"When I am praying the most eloquently, I am getting the least accomplished in my prayer life. But when I stop getting eloquent and give God less theology and shut up and just gaze upward and wait for God to speak to my heart He speaks with such power that I have to grab a pencil and a notebook and take notes on what God is saying to my heart."
A.W. Tozer
Brothers,
Let us set aside all formality and posturing...let's pursue God with bold hunger and child-like simplicity.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Do I Know Him? 53 Days to go...
Brothers,
I John 2:3-6
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
I recently read of a situation that occurred when the great English missionary C.T. Studd attended a Keswick Convention in the late 1800's. F.B. Meyer who was a great speaker, called Studd up to share how God was working in Africa. Meyer reports that in a short 15 minute testimony, the power of the Holy Spirit fell on the crowd of over 7,000 ministers to the extent that some were crying out loudly. Meyer, who was a great speaker in his own power, knew that Studd possessed something that he himself did not have.
Very early the next morning, Meyer sought out Studd who had already been awake for hours. Meyer asked Studd how long he had been up and Studd replied that he got up very early to search the scripture to seek out as many of Christ's commands as possible. He simply stated that he was going through Christ's commands one-by-one and realizing how many of the keys to different areas in his life he was holding back. When Meyer asked him the secret of his power, Studd replied that each day it was necessary to surrender to Christ the key to every single area of his life...only then, could the power of the Holy Spirit flow through him.
Dr. Stephen Olford picks up the story and reports that shortly after Meyer's encounter with Studd, Meyer recognized his own selfishness had kept many areas of his life apart from Christ. In humility and brokenness, he cried out to God that "although I am not willing, I am willing to be made willing." God answered his prayer and Meyer went on to become one of England's greatest preachers, filled with the Holy Spirit. He credits the testimony of C.T. Studd to leading him to his own encounter with God where he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
When was the last time your heart was stirred and warmed by the Holy Spirit? Is what we call "Christianity" even worthy to be compared with the abundant life that Christ promised to His true followers?
As Canton draws close, let each one of us examine ourselves in light of the following quote. I am starting to see that this will cost me everything...it means death to my flesh and my flesh resists this with all the power of hell. Let's continue to pray for each other even more as our trip draws near. Do you know Him?
"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined.
Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship.Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be
alone with the New Testament."
- Soren Kierkegaard
I John 2:3-6
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
I recently read of a situation that occurred when the great English missionary C.T. Studd attended a Keswick Convention in the late 1800's. F.B. Meyer who was a great speaker, called Studd up to share how God was working in Africa. Meyer reports that in a short 15 minute testimony, the power of the Holy Spirit fell on the crowd of over 7,000 ministers to the extent that some were crying out loudly. Meyer, who was a great speaker in his own power, knew that Studd possessed something that he himself did not have.
Very early the next morning, Meyer sought out Studd who had already been awake for hours. Meyer asked Studd how long he had been up and Studd replied that he got up very early to search the scripture to seek out as many of Christ's commands as possible. He simply stated that he was going through Christ's commands one-by-one and realizing how many of the keys to different areas in his life he was holding back. When Meyer asked him the secret of his power, Studd replied that each day it was necessary to surrender to Christ the key to every single area of his life...only then, could the power of the Holy Spirit flow through him.
Dr. Stephen Olford picks up the story and reports that shortly after Meyer's encounter with Studd, Meyer recognized his own selfishness had kept many areas of his life apart from Christ. In humility and brokenness, he cried out to God that "although I am not willing, I am willing to be made willing." God answered his prayer and Meyer went on to become one of England's greatest preachers, filled with the Holy Spirit. He credits the testimony of C.T. Studd to leading him to his own encounter with God where he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
When was the last time your heart was stirred and warmed by the Holy Spirit? Is what we call "Christianity" even worthy to be compared with the abundant life that Christ promised to His true followers?
As Canton draws close, let each one of us examine ourselves in light of the following quote. I am starting to see that this will cost me everything...it means death to my flesh and my flesh resists this with all the power of hell. Let's continue to pray for each other even more as our trip draws near. Do you know Him?
"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined.
Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship.Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be
alone with the New Testament."
- Soren Kierkegaard
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Bothers,
I can very much relate to what Steve recently posted. All the more reason to get more serious about our prayer life. I will be home on Sat. We are in Wisconsin after leaving Dave (my son) at Bethany in Minn. God is so good. I found a book at the college which has really been sent from God. I think it was written for me. I will explain later.
Press on brothers. The battle will get more intense. PRAY !!
I have to go now. My daughter Laura is the next one to be dropped off to begin the worship school.
your brother in the battle
Bill
I can very much relate to what Steve recently posted. All the more reason to get more serious about our prayer life. I will be home on Sat. We are in Wisconsin after leaving Dave (my son) at Bethany in Minn. God is so good. I found a book at the college which has really been sent from God. I think it was written for me. I will explain later.
Press on brothers. The battle will get more intense. PRAY !!
I have to go now. My daughter Laura is the next one to be dropped off to begin the worship school.
your brother in the battle
Bill
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Are You Prepared for War? 56 Days to Go...
Greetings Brothers,
I just received an email from our brother Billy in Richmond and he stated that ever since he committed to attend the Revival Conference, our enemy has been hard at work in his life to disrupt and distract.
For me, the past two weeks have been chaotic, confusing, exhausting and stressful. I sensed more and more that I was extremely pressed for time in so many different areas and yet couldn't buckle down and get everything done. For the first time in my life I had a major outbreak of poison ivy which caused me great physical discomfort and this just added more stress and frustration. It seemed that every day was an exercise in endurance just to make it to the end and fall exhausted into bed.
So what did I do? I did the only reasonable and responsible thing. I started sleeping in as long as I could and this of course immediately short-circuited the spiritual high I had been riding as I had formerly been jumping out of bed early and digging into the Word. My prayer time that had been steadily growing more vibrant was, once again, disrupted and I reverted back into the old familiar pattern of a few guilty minutes trying to cram in a selfish wish-list that was primarily all about me? My empty prayers just multiplied my frustration and within a few days I found the newspaper more interesting for the few minutes I had before work.
The sad thing is, I was blissfully unaware of anything "out of the ordinary" and chalked everything up to just being busy....busy....busy. As I think back, when my priorities were right and I was rising early and getting less sleep, somehow I managed to accomplish more. I was reminded of Luther's quote: "Work, work, work, from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer."
If the enemy had come at me while I was riding the crest of a spiritual high, with an obvious frontal assault, I believe I would have recognized it and not lost the past two weeks. But he is so sly and so experienced. He knows that my greatest strength can be twisted to become my greatest weakness. As I walk the tightrope between being a responsible husband, father, and employee and overcommitment and burnout, the enemy slowly shifts my eyes from my Savior, to my responsibilities and commitments. As I start of focus on all the things that I have to do, he quietly whispers that it is impossible to do everything so something must go. My flesh eagerly selects my devotion and quiet time because that is the hardest work of my day....and it is secret work that my flesh convinces me nobody will ever miss. So I cut a half-hour here, and stay in bed an hour longer there...all for a good reason. I am tired!
My Heavenly Father says that when I am weak, He is strong...that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. But I am oblivious to this truth because it is the opposite to what my flesh desires.
I must confess that for the past two weeks I have been a poor excuse for soldier. I walk into my day exposed without armor and am surprised when my everyday life beats me to a pulp. I am thankful to be back in the fight and as Billy reminded me today, we should expect the enemy to do whatever is possible to derail us on our way to Canton. Let's continue to uphold one another in prayer...especially as the conference draws close.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…" (Ephesians 6:10-14)
In closing, notice the link on the right side under "A Pastor's Struggle". Read the account of a godly pastor from over 15o years ago and ask yourself...Am I prepared for war?
Your brother....back in the battle...Steve
I just received an email from our brother Billy in Richmond and he stated that ever since he committed to attend the Revival Conference, our enemy has been hard at work in his life to disrupt and distract.
For me, the past two weeks have been chaotic, confusing, exhausting and stressful. I sensed more and more that I was extremely pressed for time in so many different areas and yet couldn't buckle down and get everything done. For the first time in my life I had a major outbreak of poison ivy which caused me great physical discomfort and this just added more stress and frustration. It seemed that every day was an exercise in endurance just to make it to the end and fall exhausted into bed.
So what did I do? I did the only reasonable and responsible thing. I started sleeping in as long as I could and this of course immediately short-circuited the spiritual high I had been riding as I had formerly been jumping out of bed early and digging into the Word. My prayer time that had been steadily growing more vibrant was, once again, disrupted and I reverted back into the old familiar pattern of a few guilty minutes trying to cram in a selfish wish-list that was primarily all about me? My empty prayers just multiplied my frustration and within a few days I found the newspaper more interesting for the few minutes I had before work.
The sad thing is, I was blissfully unaware of anything "out of the ordinary" and chalked everything up to just being busy....busy....busy. As I think back, when my priorities were right and I was rising early and getting less sleep, somehow I managed to accomplish more. I was reminded of Luther's quote: "Work, work, work, from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer."
If the enemy had come at me while I was riding the crest of a spiritual high, with an obvious frontal assault, I believe I would have recognized it and not lost the past two weeks. But he is so sly and so experienced. He knows that my greatest strength can be twisted to become my greatest weakness. As I walk the tightrope between being a responsible husband, father, and employee and overcommitment and burnout, the enemy slowly shifts my eyes from my Savior, to my responsibilities and commitments. As I start of focus on all the things that I have to do, he quietly whispers that it is impossible to do everything so something must go. My flesh eagerly selects my devotion and quiet time because that is the hardest work of my day....and it is secret work that my flesh convinces me nobody will ever miss. So I cut a half-hour here, and stay in bed an hour longer there...all for a good reason. I am tired!
My Heavenly Father says that when I am weak, He is strong...that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. But I am oblivious to this truth because it is the opposite to what my flesh desires.
I must confess that for the past two weeks I have been a poor excuse for soldier. I walk into my day exposed without armor and am surprised when my everyday life beats me to a pulp. I am thankful to be back in the fight and as Billy reminded me today, we should expect the enemy to do whatever is possible to derail us on our way to Canton. Let's continue to uphold one another in prayer...especially as the conference draws close.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…" (Ephesians 6:10-14)
In closing, notice the link on the right side under "A Pastor's Struggle". Read the account of a godly pastor from over 15o years ago and ask yourself...Am I prepared for war?
Your brother....back in the battle...Steve
Friday, August 24, 2007
Be Broken, Be Real and walk with God
Brothers, I am finally ready to give you my thoughts for the day. Today... I have walked with God. I really did ! I had a 5 km (3 miles for you non metric brothers) walk this morning. I had my Ipod and listened to the featured sermon from sermonindex.com. Gerhard Du Toit-The Burden Of God Brings Brokenness. God spoke. I listened. I have made the decision to move forward. That may sound almost silly to some of you, but if you new my heart like God knows my heart you would understand. I need to be broken. I need to see me and my sin and my life as God sees it. Today I walked with God. Today I choose to follow Him. Today I choose to obey Him. I know it is all or nothing. The problem was that I knew that. I knew That Jesus isn't and never will be interseted in just part of me or even most of me.... It is all or nothing. I have been so confronted with this reality for the last few weeks and also with my ability to get busy with family , business and life that I can avoid the confrontation of making that big decision to give God my all. Oh that is a painful and lonely place to live. To know the truth and to try to live in such a way as to avoid it or pretend that it may be a noble thing for some but not essential for me. I have been the most unhappy and miserable human being on the planet. ( it is easy today to be real and honest with my brothers only because I have started my day with being real honest with God ) .
Brothers, I urge you to go to sermonindex.com and find this message. Shut your door. Get on your knees. Open your mind and your heart, and let God speak. Maybe the message was put there for only me to hear (I doubt that very much), but I think that every brother on this blog will be blessed (and broken).
We are heading to Canton. We are praying for and expecting God to bring REVIVAL. HE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU AND ME. it starts in OUR heart.
Today I walked with God. I am ready to move forward. I WILL pray for my brothers today. If you do listen to this sermon (with your door closed,on your knees and with an open heart) , please post your thoughts on this blog. There is something special about sharing with each other this journey that God is taking us on. Please continue to pray for me and my family. I will try to be more regular with these postings, as God leads. I will be away for one week starting tomorrow. We are taking my son Dave to Bethany College of Missions , and my daughter Laura is going to Living Light School of Worship. What a blessing. God is so good and faithful in spite of me. Please pray for Dave and Laura as they seek God.
Your brother in the battle,
Bill
Brothers, I urge you to go to sermonindex.com and find this message. Shut your door. Get on your knees. Open your mind and your heart, and let God speak. Maybe the message was put there for only me to hear (I doubt that very much), but I think that every brother on this blog will be blessed (and broken).
We are heading to Canton. We are praying for and expecting God to bring REVIVAL. HE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU AND ME. it starts in OUR heart.
Today I walked with God. I am ready to move forward. I WILL pray for my brothers today. If you do listen to this sermon (with your door closed,on your knees and with an open heart) , please post your thoughts on this blog. There is something special about sharing with each other this journey that God is taking us on. Please continue to pray for me and my family. I will try to be more regular with these postings, as God leads. I will be away for one week starting tomorrow. We are taking my son Dave to Bethany College of Missions , and my daughter Laura is going to Living Light School of Worship. What a blessing. God is so good and faithful in spite of me. Please pray for Dave and Laura as they seek God.
Your brother in the battle,
Bill
Monday, August 13, 2007
71 Days to Prepare Your Heart...Will You Be Ready?
Brothers,
Consider the following quote from Winston Churchill:
"To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared and unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour."
Could the revival conference be one of these special moments in your life? With the days counting down, how can we make sure that our hearts are prepared for what God will reveal to us in October? In line with Bill's previous post, a great place to start is to pray with the Psalmist,
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Ps.139:23,24
Let us trust God to do His work and reveal to us anything that is hindering His Spirit's work in our lives. Once revealed, the next question is directed to us: Are we willing to do whatever is necessary to deal with these wicked ways? I recently heard the testimony of a pastor who was present in the revival that swept Western Canada in the early 70's. He stated that revival is for the Christian. God has no problem saving sinners if he can just get the Body of Christ on praying ground...willing to deal quickly and decisively with any sin revealed by the Holy Spirit.
Any man considering the journey to Canton must first take the journey deep into his own heart and be willing to do the hard work of confronting what is revealed to him there. I pray that the Spirit will restrain any man from coming who is willingly hardening his heart against the Spirit's revelation. The stakes are simply too high and who knows what the future holds? Perhaps we are on the brink of God once again pouring out his love and power on His church. If it is to be, we must remember Peter's caution:
"For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God: and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God?" I Peter 4:17
I confess that many times I have kept God at arm's length because of fear. I fear what it will mean to MY reputation and MY status, and MY pride...to let God have His way completely in my life. As I prepare for the revival conference I recognize so much selfish pride that God must deal with. I must be prepared to go to Canton completely and wholeheartedly sensitive only to the Holy Spirit. I cannot worry about what even my closest brothers will think of me...I must be prepared to hear from God and then respond. I am so encouraged to have you with me on this journey.
Let us continue to hold one another up in prayer.
Your brother in the battle, Steve
Consider the following quote from Winston Churchill:
"To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared and unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour."
Could the revival conference be one of these special moments in your life? With the days counting down, how can we make sure that our hearts are prepared for what God will reveal to us in October? In line with Bill's previous post, a great place to start is to pray with the Psalmist,
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Ps.139:23,24
Let us trust God to do His work and reveal to us anything that is hindering His Spirit's work in our lives. Once revealed, the next question is directed to us: Are we willing to do whatever is necessary to deal with these wicked ways? I recently heard the testimony of a pastor who was present in the revival that swept Western Canada in the early 70's. He stated that revival is for the Christian. God has no problem saving sinners if he can just get the Body of Christ on praying ground...willing to deal quickly and decisively with any sin revealed by the Holy Spirit.
Any man considering the journey to Canton must first take the journey deep into his own heart and be willing to do the hard work of confronting what is revealed to him there. I pray that the Spirit will restrain any man from coming who is willingly hardening his heart against the Spirit's revelation. The stakes are simply too high and who knows what the future holds? Perhaps we are on the brink of God once again pouring out his love and power on His church. If it is to be, we must remember Peter's caution:
"For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God: and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God?" I Peter 4:17
I confess that many times I have kept God at arm's length because of fear. I fear what it will mean to MY reputation and MY status, and MY pride...to let God have His way completely in my life. As I prepare for the revival conference I recognize so much selfish pride that God must deal with. I must be prepared to go to Canton completely and wholeheartedly sensitive only to the Holy Spirit. I cannot worry about what even my closest brothers will think of me...I must be prepared to hear from God and then respond. I am so encouraged to have you with me on this journey.
Let us continue to hold one another up in prayer.
Your brother in the battle, Steve
Sunday, August 12, 2007
A time for honesty...BE REAL !!
Brothers,
It has been a couple of weeks since I have been able to put my thoughts on our blog. There are 2 reasons for this. One- I was away for about a week to Atlanta with my wife on a company trip and not getting access to a computor. Great time away. The main reason and the honest REAL reason is that I dont want to be a fraud. Was it the enemy whispering in my ear and calling me an imposter or was it my natural mind telling me that I just dont measure up ? I do not want to be a phony !! I have had some intense struggles with my walk lately. I know that this revival conference is leading us to places we have never been. I want to go there. I want all that God has for me. I want to have righteous relationship with my heavenly father. I want to walk with God. I want to REALLY talk with God. I want God to be pleased with me. I want to know his presence. I want it all. But.... have I really counted the cost ? It became apparrent to me that there are things in my life life that I couldnt HONESTLY say to my Lord that I am willing to do without. There are areas that have been ignored that will be exposed before the judgement seat that would scream FRAUD. These must be dealt with NOW. Brothers have we really wanted God to show us the cost of this journey ? God will accept nothing less than our all. That is costly. A living sacrifice is what Paul calls us to in Romans 12. You and I are alive so we at least have that part licked. How about the sacrfice part. Dennis Ignatius ( Fire Begets Fire Ministries ) in his recent devotional said, " A sacrifice that costs us nothing is really no sacrifice at all, isn't it? And yet, how many times have we offered to the Lord that which costs us nothing? " Brothers , that is what I am talking about. I needed to count the cost and have come to the conclusion that I must make some crucial decisions first.
Here are some thoughts from my time with God today:
We don't need more of God... God needs more of me.
When you want to truely follow Jesus there will always be a life and death battle.
What is of more value? My earthly crowns or my heavenly crown?
What are my "idols" that get in the way of God, or take the place of my God?
How much room for God do I have in my life?
Malachi 1:10
Luke 11:13
Judges 6:13
The refiners fire has brought some more junk to the surface and it has taken some time to REALLY deal with it. It HAS been dealt with ! Am I prepared to be purged? YES YES YES. The cost is nothing compared to the JOY of being right before my Lord. Praise God for his mercy, his grace, his patience and unfailing , unconditional love for us. I am ready to march on.
Brothers, I want to be honest before God and my brothers. I want to be in the battle and not just watch from a distance or claim that I am I am a soldier because I sound like one or look like one. I must BE one. Our Lord, our Commander in Chief, is putting out the call for all true soldiers to stand up. Revival is coming ! We don't need more " chocolate soldiers " as C. T. Studd called them, but REAL men of God. Count the cost. ( It is your very life ). I am ready to move on. I am aware that the refiners fire will burn again in my life and I am willing to BE real when that happens. Brothers we need to be even more in prayer for each other. Even after satan had lost the battle with our Lord with the temptations for 40 days, he said he would watch and wait for an opportune time to return ( Luke 4:13 ). If he would return to try to tempt even our Lord, how much more eager is he to think that defeating us will be only a matter of waiting for the next weak moment or slip up we have. Put on the full armor of God . Stand firm. (1 Peter 4:7 ....so that you can pray)
This has been good for me to share with you but more than anything I ask you to continue to pray for me and my family. We have had our share of excitement over the last few weeks. 4 teenagers in the house says it all. Thank you for being on this journey with me. I look forward to sharing more as I move forward to where God is leading.
Your brother in the battle,
Bill
It has been a couple of weeks since I have been able to put my thoughts on our blog. There are 2 reasons for this. One- I was away for about a week to Atlanta with my wife on a company trip and not getting access to a computor. Great time away. The main reason and the honest REAL reason is that I dont want to be a fraud. Was it the enemy whispering in my ear and calling me an imposter or was it my natural mind telling me that I just dont measure up ? I do not want to be a phony !! I have had some intense struggles with my walk lately. I know that this revival conference is leading us to places we have never been. I want to go there. I want all that God has for me. I want to have righteous relationship with my heavenly father. I want to walk with God. I want to REALLY talk with God. I want God to be pleased with me. I want to know his presence. I want it all. But.... have I really counted the cost ? It became apparrent to me that there are things in my life life that I couldnt HONESTLY say to my Lord that I am willing to do without. There are areas that have been ignored that will be exposed before the judgement seat that would scream FRAUD. These must be dealt with NOW. Brothers have we really wanted God to show us the cost of this journey ? God will accept nothing less than our all. That is costly. A living sacrifice is what Paul calls us to in Romans 12. You and I are alive so we at least have that part licked. How about the sacrfice part. Dennis Ignatius ( Fire Begets Fire Ministries ) in his recent devotional said, " A sacrifice that costs us nothing is really no sacrifice at all, isn't it? And yet, how many times have we offered to the Lord that which costs us nothing? " Brothers , that is what I am talking about. I needed to count the cost and have come to the conclusion that I must make some crucial decisions first.
Here are some thoughts from my time with God today:
We don't need more of God... God needs more of me.
When you want to truely follow Jesus there will always be a life and death battle.
What is of more value? My earthly crowns or my heavenly crown?
What are my "idols" that get in the way of God, or take the place of my God?
How much room for God do I have in my life?
Malachi 1:10
Luke 11:13
Judges 6:13
The refiners fire has brought some more junk to the surface and it has taken some time to REALLY deal with it. It HAS been dealt with ! Am I prepared to be purged? YES YES YES. The cost is nothing compared to the JOY of being right before my Lord. Praise God for his mercy, his grace, his patience and unfailing , unconditional love for us. I am ready to march on.
Brothers, I want to be honest before God and my brothers. I want to be in the battle and not just watch from a distance or claim that I am I am a soldier because I sound like one or look like one. I must BE one. Our Lord, our Commander in Chief, is putting out the call for all true soldiers to stand up. Revival is coming ! We don't need more " chocolate soldiers " as C. T. Studd called them, but REAL men of God. Count the cost. ( It is your very life ). I am ready to move on. I am aware that the refiners fire will burn again in my life and I am willing to BE real when that happens. Brothers we need to be even more in prayer for each other. Even after satan had lost the battle with our Lord with the temptations for 40 days, he said he would watch and wait for an opportune time to return ( Luke 4:13 ). If he would return to try to tempt even our Lord, how much more eager is he to think that defeating us will be only a matter of waiting for the next weak moment or slip up we have. Put on the full armor of God . Stand firm. (1 Peter 4:7 ....so that you can pray)
This has been good for me to share with you but more than anything I ask you to continue to pray for me and my family. We have had our share of excitement over the last few weeks. 4 teenagers in the house says it all. Thank you for being on this journey with me. I look forward to sharing more as I move forward to where God is leading.
Your brother in the battle,
Bill
Introducing Our Newest Member
Greetings Brothers,
Welcome Frank L. of Lynchburg VA to our group. I have the amazing privilege of being married to one of his 4 daughters. He has an amazing testimony of a life redeemed from violence, gambling and substance abuse. In past years he has been a traveling evangelist, businessman, NCAA golf coach and he now devotes much of his time to spreading God's Word through the Gideon's ministry. He recently sent me the following encouraging email that is a great testimony to how God answers prayer.
Frank writes:
Disappointment/Despair + Knees + Prayer = Glory to God
I remember the time that Lisa came home from high school crying. As the Lord would have it, I was at the door. Not only was this unusual, being home that time of day was unbelievable in its own right.
"What is wrong, Lisa?" "Dad, I turned in my biology paper today about how life began. Although I gave the evolution story, I also said I believed God did it just like the Bible said He did it." "What happened?" I asked. "That was when the ridicule began. I was told that educated people know better."
"So, Dad, am I to believe you or the science people who know about these things?" "Honey, I really don't have an answer for you."
With that comment of disappointment and despair, I turned and walked down our hallway to my bedroom. I dropped on my knees at the bedside. With tears flowing down my face, I looked up to the ceiling as though God were looking down and would answer me. I cried out, "God, I don't know what to believe. What am I going to do. I taught my children the Bible and the Genesis version of creation. Now, educated people are making fun of my daughter for it."
Just then, Carol yelled down the hall, "Frank, someone is at the door for you." I dried my tears, stood up, and moved to the door with a heavy heart. At the door was a person I did not recall ever meeting before that day. They handed me my first Acts and Facts, pamphlet. I could not believe my eyes. The headline read: Thousands of Scientist Refute Evolution's Claims. I began to read about The Creation Research Society, located in San Diego, CA. My heart jumped and joy filled my soul.
The point of my story is this. It took me going to my knees with a sincere cry to God for an answer. My disappointment and our daughter's embarrassment brought about a new chapter in my family's spiritual growth. One more piece of the puzzle was in place that would eventually move us 640 miles away from my six member family's Indiana place of birth. Soon, I had printed materials for a new group called, American's For Scientific Knowledge in Schools.
ASKS was formed to bring more Special Creation Scientific information to our community. We not only educated folks with materials, soon an Evolution vs Creation debate was scheduled at Vincennes University. Dwayn Gish came to town, a prominent Creationist debater. He won the debate hands down, to the amazement of a full house of students and lots of the area's curious observers. It was scary and many thought ridiculous to do. However, God got the glory that night and my faith grew.
While on our way back to the airport, I asked Dr. Gish why a national debate had never been done. He said it was too expensive. I stopped the car and asked, "How about Jerry Falwell's Old Time Gospel Hour having one?" Dr. Gish said, "I doubt it. It is just to costly to do on national TV."We prayed for God to please find a way and I drove on to the airport not to think of it again. At that time, I had never met Dr. Jerry Falwell and had only viewed his program. After all, I had no intention to ever leave our hometown. Like my father and his father, I intended to stay there and work the family business.
To meet Jerry Falwell seemed light years away from reality.Not only did God find a way to have a national debate on the Old Time Gospel Hour programing time, but by the time it actually happened, I had moved our family to Lynchburg, Virginia and was sitting in the audience. When Dr. Gish came down from the platform after his huge win for Special Creation, I stopped him and said, "Dr. Gish, do you remember me? I had prayer with you asking God for this would happen." He smiled and we hugged each other. We rejoiced together briefly.
Many more faith building experiences have occurred over the years, usually after great disappointment and much despair. Every revival must include people crying out to God and not being afraid to humbly drop down on knees. Despair and Disappointment is in the air in America. We may differ on our views as to why America is in trouble but if everyone came togther with a right heart attitude, who knows, God just may answer.
Chronicles 7:14 has been used many times to talk up revival but Christians will need to get humble, actually pray and seek God's face while turning away from their own wicked ways for real revival.
Welcome Frank L. of Lynchburg VA to our group. I have the amazing privilege of being married to one of his 4 daughters. He has an amazing testimony of a life redeemed from violence, gambling and substance abuse. In past years he has been a traveling evangelist, businessman, NCAA golf coach and he now devotes much of his time to spreading God's Word through the Gideon's ministry. He recently sent me the following encouraging email that is a great testimony to how God answers prayer.
Frank writes:
Disappointment/Despair + Knees + Prayer = Glory to God
I remember the time that Lisa came home from high school crying. As the Lord would have it, I was at the door. Not only was this unusual, being home that time of day was unbelievable in its own right.
"What is wrong, Lisa?" "Dad, I turned in my biology paper today about how life began. Although I gave the evolution story, I also said I believed God did it just like the Bible said He did it." "What happened?" I asked. "That was when the ridicule began. I was told that educated people know better."
"So, Dad, am I to believe you or the science people who know about these things?" "Honey, I really don't have an answer for you."
With that comment of disappointment and despair, I turned and walked down our hallway to my bedroom. I dropped on my knees at the bedside. With tears flowing down my face, I looked up to the ceiling as though God were looking down and would answer me. I cried out, "God, I don't know what to believe. What am I going to do. I taught my children the Bible and the Genesis version of creation. Now, educated people are making fun of my daughter for it."
Just then, Carol yelled down the hall, "Frank, someone is at the door for you." I dried my tears, stood up, and moved to the door with a heavy heart. At the door was a person I did not recall ever meeting before that day. They handed me my first Acts and Facts, pamphlet. I could not believe my eyes. The headline read: Thousands of Scientist Refute Evolution's Claims. I began to read about The Creation Research Society, located in San Diego, CA. My heart jumped and joy filled my soul.
The point of my story is this. It took me going to my knees with a sincere cry to God for an answer. My disappointment and our daughter's embarrassment brought about a new chapter in my family's spiritual growth. One more piece of the puzzle was in place that would eventually move us 640 miles away from my six member family's Indiana place of birth. Soon, I had printed materials for a new group called, American's For Scientific Knowledge in Schools.
ASKS was formed to bring more Special Creation Scientific information to our community. We not only educated folks with materials, soon an Evolution vs Creation debate was scheduled at Vincennes University. Dwayn Gish came to town, a prominent Creationist debater. He won the debate hands down, to the amazement of a full house of students and lots of the area's curious observers. It was scary and many thought ridiculous to do. However, God got the glory that night and my faith grew.
While on our way back to the airport, I asked Dr. Gish why a national debate had never been done. He said it was too expensive. I stopped the car and asked, "How about Jerry Falwell's Old Time Gospel Hour having one?" Dr. Gish said, "I doubt it. It is just to costly to do on national TV."We prayed for God to please find a way and I drove on to the airport not to think of it again. At that time, I had never met Dr. Jerry Falwell and had only viewed his program. After all, I had no intention to ever leave our hometown. Like my father and his father, I intended to stay there and work the family business.
To meet Jerry Falwell seemed light years away from reality.Not only did God find a way to have a national debate on the Old Time Gospel Hour programing time, but by the time it actually happened, I had moved our family to Lynchburg, Virginia and was sitting in the audience. When Dr. Gish came down from the platform after his huge win for Special Creation, I stopped him and said, "Dr. Gish, do you remember me? I had prayer with you asking God for this would happen." He smiled and we hugged each other. We rejoiced together briefly.
Many more faith building experiences have occurred over the years, usually after great disappointment and much despair. Every revival must include people crying out to God and not being afraid to humbly drop down on knees. Despair and Disappointment is in the air in America. We may differ on our views as to why America is in trouble but if everyone came togther with a right heart attitude, who knows, God just may answer.
Chronicles 7:14 has been used many times to talk up revival but Christians will need to get humble, actually pray and seek God's face while turning away from their own wicked ways for real revival.
72 Days To Go...A Word of Caution
Greetings Brothers,
In speaking with our newest member, I was reminded how different this conference will be from anything else I have ever attended. My excitement grows each day, but along with the excitement, my flesh is fearful of what may die at this event. Am I truly ready for complete surrender? What will an examination of the deepest areas of my heart reveal? What carefully protected sins and selfishness will the Holy Spirit shine His light on as I give Him unhindered access to every area of my life? When he reveals these cancers, am I willing to have Him cut them out...that will be painful and my flesh shrinks back from the surgeon's scalpel. But...isn't that exactly what we are praying for?
First, a word of caution. I want to make sure that everyone attending realizes what they are getting themselves into. This will not be a "feel good" conference like some others we have attended. We are asking God to bring revival to our own hearts and revival by it's very nature will be uncomfortable and painful as God deals with each of us in areas that we need to reconcile with Him. The conference schedule is heavy and will not appeal to one not searching for a deeper walk with Him. The men who are attending seem discontented with the comfortable Christianity that we have been "sold" by the established church in North America. I sense a deep hunger for a deeper walk with God.
I don't want to be harsh, but we must admit that there appears to be a great disconnect between the church that Christ started and what we see around us today. We are desperately seeking a return to the old foundations of the early church in Acts, when the Holy Spirit had unhindered access to Christians who instantly obeyed His leading. We are discontent with programs that leave the Holy Spirit no room to freely move among His people.
We are praying that as we prepare to go to Canton, we would be guided strictly by God's Word. It is the Holy Spirit's job to teach us all truth and this only comes as we saturate our lives in the Word of God.
While this trip will certainly give us time as Christian brothers to strengthen our horizontal relationships, we are focused primarily on our vertical relationship with our heavenly Father. Pray for your brothers who will be attending, pray for the speakers who will preach and pray that God would prepare our hearts to hear a word from Him. It is time to put aside carefully scheduled and sculpted service. Let us each give God the freedom to use His Word to write His truth on our hearts.
Your brother in the battle, Steve C.
In speaking with our newest member, I was reminded how different this conference will be from anything else I have ever attended. My excitement grows each day, but along with the excitement, my flesh is fearful of what may die at this event. Am I truly ready for complete surrender? What will an examination of the deepest areas of my heart reveal? What carefully protected sins and selfishness will the Holy Spirit shine His light on as I give Him unhindered access to every area of my life? When he reveals these cancers, am I willing to have Him cut them out...that will be painful and my flesh shrinks back from the surgeon's scalpel. But...isn't that exactly what we are praying for?
First, a word of caution. I want to make sure that everyone attending realizes what they are getting themselves into. This will not be a "feel good" conference like some others we have attended. We are asking God to bring revival to our own hearts and revival by it's very nature will be uncomfortable and painful as God deals with each of us in areas that we need to reconcile with Him. The conference schedule is heavy and will not appeal to one not searching for a deeper walk with Him. The men who are attending seem discontented with the comfortable Christianity that we have been "sold" by the established church in North America. I sense a deep hunger for a deeper walk with God.
I don't want to be harsh, but we must admit that there appears to be a great disconnect between the church that Christ started and what we see around us today. We are desperately seeking a return to the old foundations of the early church in Acts, when the Holy Spirit had unhindered access to Christians who instantly obeyed His leading. We are discontent with programs that leave the Holy Spirit no room to freely move among His people.
We are praying that as we prepare to go to Canton, we would be guided strictly by God's Word. It is the Holy Spirit's job to teach us all truth and this only comes as we saturate our lives in the Word of God.
While this trip will certainly give us time as Christian brothers to strengthen our horizontal relationships, we are focused primarily on our vertical relationship with our heavenly Father. Pray for your brothers who will be attending, pray for the speakers who will preach and pray that God would prepare our hearts to hear a word from Him. It is time to put aside carefully scheduled and sculpted service. Let us each give God the freedom to use His Word to write His truth on our hearts.
Your brother in the battle, Steve C.
Friday, August 3, 2007
How Invested Am I?
Brothers,
We are 81 days from Canton and the greatest temptation is to let days slip by blissfully unaware of the life and death battle of eternal proportions being waged all around us. I was convicted this morning as I listened to the testimony of a stewardess involved in the 1980 hijacking of a German airliner.
A stewardess testified that as the hijacked Boeing 727 was running dangerously low on fuel, the pilot requested clearance to land at Aden's airport. The request was denied and to make their point, airport officials blocked the runway with heavy construction equipment. With too little fuel left for an alternate landing site, the terrorist in the cockpit insisted that the pilot land the plane on the blocked runway. The stewardess tearfully begged the terrorist to reconsider since certain death would result. She quotes, "If we die, don't you realize that you will die with us?" The terrorist reportedly laughed and replied, "I am already dead...I died the day I joined the P.L.O." The plane landed safely in the rough beside the blocked runway and eventually the situation was resolved when German soldiers rushed the plane and killed 3 of the 4 hijackers, wounding the 4th.
As I heard this testimony, I immediately thought of Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life that I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave his life for me."
How invested am I? How does my commitment compare to that of a Palestinian hijacker? Brothers, if we lose sight of this truth we are nothing more than the comfortable, lukewarm Christian from Rev. 3:16. This world and it's cold dead churches will happily tolerate and even embrace a lukewarm Christian. It is the passionate, hungry and crucified Christian that will be despised and rejected. Am I committed enough to accept that?
Are you a walking dead man today? The world can do nothing with a man who is already dead. He is untouchable! Let's meditate on Galatians 2:20 and, in the days to come, remember that when the flesh tempts you to give in or you will die...laugh and remind your flesh, "I'm already dead, I died the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour."
Don't fail now men...now is the time to recommit ourselves to earnest prayer, fasting, and ruthlessly dealing with every area of the flesh that pulls us away from Him. Let's continue to hold each other up in prayer and pray for the upcoming meeting in Canton. Bill, can you arrange another PCC (prayer conference call)?
Your brother, Steve C.
We are 81 days from Canton and the greatest temptation is to let days slip by blissfully unaware of the life and death battle of eternal proportions being waged all around us. I was convicted this morning as I listened to the testimony of a stewardess involved in the 1980 hijacking of a German airliner.
A stewardess testified that as the hijacked Boeing 727 was running dangerously low on fuel, the pilot requested clearance to land at Aden's airport. The request was denied and to make their point, airport officials blocked the runway with heavy construction equipment. With too little fuel left for an alternate landing site, the terrorist in the cockpit insisted that the pilot land the plane on the blocked runway. The stewardess tearfully begged the terrorist to reconsider since certain death would result. She quotes, "If we die, don't you realize that you will die with us?" The terrorist reportedly laughed and replied, "I am already dead...I died the day I joined the P.L.O." The plane landed safely in the rough beside the blocked runway and eventually the situation was resolved when German soldiers rushed the plane and killed 3 of the 4 hijackers, wounding the 4th.
As I heard this testimony, I immediately thought of Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life that I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave his life for me."
How invested am I? How does my commitment compare to that of a Palestinian hijacker? Brothers, if we lose sight of this truth we are nothing more than the comfortable, lukewarm Christian from Rev. 3:16. This world and it's cold dead churches will happily tolerate and even embrace a lukewarm Christian. It is the passionate, hungry and crucified Christian that will be despised and rejected. Am I committed enough to accept that?
Are you a walking dead man today? The world can do nothing with a man who is already dead. He is untouchable! Let's meditate on Galatians 2:20 and, in the days to come, remember that when the flesh tempts you to give in or you will die...laugh and remind your flesh, "I'm already dead, I died the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour."
Don't fail now men...now is the time to recommit ourselves to earnest prayer, fasting, and ruthlessly dealing with every area of the flesh that pulls us away from Him. Let's continue to hold each other up in prayer and pray for the upcoming meeting in Canton. Bill, can you arrange another PCC (prayer conference call)?
Your brother, Steve C.
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