I know the Lord is taking His people to a new place. The only trouble is that we don’t seem to know the way. Many feel that they have been at a dead end. I have felt the same. And so when I am not sure of the next step, the only thing left to do is to stop and offer myself again to the Lord, and invite the Lord to search me and try me and see if there are any hurtful ways in me and then lead me in the way everlasting.
I wrestled all day yesterday trying to write this post. I was restless and frustrated. Then I laid my head down on the pillow it came to me. The way through is to enter His rest and abide in Christ. When I come to a dead end then He must become the door.
Some of the ancient rabbis used to teach that when the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies, he was not able to actually go in unless the Lord reached out and pulled Him through the veil. There was no split in the veil and so the priest would literally be translated through the veil into the Holiest of all. In other words, the only way through the veil was by a supernatural drawing in from the Father. There are some places one cannot "go"; you must be "taken" there.
God is bringing His people to a purer expression of what it means to be His people. But that purer expression is on the other side of the veil of the flesh, of what is possible. It is in the land of the impossible, the realm of the Spirit. It cannot be accessed by striving. We must fall into the kingdom, and be pulled through the veil. There is way through but only in Him.
Even now God’s people are pressing up to the kingdom in an unprecedented way. But there seems to be a delay in going through. We are waiting for the arms of God to reach out and pull us through. We are also waiting for a deeper work of the Spirit to prepare us for the translation. We are going to the place to which there is no natural access. The next stop is the Kingdom and accessing it does not happen in the flesh. “Unless you have been born of water and spirit you cannot enter the Kingdom of God,” Jesus said in John 3.
We are at a dead end but we still have places to go. Much of what the Lord is doing in this hour is preparing a people to receive their inheritance. But that preparation is a heart work, a work of surrender, a fresh circumcision of the heart. “Prepare to come under the knife” the Spirit is saying. And as we do, we will find a deeper place of abiding. That place of deeper abiding is the new place He is taking us.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A few things I learned from an Amish community seeking the Kingdom of God.
Suzanne and I were privileged this weekend to visit an Amish community that was both open to outsiders and diligently seeking the kingdom of God. What an extraordinary privilege and blessing. We were not sure what to expect. We were invited by some friends from Boise to accompany a group on a ministry trip. We were pleasantly and profoundly blessed by what we encountered there.
There were a number of things that were particularly noteworthy. First of all, it was very evident that the community was full of God's love and that their hearts were open and tender. This was significant for two reasons. To begin with, the Amish are not actually known to be open to outsiders but this group has specifically purposed to open itself to relationships with other christian groups. Which introduces the second reason their openness is so surprising. This particular community has endured a bit of persecution and rejection by some other groups with similar backgrounds for being "too" open. Nevertheless, they have purposed to cleanse themselves of all bitterness and anger for being judged and misunderstood.
Another thing they are doing is thinking generationally. The Amish love children and it is evident from the size of the families as well as from the relative peace of so many living together. Right now they are seeking to raise funds to build a school which will double as a meeting hall and make room for the growing size of the congregation. There is a subtle but significant difference between building in order to grow and building to accommodate growth and purpose. All the families "home school." Home schooling is simply part of the family dynamic woven into the fabric of their lives. But they are also attempting to tap into the community of resources by drawing the children together in one place while still remaining under the same family values.
The Amish have always understood the power of community in raising their families to embrace their values. Now they are incorporating this understanding as they pursue the Kingdom of God. They instinctively know that the Kingdom of God is not just a Sunday topic but a reality that touches every part of life. The Amish live "community" every day. The Kingdom of God is not a religious commodity. It is a flow of life, an economy of love pursued in the atmosphere of heaven and yet touching the realities of every day living.
This Amish community has ceased to cling to exclusive traditions in favor of pursuing the eternal values of the Kingdom. They have not rejected their own culture. They are still Amish. But they are not making those traditions mandatory for inclusion in their community. They are pursuing the difficult and painful process of identifying and separating those distinctives that make them "Amish" from those which are foundational to the Kingdom. They are not building an Amish community but a Kingdom community. Therefore they are growing larger numerically, growing in understanding the Lord's heart and vision, growing in wisdom and stature and growing in impact. Obviously, growing pains are also part of the season but they do not dominate their time or attention.
Here is another significant reality. This Amish community is quickly becoming a "city of refuge" because they are cultivating an atmosphere that not only provides a place to live but a "safe place" to grow up into the likeness of Christ. They are abandoning the legalism of the past and growing in the grace of God. A safe place is where people can make mistakes and not be rejected or threatened for it. Rather they are instructed in the love of God towards wholeness and holiness. In times past this type of place has been relatively hard to find. But it seems that God is rebuilding the cities of refuge for the days to come. I believe the little Amish Community we visited this weekend is one such place.
There were a number of things that were particularly noteworthy. First of all, it was very evident that the community was full of God's love and that their hearts were open and tender. This was significant for two reasons. To begin with, the Amish are not actually known to be open to outsiders but this group has specifically purposed to open itself to relationships with other christian groups. Which introduces the second reason their openness is so surprising. This particular community has endured a bit of persecution and rejection by some other groups with similar backgrounds for being "too" open. Nevertheless, they have purposed to cleanse themselves of all bitterness and anger for being judged and misunderstood.
Another thing they are doing is thinking generationally. The Amish love children and it is evident from the size of the families as well as from the relative peace of so many living together. Right now they are seeking to raise funds to build a school which will double as a meeting hall and make room for the growing size of the congregation. There is a subtle but significant difference between building in order to grow and building to accommodate growth and purpose. All the families "home school." Home schooling is simply part of the family dynamic woven into the fabric of their lives. But they are also attempting to tap into the community of resources by drawing the children together in one place while still remaining under the same family values.
The Amish have always understood the power of community in raising their families to embrace their values. Now they are incorporating this understanding as they pursue the Kingdom of God. They instinctively know that the Kingdom of God is not just a Sunday topic but a reality that touches every part of life. The Amish live "community" every day. The Kingdom of God is not a religious commodity. It is a flow of life, an economy of love pursued in the atmosphere of heaven and yet touching the realities of every day living.
This Amish community has ceased to cling to exclusive traditions in favor of pursuing the eternal values of the Kingdom. They have not rejected their own culture. They are still Amish. But they are not making those traditions mandatory for inclusion in their community. They are pursuing the difficult and painful process of identifying and separating those distinctives that make them "Amish" from those which are foundational to the Kingdom. They are not building an Amish community but a Kingdom community. Therefore they are growing larger numerically, growing in understanding the Lord's heart and vision, growing in wisdom and stature and growing in impact. Obviously, growing pains are also part of the season but they do not dominate their time or attention.
Here is another significant reality. This Amish community is quickly becoming a "city of refuge" because they are cultivating an atmosphere that not only provides a place to live but a "safe place" to grow up into the likeness of Christ. They are abandoning the legalism of the past and growing in the grace of God. A safe place is where people can make mistakes and not be rejected or threatened for it. Rather they are instructed in the love of God towards wholeness and holiness. In times past this type of place has been relatively hard to find. But it seems that God is rebuilding the cities of refuge for the days to come. I believe the little Amish Community we visited this weekend is one such place.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Every Joint Supplies
Yesterday I met a man, a missionary to the nations, whose theology mirrored my own, but whose vision far exceeded mine. As he shared he opened up new realms in my understanding and perception of the Kingdom of God. He was a man of conviction and who clearly understood his assignment from the Lord. And though he was gentle and mild mannered when I first met him, once he began sharing, he was like a man on fire.
After listening to him for a while I had to stop him. I said, "I can't listen to anymore. I need to pray," and together we went up and began to engage the atmosphere of heaven and call out for an awakening in our region.
This encounter with a man who truly walks with a God given burden has changed me. I have been pondering the question of why it impacted me so much.
First of all, I did not come away with the feeling that he had an ax to grind. He did not make me feel guilty for not "winning souls." This wasn't brow beating.
I also did not feel it was just another person trying to build a ministry helping the poor or an attempt to get people to support something with their money. It was more than information about the plight of persecuted believers around the world.
It was even more than revelation. He brought an impartation of the Lord for awakening hearts to the opportunity to participate in God's global harvest. I came away with a burden for his burden. I left with a clearer vision of what God was doing and a burning heart to help carry the burden.
It has been a very long time since I experienced anything like this. Clearly, this man was not just trying to build his own ministry or even trying to make himself feel better for doing something. This burden did not originate with him. This ministry, Vision Beyond Borders, was not his idea. It was the burden of another given to him as a stewardship. I felt that Pat was not the only player in the picture but that clearly the Lord had something deep in his heart and he found a willing vessel who would share his heart and get something done about it.
When God anoints a ministry with a burden, it is clear and pure and it does not need a lot of hype to get it moving. It carries within itself a propulsion for movement and momentum. When God initiates the thing, God will propel it in partnership with his people and all who feel called will have opportunity to participate and "every joint will supply"!
After listening to him for a while I had to stop him. I said, "I can't listen to anymore. I need to pray," and together we went up and began to engage the atmosphere of heaven and call out for an awakening in our region.
This encounter with a man who truly walks with a God given burden has changed me. I have been pondering the question of why it impacted me so much.
First of all, I did not come away with the feeling that he had an ax to grind. He did not make me feel guilty for not "winning souls." This wasn't brow beating.
I also did not feel it was just another person trying to build a ministry helping the poor or an attempt to get people to support something with their money. It was more than information about the plight of persecuted believers around the world.
It was even more than revelation. He brought an impartation of the Lord for awakening hearts to the opportunity to participate in God's global harvest. I came away with a burden for his burden. I left with a clearer vision of what God was doing and a burning heart to help carry the burden.
It has been a very long time since I experienced anything like this. Clearly, this man was not just trying to build his own ministry or even trying to make himself feel better for doing something. This burden did not originate with him. This ministry, Vision Beyond Borders, was not his idea. It was the burden of another given to him as a stewardship. I felt that Pat was not the only player in the picture but that clearly the Lord had something deep in his heart and he found a willing vessel who would share his heart and get something done about it.
When God anoints a ministry with a burden, it is clear and pure and it does not need a lot of hype to get it moving. It carries within itself a propulsion for movement and momentum. When God initiates the thing, God will propel it in partnership with his people and all who feel called will have opportunity to participate and "every joint will supply"!
Friday, November 13, 2009
What does God want?
I was journaling the other day and found myself facing that question again, "What does God want?" I was happy to be entertaining that question again because until I can answer it with some sense of integrity and assurance, what's the point of attempting anything. It so easy to start drifting away from what really matters... "Without a vision the people drift." (Brian's translation :)
I waited on the Lord... but not for very long. He seemed only too eager to answer the question. "I want My people to myself. I do not want my leaders interfering with what I am trying to do with them and in them."
God wants unhindered access to His people. God wants His people to gather in His presence and listen to His voice. God wants His people to be still and know Him. God wants His people to believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. God wants to be able to speak to His people without the use of an interpreter. God wants a people who are not afraid they are going to be deceived. (Fear of deception is a deception in itself.) God wants the veil lifted off the face of the bride.
There are many obstacles that hinder us from hearing the voice of God. None is greater than unbelief. We can hear God's voice... if we really want to! But it is our decision. A fundamental Biblical assertions is this: "They shall seek for Me and they shall find Me when they search for Me with all their heart." Jeremiah 29:13
"Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with Me." Rev. 3:20
I waited on the Lord... but not for very long. He seemed only too eager to answer the question. "I want My people to myself. I do not want my leaders interfering with what I am trying to do with them and in them."
God wants unhindered access to His people. God wants His people to gather in His presence and listen to His voice. God wants His people to be still and know Him. God wants His people to believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. God wants to be able to speak to His people without the use of an interpreter. God wants a people who are not afraid they are going to be deceived. (Fear of deception is a deception in itself.) God wants the veil lifted off the face of the bride.
There are many obstacles that hinder us from hearing the voice of God. None is greater than unbelief. We can hear God's voice... if we really want to! But it is our decision. A fundamental Biblical assertions is this: "They shall seek for Me and they shall find Me when they search for Me with all their heart." Jeremiah 29:13
"Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with Me." Rev. 3:20
Bringing forth Sons
God's word is a seed. When it finds fertile soil it sprouts and grows until it brings forth fruit. "The husbandman waits patiently for the precious fruit of the earth." The fruit God is looking for is the likeness of His Son.
The church is described in the Bible as the Bride of Christ. Isaiah 66 and Revelation 12 both portray God's people as being "with child" and about ready to give birth. When the church gives birth to the seed of God, she always brings forth "her sons." The sons of God are God's answer to a world that is out of control.
Sometimes in the church's effort to help God fulfill His purpose she produces her own seed, with her own vision, her own understanding of the way things ought to be. When this happens, the church brings forth "the wind" but it does not "accomplish deliverance for the earth."
God is longing for a people who will simply draw near enough to Him to be impregnated with the Holy Seed of His word. The church is fond of experiences with God that cause her to experience goose bumps. She is not, however, fond of having experiences with God that leave her feeling uncomfortable. But the Lord is not satisfied with a church that is not serious about raising a family. God is a father, looking for His sons.
When the church draws near to the Lord with the intention of being impregnated with His Holy Word, she will take on a new form and a new glory and she shall bring forth her sons and the teetering earth will rejoice.
The church is described in the Bible as the Bride of Christ. Isaiah 66 and Revelation 12 both portray God's people as being "with child" and about ready to give birth. When the church gives birth to the seed of God, she always brings forth "her sons." The sons of God are God's answer to a world that is out of control.
Sometimes in the church's effort to help God fulfill His purpose she produces her own seed, with her own vision, her own understanding of the way things ought to be. When this happens, the church brings forth "the wind" but it does not "accomplish deliverance for the earth."
God is longing for a people who will simply draw near enough to Him to be impregnated with the Holy Seed of His word. The church is fond of experiences with God that cause her to experience goose bumps. She is not, however, fond of having experiences with God that leave her feeling uncomfortable. But the Lord is not satisfied with a church that is not serious about raising a family. God is a father, looking for His sons.
When the church draws near to the Lord with the intention of being impregnated with His Holy Word, she will take on a new form and a new glory and she shall bring forth her sons and the teetering earth will rejoice.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Transition
I am in transition and it does not feel very comfortable. At present I am no longer the pastor of Father's House, a position I have held since we started the ministry 11 years ago. We are in the process of launching an itinerant ministry to the broader Body of Christ but as yet we have not left home to do anything. It has only been a few days but it is a very interesting feeling not actually being able to say exactly what one does. It is a little bit like walking on water, there is nothing of substance under my feet. I just have to believe that I heard God when He said, leave your comfort zone and come to me here." Right now I'm just trying to keep my eyes on Him and walk.
Today in prayer I was trying to get a bearing on where I was going. But all my questions seemed unimportant. I realized that to ask Him about my ministry was no longer pertinent to the place I am trying to reach in His heart. As inquiries came to my mind in prayer, I found them benign of any significant meaning. And then I asked a question I have never thought to ask before. "Father, what is it that you really want?"
I did not hear anything but the question lingered in my heart. I got up feeling that I was asking the right question even if I hadn't received an answer.
Today in prayer I was trying to get a bearing on where I was going. But all my questions seemed unimportant. I realized that to ask Him about my ministry was no longer pertinent to the place I am trying to reach in His heart. As inquiries came to my mind in prayer, I found them benign of any significant meaning. And then I asked a question I have never thought to ask before. "Father, what is it that you really want?"
I did not hear anything but the question lingered in my heart. I got up feeling that I was asking the right question even if I hadn't received an answer.
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