shadows are calling, and some are looking at the shadows. Our call is to prepare the Church of Jesus Christ and He has shown us what season we are in His timetable: the time for the preparation of the Church and the time for the knowledge of God to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Don’t play it safe, this is the time to run fervently. It is about Jesus. Our Father is not against our fun (it fills him with joy!) but he is telling us currently to keep our focus. To use all (including festivities) as an opportunity for evangelism, to increase our intimacy with Jesus and not to grow cold.
Intimacy with Jesus is the priority. The unifier of the body of Christ is the presence of Jesus and that presence is brought through His spirit and His word in the Scriptures. He works through us (His people) in diverse ways.
‘’There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good ‘’1 Corinthians 12:4 -7
The diversities of workings, gifts and service are essential. And as we know, even within the same gift, there are subsets. For example, Jonah was a prophet sent to a foreign city, Malachi seemed to speak to Israel and particularly to its Priests in chapters 1 and 2; while the great Samuel was an appointer of Kings and as Elijah was, the spiritual compass of the whole nation: same prophetic office, but different workings. While these writings are mostly to leaders (- to unify and strengthen the body of Christ under the direction and guidance of the Word of God i.e., Jesus Christ the good shepherd, to prepare and sensitise his people to his coming in the western hemisphere and UK), know that your participation is indispensable to its fulfilment.
Jesus is NOT expecting us to do the same things, but the scripture is clear that the word of God must be the chief cornerstone irrespective of the type of service, work or gift we employ – especially in these last days.[ For example, the artist Lecrae is a man sent from God for this generation, but His artistry is not conventional (nor is he perfect), his music, however, is consciously subjected to the rule of the Word.]
To take advantage of our diversities of services to fulfil Jesus’ vision we need each other but please be focused on HIM through His word. Please don't give up.
For this reason, I appeal for closer workings with organisations that share a vision of developing and uniting Jesus' followers and impacting the world with the word of God, especially soul-winning organisations, Church Unity groups, Bible teaching organisations and scribes e.g BibleProject.
The time is at hand. You nor I have any more time to waste. If you share the Lord’s vision for these days, talk. (I'm also available). This is not a call for condescension, if the Lord can keep us going forward despite a pack of hyenas on our heel, think how much more he can achieve with an equal, focused and supportive pride of lions!
{To intimate you, I post on Tuesdays and Fridays for these reasons: Sunday (some Saturday) they go and get fed, blessed and bless their local assembly and receive local corporate direction from the Lord.
Monday for they are focused on (implementing) what the Lord gave them. On Tuesday, I share whatever the Lord has given for the direction of his Church. Those leaders who can receive it will have time to absorb the strength or insight it gives and incorporate it for the rest of the week.
The Friday write-up can be meditated on over the weekend such that the spirit of Jesus can use it to buttress His direction for your individual and corporate assignments.
That was the guidance I received from the Lord.
Jesus speaks at his own time but for your organisational logistics, I will endeavour now to post by 12noon (UK time) and anything that comes outside that time, will be scheduled for later or posted additionally at the time or day it is given if urgent.}
He is faithful, he leads his own. ‘’My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’’ John 10:27 NIV
This season may we continuously hear and relentlessly follow the Holy Spirit of Jesus.
“·Be careful [Watch yourselves] not to ·spend your time [or become dulled by; L let your hearts be weighed down by] ·feasting [carousing; debauchery], ·drinking [drunkenness], or worrying about worldly things. If you do, that day might come on you suddenly,'' Luke 21:34 EXB
‘’Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you!”’’ Isaiah 30:20-22
Comments