Spirit Directed Ministry
One of the things that can be easily lost in the daily work of ministry is the fact that we are involved in a supernatural endeavor. We are not working in the mundane world limited by human abilities. We have a power within us that leads, guides, empowers and accomplishes far beyond the frailty of the talents of mortal man. Man can accomplish many things in his own efforts. As as was proven at Babel, combined efforts of men can do most anything. However, when the Holy Spirit is involved in the daily life of the Christian leader, the unbelievable can occur. Many times I have gone through seasons where I felt little was happening. I didn't see or feel much beyond the natural world around me. Then I would look back and see how the hand of God had been "directing my steps" even when I didn't have a clue. That is generally how God works in our lives and minitries. It is human to want to experience the whirlwind, it is divine to reveal Godly direction in the still small voice. I am convinced we often walk over answered prayer on the way to the prayer meeting.
What causes us to be so sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit on one day and so insensitive the next? The problem usually stems from a departure from expectancy. Insensitivity and a lack of expectancy is a faith problem caused by a confidence in our own abilities and/or confidence in our worldly systems and methods. We have been taught to confront problems by surfing the internet for solutions derived from others who have solved the same problems or challenges. The problem here is that we can learn some things from the methods of others but their solutions may only prove to be our detour. Why didn't the "steps to success" that I brought back from the conference in California work in Florida? Because we often forget that God is a God of relationship. While we are totally focused on the destination, He is deeply involved in the daily process. It is His intention that every detail that takes us to the destination or ministry goal is a part of daily intimacy with Him. Too often we find ourselves "working for God, quick to give him all the glory, and yet involving Him very little in the details". The results of such ministry activity is a limited, short-sighted vision, diminished true Kingdom expansion and wearniess to the servant of God. The words of Zechariah scream in my ears on a regular basis: "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord".
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Perplexed By A False Call
The thought of the Call of God is a mysterious phenomenon. When we examine the Scripture we understand that every Christian has a call as a priest of God. I Peter 2:9 tells us, “ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” This is a call and confirmation to every believer that they are a minister of the Lord. Yet, there are those whom the Lord specifically calls and requires to leave their secular work and worldly ambitions to pursue the full time work of the ministry and to even earn their living by the ministry of the Gospel. Many people don’t know that the Bible speaks of those who are required to earn their living through the ministry. Some in ignorance actually criticize ministers receiving income from the ministry. However, Paul writes, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” (1Co 9:14)
Since there are those who are targeted by the Lord to fill these ministry roles there are also those who are not. That doesn’t mean that those who are not called to this ministry function are less anointed, they just fill a different need. It would be just as wrong for a person who is not called in this way, to try to make it happen, as it would be for one called to not follow the call. In Mark 5 we are told of the wonderful account where Jesus sets the man filled with demons free. What a powerful testimony? How many of us in ministry would not call this man to follow us for PR purposes and to validate our ministry? Yet, Jesus did not allow him to follow him in full time ministry. He actually sent him home. Here is what Mark writes of the event:
Mar 5:18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."
Bible College towns are filled with those who have been called by friends, preachers and mothers, but not by Jesus. They avoid careers and work at menial tasks far below their abilities and often at the expense of their families. Why? They are still waiting on the door to open to the ministry. I believe I can say that most of the time, if the door to ministry hasn’t opened to you after 10-15 years of pursuing it, that door probably isn’t supposed to open. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but not many. You need to face the possibility that Jesus never called you. You might even be chasing a fantasy. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to get you in position. Effort and desire does not a call make.
We need people in the Kingdom of God who will hear this Call and follow Jesus regardless of the sacrifice or cost. We also must have those engaged in society, working in the secular fields, and giving themselves to assist in the expansion of the Kingdom of God in the local church.
I know this is a hard word but no one seems to be willing to suggest to some that it is very possible that they have misunderstood their love and zeal for the Lord. In truth they have spent too much time disengaged rather than engaged because of a false call. In the end, the will of God is all that matters.
The thought of the Call of God is a mysterious phenomenon. When we examine the Scripture we understand that every Christian has a call as a priest of God. I Peter 2:9 tells us, “ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” This is a call and confirmation to every believer that they are a minister of the Lord. Yet, there are those whom the Lord specifically calls and requires to leave their secular work and worldly ambitions to pursue the full time work of the ministry and to even earn their living by the ministry of the Gospel. Many people don’t know that the Bible speaks of those who are required to earn their living through the ministry. Some in ignorance actually criticize ministers receiving income from the ministry. However, Paul writes, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” (1Co 9:14)
Since there are those who are targeted by the Lord to fill these ministry roles there are also those who are not. That doesn’t mean that those who are not called to this ministry function are less anointed, they just fill a different need. It would be just as wrong for a person who is not called in this way, to try to make it happen, as it would be for one called to not follow the call. In Mark 5 we are told of the wonderful account where Jesus sets the man filled with demons free. What a powerful testimony? How many of us in ministry would not call this man to follow us for PR purposes and to validate our ministry? Yet, Jesus did not allow him to follow him in full time ministry. He actually sent him home. Here is what Mark writes of the event:
Mar 5:18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."
Bible College towns are filled with those who have been called by friends, preachers and mothers, but not by Jesus. They avoid careers and work at menial tasks far below their abilities and often at the expense of their families. Why? They are still waiting on the door to open to the ministry. I believe I can say that most of the time, if the door to ministry hasn’t opened to you after 10-15 years of pursuing it, that door probably isn’t supposed to open. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but not many. You need to face the possibility that Jesus never called you. You might even be chasing a fantasy. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to get you in position. Effort and desire does not a call make.
We need people in the Kingdom of God who will hear this Call and follow Jesus regardless of the sacrifice or cost. We also must have those engaged in society, working in the secular fields, and giving themselves to assist in the expansion of the Kingdom of God in the local church.
I know this is a hard word but no one seems to be willing to suggest to some that it is very possible that they have misunderstood their love and zeal for the Lord. In truth they have spent too much time disengaged rather than engaged because of a false call. In the end, the will of God is all that matters.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Intimacy or Intimidation
It is easy to see why newcomers to the Christian faith might have some struggles trying to understand the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament seems so harsh and demanding while the God of the New Testament seems so loving and forgiving. What’s the deal?
Regardless of how different they may appear, the God of the Old and New are the same God. The Old was a preparation for the New. God, from the beginning of time, wanted to live in intimate relationship with man. When man sinned, that sin was a barricade that kept sinful man from enjoying the presence of a perfectly Holy God. Jesus came and died in man’s place and removed the barricade between God and man. Now through the individual’s acceptance of Jesus, man can come with boldness right into the presence of Father God. It is to be a relationship. For all Christians, that relationship should be one of intimacy. Yet, all too many believers seem to live in a relationship of intimidation rather than intimacy.
The great problem here is that intimidation limits and causes the relationship to remain on a powerless plane. The Christian at this level never moves beyond that first level of introduction. Every time he encounters God, he is uncomfortable and gets little from the experience. On the other hand, a person who has an intimate relationship with the Lord is at peace in God’s presence. That connectivity of intimacy transfers spiritual power that leaves the believer on a higher level than before.
The church was built on a revelation that the Apostle Peter received through that connectivity of intimacy, “thou art the Christ”. Jesus said to him, “flesh and blood did not reveal that to you”. As Christians, we need to move beyond “flesh and blood” Christianity. We need to move beyond only keeping the rules and regulations and enter that place of intimacy with the Jesus.
It is easy to see why newcomers to the Christian faith might have some struggles trying to understand the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament seems so harsh and demanding while the God of the New Testament seems so loving and forgiving. What’s the deal?
Regardless of how different they may appear, the God of the Old and New are the same God. The Old was a preparation for the New. God, from the beginning of time, wanted to live in intimate relationship with man. When man sinned, that sin was a barricade that kept sinful man from enjoying the presence of a perfectly Holy God. Jesus came and died in man’s place and removed the barricade between God and man. Now through the individual’s acceptance of Jesus, man can come with boldness right into the presence of Father God. It is to be a relationship. For all Christians, that relationship should be one of intimacy. Yet, all too many believers seem to live in a relationship of intimidation rather than intimacy.
The great problem here is that intimidation limits and causes the relationship to remain on a powerless plane. The Christian at this level never moves beyond that first level of introduction. Every time he encounters God, he is uncomfortable and gets little from the experience. On the other hand, a person who has an intimate relationship with the Lord is at peace in God’s presence. That connectivity of intimacy transfers spiritual power that leaves the believer on a higher level than before.
The church was built on a revelation that the Apostle Peter received through that connectivity of intimacy, “thou art the Christ”. Jesus said to him, “flesh and blood did not reveal that to you”. As Christians, we need to move beyond “flesh and blood” Christianity. We need to move beyond only keeping the rules and regulations and enter that place of intimacy with the Jesus.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tiffany Back In Dubai!
We put Tiffany on the plane bound for Dubai Tuesday evening! She just emailed me that she is safely in her apartment there. She finished two months of rehab at Project Walk in San Diego. Project Walk is a great place and I highly recommend it to anyone with a spinal cord injury. The two months was very difficult for Tiffany because of the physical strain but also because of the social separation from her friends. However, she made it and has gained much strength and mobility. She can now walk on a walker most of the time, using the wheel chair as little as possible. Her walking is slow but when you consider that 3 months ago she was in a hospital bed paralyzed from the waist down, it is miraculous! Her company has been great in all this and has assured her that she still has a job.
We had a wonderful weekend before she left for Dubai. Scott, Tarah, Lucia and Shane all came home for a long weekend for some much needed family time that was not in the midst of crisis. With the help of Shane and Scott, Tiff was able to Kayak the Withlacoochee River. She was in the kayak over 3 hours. She also rode behind me on my Honda scooter and made a boat ride in the lake. As parents, it was difficult for Teresa and me to see Tiff helped aboard the plane with wheel chair and walker bound for a foreign country. However, she is now 29 years old and determined to make it work.
As a family, we are eternally grateful to all of you for your love, concern, prayers and financial support during this crisis. To date, all bills have been paid in full because of the gracious giving of friends and loved ones. May the Lord return to you multiplied all that you have given. I also give God praise and thanksgiving for all He has done in and through all this. "In everything give thanks..." He is faithful!
Love and Blessings!
L. A.
We put Tiffany on the plane bound for Dubai Tuesday evening! She just emailed me that she is safely in her apartment there. She finished two months of rehab at Project Walk in San Diego. Project Walk is a great place and I highly recommend it to anyone with a spinal cord injury. The two months was very difficult for Tiffany because of the physical strain but also because of the social separation from her friends. However, she made it and has gained much strength and mobility. She can now walk on a walker most of the time, using the wheel chair as little as possible. Her walking is slow but when you consider that 3 months ago she was in a hospital bed paralyzed from the waist down, it is miraculous! Her company has been great in all this and has assured her that she still has a job.
We had a wonderful weekend before she left for Dubai. Scott, Tarah, Lucia and Shane all came home for a long weekend for some much needed family time that was not in the midst of crisis. With the help of Shane and Scott, Tiff was able to Kayak the Withlacoochee River. She was in the kayak over 3 hours. She also rode behind me on my Honda scooter and made a boat ride in the lake. As parents, it was difficult for Teresa and me to see Tiff helped aboard the plane with wheel chair and walker bound for a foreign country. However, she is now 29 years old and determined to make it work.
As a family, we are eternally grateful to all of you for your love, concern, prayers and financial support during this crisis. To date, all bills have been paid in full because of the gracious giving of friends and loved ones. May the Lord return to you multiplied all that you have given. I also give God praise and thanksgiving for all He has done in and through all this. "In everything give thanks..." He is faithful!
Love and Blessings!
L. A.
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