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I’m Just Asking
Do you mind if I ask some questions?
Reading my Bible this morning, my thoughts seemed to lock in on Barnabas, the Infant Body of Christ, the significance and value of relationships in the Body, and how all that affects our present day Body.
How do we compare with our “Baby Pictures”?
So, if you don’t mind, I’ll ask some questions after I share a few scriptures that started my thoughts on this spiritual journey. My questions are not intended to be critical of anyone or any organization, past or present. I am only trying to wrap my mind and heart around that which the Lord is telling me. So here goes.
Remember, I’m just asking.
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” – 1 Tim 4:1 NKJV
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:” 2 Tim 3:1 NKJV
“Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:19-30 NKJV“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.” Acts 12:25 NKJV
“Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said,”Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.” Acts 13:1-5 NKJV“in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Rom 15:19 NKJV
I notice several things from the above scriptures.
1. Paul writes of perilous, hard to deal with, pressurized times to come. They may be far away, or we may have already stepped into them. Either way, the time will come.
2. Even when the Church, the Body of Christ, was a “newborn”, it was still a Body. Parts joined together, each part supplying what other parts needed (1 Corinthians 12). It didn’t have to wait until it was an adult body to effectively minister as one unit. Sure, there were growing pains, lack of maturity at times, but still a body. A body that turned its world upside down.
3. The body was flexible enough to quickly and easily go through “open doors” of opportunity.
4. There was such unity in the infant body, the Jerusalem body sent Barnabas to Antioch to help the new believers become established. There is no mention of the apostles “verifying” the “planters” credentials or experience.
5. Barnabas sensed the Spirit’s leading to go find Paul, and bring him to Antioch to help with the ministry.
6. Ministry Teams developed and were sent, commissioned by Holy Spirit filled leaders.
7. The Gospel was preached to the whole world as God worked through the “Baby Church.”It seems to me that though the church was an infant, all the little parts, baby parts, worked as one. Imagine what a MATURE BODY could do!Okay, now my questions.
1. Does today’s church have the unity to work together?
2. Is there ONE focus?
3. WHEN perilous times are in a full roar, does the church have the strength of its relationships to carry on?
4. IS the primary means of ministry based on established, proven relationships?I’m just asking.
5. Does the church have the flexibility and speed necessary to go through an open door as quickly as it opens? Or must there be a whole list of requirements completed before taking a step?
6. How much of their giving went to actually promote the gospel, take care of the body, and minister to the community?
7. How many “ministers” were “professionals”?
8. Which organization was the “credentialing body” for those who were scattered as a result of persecution?I’m only asking.
9. Should we be satisfied with how things are?
10. How many parts of the body are supplying what the other parts need?
11. How can churches justify spending millions of dollars on buildings, land, and salaries?
12. What is a “successful church”?Yep, still only asking.
13. What does “fully preached” mean?
14. Do leaders have trust in other leaders to pray together, hear the Holy Spirit speak together, respond as one to the Spirit’s leading, and jointly promote the new ministry (and support it)?
15. Why does it take so long to “send people” to the “field”?
16. Could “sent them away” have a double meaning? Such as, “they bought them a boat ticket…”?Only 5 more questions.
17. What if a prophet came to our churches with a word from God saying, “This is going to happen, so please receive an offering for other parts of the Body”? How would we respond?
18. Is our faith in God or our building fund/savings account?
19. Can we recognize, discern, the actual voice of the Spirit of God?
20. What drives our “ministry efforts”?
21. How much influence and impact are we having on our society? How much should we have?Okay, I’m finished.
May the Lord help us answer these questions as we wait on Him.
Amen.
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Guides and Greeters
(and worship leaders)
When I was in the Army, 35 years ago, my wife and I were privileged to spend time in Germany. My unit was in a Kacerne called Peden Barracks, located just outside Wertheim, Germany. We lived on the “economy”, in other words, not on the military post.
During our 3 years there, we had opportunities to see quite a bit of the country, especially the southern part where castles, mountains, and very pretty scenery were plenteous. There were a couple of castles within 45 minutes of our home, with one right in our town of Wertheim. (the one pictured on the right)
One castle we especially enjoyed touring was Schloss Mespelbrunn (left and above pictures). It isn’t a real large castle, but beautiful none the less. It sits in the middle of a small lake, surrounded by a dense forest. It’s also referred to as “The Hunter’s Castle.” We toured the castle a couple of times, and just visited the castle grounds several others. It was fun following the guide, listening to him explain the history and other details. One thing stood out as we toured the castle; the guide really enjoyed his ministry (serving)!
I read something in the Word recently that made me think of “tours” and “tour guides.”
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations (Isaiah 61:1 – 61:4 ESV)
“…the garment of praise…” A coat, vest, mantle, cloak of praise. Not just any kind of garment, but one that identified the one wearing it as a worshipper. The Anointing of Jesus will give people a new vest to wear! No longer do we have to wear the identifying vest of the fearful, the faint-hearted, or the downtrodden. No, we have new clothes!
Tour guides and Walmart greeters wear vests. You can spot them anywhere. If you are new to a store, or you’ve never visited a certain area (like Schloss Mesplebrunn), guides and greeters are a welcome sight.
Unless what they are doing is “just a job!”
Guides and greeters can become so bored with their job, tired of the routine, and exasperated with people, they lose the joy they once had. No longer does their heart appreciate the ministry of serving; to them their place of “duty” is “just an old building”, not a castle. Or, as a greeter, they look for ways to “just get through the day.”
Worship leaders, the same thing can happen to us.
Instead of anticipating something beautiful and glorious as we lead people into the Throne Room, because the “job” has become just a job, we go through the motions and nothing more. We may be wearing the vest, saying the correct things, pointing people in the right direction, but there’s no anointing; no strength or joy. It’s just an old throne room. Just an old building. And all we want to do is make it through another service.
We might as well turn in our vest!
Unless, like the Psalmist of old, David, we hunger and thirst for God like it’s the most important thing we can do.
If you find yourself bored with God’s Throne Room, take a step or two back. Maybe look at it from a different corner of the room. Get another perspective. Discover mercy and grace afresh. Experience the joy of serving others all over again. Forget the work and entrapment of “having to learn new songs”. “Sing a new song unto The Lord” doesn’t mean you have to stay up on all the latest from Jesus Culture or Hillsong!
How about you and The Lord becoming reacquainted? Spend some time, just the two of you! I have a feeling something new will come out of THAT encounter.
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah (maybe he was a tour guide…)
“O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary,
beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You.
So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:1 – 63:4 ESV)David also said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
(Psalm 51:10 ESV)“A right spirit…” Renewed joy, renewed purpose, renewed awe of God.
Now that’s the kind of Tour Guide/Greeter we’re called and clothed to be!
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I Love Bacon
Let it be known throughout the world, “I LOVE BACON”, and have for all my life.
Barely cooked, almost black, and anything in between.
Bacon!
Thick slab, thin sliced, hickory or apple smoked; whatever.
I love bacon!
On a sandwich, in an omelet, cooked with beans, or just plain, by the handful.
Bacon.
Quite a few years ago, while visiting my wife’s family in West Virginia, I actually had a time when I had my fill of bacon. It happened like this:
Everyone in the house was sick with the flu, except yours truly. Me. No one else wanted to eat. I was the only one hungry.
So, while everyone was in bed, trying to get rid of their sickness, I was on the prowl for food! Rummaging through the cupboards, I didn’t find anything that made my mouth water. So I decided to investigate the refrigerator.
Wow!
I couldn’t believe my hungry eyes! Right in front of me lay a package of VERY thick sliced bacon! My favorite food, bacon!
And it was all mine.
I found a skillet, lit the gas burner, and commenced with loading up the frying pan. What a deal! What a treat!
I fried it to perfection, placed the cooked slices on a plate, and sat down at the table to begin savoring my meal of meals.
I can still remember holding a piece in my hand, eyeing it like a jeweler would examine a fine diamond.
Satisfied with its appearance, there was only one thing left to do. So with eyes barely open, bacon held carefully between thumb and finger, I took my first bite.
OH MY!
Salt! Nothing but salt! I quickly tossed it back onto my plate and ran upstairs to find my sick mother-in-law.
Telling her what I had found, fried, and attempted to eat, she began laughing.
A lot.
“That’s salt pork”, she laughed. “I use it as seasoning when I cook beans.” She was still laughing as I left the room.
Still hungry.
“A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.” (Proverbs 27:7 NLT)
If I hadn’t been so hungry, or so excited about having the kitchen to myself, I would have realized my “treasure” wasn’t really what I thought it was, and I would have made different choices regarding my meal.
Same thing is true for all of us. Life is loaded with opportunities to satisfy our hunger, our desire. We really need to evaluate our cravings, and not let the “lusts” for our brand of bacon deceive us.
What may look like a real treat, could in reality be a trap.
I still love bacon! But before I fry a platter full of bad, costly decisions, I’m gonna check things out more closely.
I’m not going to allow my “hunger” to control my life.
How about you?
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Search Me O God
Search Me, O God
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Ps 139:23-24 NLT
It was over 20 years ago that I wrote the song, “Search Me, O God”, based on Psalm 139:23,24.
Have you ever talked with someone who was absolutely sure they would never flake out on God? Someone who was so confident in their ability to stand against any and all temptations or adversities, without so much of a bend?
Someone who could ignore scriptural warnings such as…
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the forces of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9,10 NKJV
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV
Well, that someone was me.
I wrote the song for some people in our church who were struggling with being true to their marriage vows. Seemed like a good song for them. But a year later, I was dealing with the very same thing!
I didn’t pay attention to the warnings of the Spirit, the Word, and other Christians. I felt I knew my heart, in spite of what God said in His Word; in spite of the warnings.
Now, when I sing this song, I’m not singing it for anyone else. I sing it as a prayer for me!
Yes, thank God for His mercy and restoration. Thank God for new hope, new opportunities! But it is a whole lot better, and safer, to keep out of traps and shackles strewn across the land of my heart.
Now, as far as I know, I am loving the Lord and serving Him with all my heart…
…as much as I know my heart.
Search me, O God, and know my heart
Try me and know my thoughts
See if there be any wicked way in me
And lead me in the way everlastingWhen the storms of life are raging and my feelings all confused
Lead me to the Rock that’s higher than I
May Your Spirit gently woo me and help my heart to see
That not everything I feel is Your desire
O may my life be consumed by Your Holy fire.As from glory to glory I travel, upon the road of faith
Remind me that it’s You Who holds my hand
And if I’m walking on the water, or drowning in my tears
Help me be secure in Your plan
In love, faith, and holiness to stand. -
YOU
I have found life to be very interesting, haven’t you?
Strolling through life, enjoying each new day, thankful for your family, friends, job, ministry…
When all of a sudden a bomb explodes – not a literal bomb, but a situation, a threat, a fear; something unexpected, rocking your calm, peaceful world.
Years ago there was a guy, a king, name Jehoshaphat (love the name!); King in a land called Judah.
Good dude. Nice.
The Lord considered him to be a good dude as well. “…good things are found in you…and you’ve prepared your heart to seek the Lord”, are the words the prophet of God told him.
What a word to receive from the Lord! It’s like hearing Him say, “well, done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Or maybe it’s like having the Publishers’ Clearing House people knock on your door with one of their HUGE checks! If that happened to me I’d probably be up all night, every night for a week. I mean, think what could be done with all that money!
Having the assurance of God’s approval, His favor, is FAR more valuable than ALL the money in the world! But even that won’t stop trouble from coming at you; or keep a “bomb” from exploding near you.
Shortly after Jehoshaphat received the prophet’s word from God, someone else approached him with a different kind of word (2 Chronicles 20). The word went something like this: “Jehoshaphat, you’d better brace yourself! At least three nations, consisting of several hundred thousand troops, are marching against YOU at this very moment! YOU had better get ready.”
It’s a story that is fairly well known, and it ends with the good guys winning, and the bad guys killing each other. Good stuff.
But there’s one thing I want you to see. Jehoshaphat’s prayer. Here it is: 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 (I have highlighted certain words for greater clarification)
“Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us — sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine — we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir — whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them — here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit.
O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
YOU. Jehoshaphat knew exactly where to look. He was told, “King, the enemy is coming for YOU.” So King Jehoshaphat figured, “if the enemy is coming for “YOU”, then let them come and meet “YOU”.
The King moved the attack’s focal point from himself to where it belonged. GOD!
If we are in Him, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty God, we are in a place beyond the enemy’s reach.
If we’ll stay in there, and not let the enemy draw us out.
It’s not that we’re beyond attacks, beyond threats, beyond trouble or major problems. But we must remember our place of refuge.
For the enemy to reach you, he must first go through “YOU”.
I hope I am getting this point across to YOU. To help, I’ll close with scriptures using the words “You Are”. Let the words help YOU see just where your help lies.
When trouble comes, the bomb explodes, and YOU feel like caving in – remember:
the YOU Who is for YOU…
O Lord God…
You are the helper of the fatherless
You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup
You are my Lord
You are holy
You are with meYou are the God of my salvation
You are the God who does wonders
You are my strength
You are my God
You are my KingYou are my rock and my fortress
You are my help and my deliverer
You are my hiding place
You are my hope
You are my trustYou are more awesome than Your holy places
You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb
You are my strong refuge
You are glorified
You are goodYou are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey
You are the same, and Your years will have no end
You are the God of my strength
You are there
You are nearYou are fairer than the sons of men
You are the glory of their strength
You are from everlasting
You are very great
You are my praiseYou are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek
You are clothed with honor and majesty
You are exalted far above all gods
You are my portion
You are my shieldYou are great, and do wondrous things
You are great in counsel and mighty in work
You are the Lord our God
You are our Father
You are GodYou alone are God
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Troubled Waters
Lots of life’s lessons happen when we least expect them.
It all happened about 26 years ago, early one Sunday morning.
As usual, I arrived at our church around 5:30 in the morning. I enjoyed having extra preparation time, time to pray and worship God, and time to relax a little before Sunday School classes began.
You see, I saw myself as God’s servant, full of faith and power; God’s man for the hour. Superman!
Some simply referred to me as the pastor.
Our church wasn’t very old at this point, maybe 4 years, and we met in a 30’x40′ metal building that used to be a laundromat. The building had a sanctuary which seated 65 people, 2 classrooms, a hallway, and a unisex bathroom. The bathroom was beautiful, having a marble-like sink, nice big mirror, decent linoleum floor covering, and an average toilet.
The toilet. The place it all happened, early one Sunday morning.
Before I continue my story, I need to explain a thing or three.
First, stuff happens. To me, to you, to whoever. It just happens.
Second, the greater one thinks he is, the greater the pain when he comes face to face with an important truth: “I’m not as great as I think.”
Third, to learn such an important truth, embarrassing situations beyond one’s ability to control sometimes must occur.
It was to be my first time having class in a bathroom.
Okay. I had a morning ritual not unlike most people, which consisted of spending some time on the bathroom throne with some good reading material. Of course, on Sundays my reading material happened to be my morning sermon notes.
I really must interject one important point here. I usually preached between 45 minutes to an hour. Meaning what, you ask? I had a lot of notes to review…(I have since learned length of sermon doesn’t equate to degree of anointing)
Just about the time I was finishing up with both tasks (multi-tasker that I am), I decided to trip the handle on the toilet for a “pre-flush.” Thinking everything was fine, I continued reading and making mental notes while the water swished and swirled beneath me. I was “the man of God” and would dazzle “my” congregation with my ability to “rightly divide the word of God.” I was somebody special and my “Kingdom Stock” was rising.
My “stock” wasn’t the only thing rising.
I suddenly “sensed” something happening that brought me back down to earth; specifically, back to the classroom.
I was feeling water where water shouldn’t be felt!
That’s when things really began to happen. I quickly stood up (wouldn’t you?), turned around, reached for the top of the toilet tank, while keeping my eye on the whirlpool below me. I tried to reach the water shutoff valve while removing the tank top and guess what? I dropped the top onto the floor.
As it hit the floor, I witnessed it breaking into two halves. Nice!
Well, with water rising, me in a precarious position, toilet tank top in pieces on the floor, I finally got the water turned off. Great! Now I can get things cleaned up and get back to my “superman” mode.
I turned back around, preparing to take my rest for a bit longer, while I finished my interrupted job. I sat down and happened to glance at the floor. To my chagrin, I saw brown spots on the floor where I had just been standing. Little spots, trampled spots, lots of little, trampled spots – all over the floor.
And, on the bottom of my shoes.
You know what?
At that point, I forgot all about my sermon and becoming the next spiritual Clark Kent! All I could think about was getting the mess cleaned up before people started arriving.
That “classroom” experience gave me a whole new appreciation for Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” (NLT)
Or, “Pride Goes After The Flush.”
“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”(Romans 12:3 NLT)
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Seeds and Seasons
Every Seed Has Its Season…
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT)
There is a season for everything God has established and wants to establish.
Every living thing reproduces after its kind; every tree, plant, animal, bird and man, “whose seed is in itself” has the ability and the mandate to reproduce. Each seed, which is essential for reproduction, has a gestation season; time during which the seed is buried, out of view.
Typically, smaller things don’t need as long to develop, while large animals need a much longer period. For example, an elephant’s gestation season is about 640 days! Amazing!
We understand the plant and animal kingdom function according to the law of “seed time and harvest.” “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” (Gen 8:22 NLT)
The spiritual law of sowing and reaping operates along the same principle. “…A time to plant and a time to harvest.” (Ecclesiastes 3:2 NLT) In fact, the Kingdom of God can best be understood by studying the law of seed time and harvest.
In Mark, chapter 4, Jesus taught several parables about sowing and reaping and understanding the Kingdom. In the first 8 verses He shared about the “sower sowing seed”. Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4:9 NLT) In other words, don’t let His words go in one ear and out the other.
Jesus then makes a statement, in response to the disciples’ questions, that is a powerful revelation regarding seeds and seasons. “Don’t you understand what I’m saying? Come on, guys. Understanding this word will open up everything else I’m saying.” (Mark 4:13 paraphrased)
Through the rest of the chapter, Jesus explains the Kingdom of God using the example of sowing and reaping, planting and harvesting. For example, Jesus said “the sower sows the word.” He then gives different scenarios, but the common thought is “sowing and reaping.”
In verses 21-25, though mentioning a lamp on a lamp stand, He continues His theme. A lamp is to be used for its designed purpose, same as a seed. “Nothing hidden which will not be revealed…” is connecting with the seed analogy. Whatever is planted is what will be harvested, or revealed. Everyone will see it, as if it’s under a light. “Take heed, pay attention, how you hear. The way you hear is the way you’ll walk in the Kingdom.”
In essence, “hearing God’s Word” is the same as the Word being sown into our heart.
Continuing, in verse 26, Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” (verses 26-29 NLT)
Scattering seed, sowing seed, is how the Kingdom of God operates. In everyone one, for everyone, through everyone.
No exceptions.
Whatever we do for, or against, others is the same as sowing seed.
Whenever we honor someone, we sow seed.
If we ever complain about someone, oops, that’s sowing seed.
When we hear someone speak the Word of God, they are sowing into our lives. It’s important for us to continue the process by receiving the word, hiding it in our heart, so it will not be dug up by some old dirty “bird”!
Every seed must be hidden, planted, for a season. How long of a season? As I mentioned earlier, it will vary based on the seed.
The seed’s season is where we can get tripped up!
Huh?
The length of time the seed (the Word, or whatever we’ve sown) has to be hidden can get us frustrated with God and others!
Better?
People who plant gardens every year understand the “season” aspect. In fact, we probably ALL understand it from a natural standpoint. That’s one reason Jesus used the planting and reaping analogy when explaining to us how His Kingdom operates.
But it isn’t just the sowing and reaping. For there to be a harvest, there must first be a growing season. That’s the time none of us like.
What happens if a baby is born too early? And what if a “word” from God isn’t allowed to grow to full term? If a premature baby may die, what about His promises? And though a premature baby may live, there could be serious complications.
Remember Abraham and Sarah? They got tired of the “planted” or “hidden” promise; the growing season. They wanted to “see” the harvest, the promise, so they decided to “help” God. However, the season of God’s promise was cut short by their impatience. God worked it out anyway, but there were (and still are) complications.
I understand there are other ways of explaining “seasons”. After all, it IS important to know WHEN and WHERE to plant seeds. In my opinion, though, people can be a little TOO concerned about the when and where, to the point they don’t plant anywhere or anytime. That is NOT the will of God.
“I don’t want to waste my seed!” Who said you would?
GOD said, “whatever you sow, that shall you reap.” Go ahead, sow like that’s all you have to do!
But understand the Kingdom of God operates according to seed time and harvest; and every seed sown must have a season to grow. The bigger the promise, act, dream, whatever, the longer the season.
The season it is hidden from view.
The season where our patience is tried.
The season we stand and say with Habakkuk, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17,18
As believers in Jesus, we live in the Kingdom of God -” a land that the Lord your God cares for. He watches over it through each season of the year! (Deuteronomy 11:12 NLT)
“They (we)are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their (our) leaves never wither, and they (we) prosper in all they (we) do.” (Psalm 1:3 NLT)“Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”(2 Corinthians 9:6-10)
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT)
Remember, EVERY seed has its season. And, allowed to grow, the seed will produce after its kind!
Have you been planting? Are you patiently waiting?
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Hand Signals
Our marvelous hands.
Besides being used for the obvious, hands can be somehow linked to the mouth’s operation. Ever known a person who “couldn’t talk if their hands were tied”? Of course you have.
The hands may also signal a person’s intent. Understanding “hand signals” people use can be key to knowing a person’s motive or desire. Specifically, how and where their hand is placed ON you can reveal a lot.
For example, when someone places their hand…
On your head, it’s to bless and encourage you, but…
Patting your head could mean they are patronizing you.
On your mouth, they’re attempting to stifle you
On your neck, prepare to be choked
On your shoulder, it’s a sign they agree with you, unless…
The hand roughly squeezes the shoulder, pushing. Disgust and mad
On your arm, companionship
Hand in hand, covenant
On your chest, making a point
On your back, consoling and loving
On your belly, humor at your expense…
In your belly, well, you know what that means
On your hips, are they that good of friend?
On your rear end, well, depends on how long it lingers
On your legs and ankles, you are being held backBut under your feet, you’re being lifted to new heights.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”(Isaiah 41:10 NLT)
See also Deut. 33:27; Psalm 18:48
His hand is mighty to save!
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Little Miss Tipsy
The other evening my wife and I had supper with some friends at their house.
As we were finishing our meal, our friends’ son and daughter-in-law stopped by to drop off their dog for the weekend, while they went out of town.
Little Miss Tipsy. Part dachshund and part something else, she sure was a cute little thing.
Now, you may not know this about me, but I love dogs! I really do! And anytime I get to interact with a dog (in a fun and friendly way) I’m just a couple of steps away from heaven!
I love dogs.
Maybe I came on a little too friendly with Tipsy, maybe not. But she would not let me get close to her all evening.
Until we were ready to leave.
Then, all of a sudden, I’m okay! She let me take her picture, rub her ears, and scratch her belly. Fear gave way to trust.
People are kind of like Little Miss Tipsy. Come on too strong to someone you just meet, and it becomes fairly difficult to build trust. People are wary of someone who comes at them with a hidden agenda, even if there really isn’t one.
But if you’ll take the time and just visit with someone new, keeping your “hands” to yourself, people will be much more receptive.
See, my attempts to get Tipsy to like me was more for my benefit than hers. I had a need to play with her. That was my agenda. She wasn’t ready for that. So she kept running from me.
If I’ll remember Little Miss Tipsy the next time I meet someone new, and keep my need to be liked and noticed in its rightful place, I will have a better chance of gaining a new friend.
And that’s just a couple of steps from heaven.
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How May We Help You?
How May We Help You?
You are a leader!
A leader of men and women, boys and girls. A leader for God in His Kingdom on Earth, and in the future, Heaven. You have heard the call of God and have sensed His anointing and His direction.
You are a leader!
You’re passionate about what you know and believe. Your heart is for God and all the things He loves. You hunger to see people of all ages and ethnicities come into His kingdom. You pray for the lost, for laborers, and for wisdom and revelation from the Spirit of God.
You are a leader!
Caring for those around you, mentoring and discipling new believers, ministering love and grace to the broken; that’s what you do. Restoring the fallen, encouraging the downtrodden, and weeping with those who grieve; that’s your calling, not your occupation.
You are a leader!
Whether anyone follows or not, you are a leader! Though some may violate you with slander, gossip, and even physical attacks, you are a leader! You know your course, you have His Word, you live by faith, and have hope as an anchor for your soul.
You are a leader!
You seek God for the right word and the “now” timing where Heaven and Earth connect and lives are eternally changed. You believe God calls, sends, and anoints people for specific places and seasons, to join in the work of the Kingdom of God and the local church.
You are a leader!
You believe God. You preach God. You love God. You know God.
And I honor you.
So, how may we help you?
How can my wife and I come alongside you and what God is doing in your area; and lend a helping hand? God has anointed us to help others in different ways. Preaching and demonstrating encouragement, leading people in worship and mentoring worship leaders and teams.
How may we help you?
We believe God wants to do something great through you! Something greater than you or I can even imagine. We believe He is able to do exceeding, abundantly, above all we ask or even think!
So, how may we help you?
We’ve been in the pastoral trenches for 18 total years. We understand the dynamics between pioneering a church and pastoring an established work. We know the struggles of pastoring a church while working full time outside the church, as well as the different issues a “full-time” pastor experiences.
How may we help you?
We know the pain of failure and the joy of restoration. We’ve witnessed the attacks of the evil one and the victory that comes from Jesus, and His Church. We have spent hours listening to the hurts, and to the dreams, of leaders just like you. We don’t have any magic answers, but we do have time to listen.
So, how may we help you?
You are a leader! May we come alongside you and help?
We would love to!
You may contact us by replying to this message. Or you may use Facebook messaging.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
