I may be quite different from most people when it comes to flying – I love to sleep on a plane. Most of the time, after taking my seat and getting everyone else in my row situated, I am out. Recently on a long flight, Donna and I were fortunate to be upgraded to first class. Whereas it was nice to have the perks that go with that upgrade, it cramped my style because I felt I needed to stay awake to enjoy the benefits! I think the next time that happens, I will just let someone else have the extra snacks – I prefer the nap! 
 
During the times I have been awake for the obligatory flight safety instructions, something the flight attendant always says gets my attention. It goes something like this, “In the unlikely event of the sudden loss of cabin pressure, a mask will drop from the compartment above your seat. Place the mask over your nose and mouth and breathe normally. If someone beside you needs assistance with their mask, place your mask on first before offering assistance.”  The reason for putting my mask on first before helping my neighbor is obvious – if I lose consciousness because of the lack of oxygen, I will not be able to assist anyone! 
 
These instructions always seem in complete contradiction to what I have been taught all my life.  I was raised to put others first. In ministry, I have accepted the fact that my agenda and plans are always subject to those I serve. The “I am third” campaign – God, others, myself – has become my life philosophy. But, I am starting to rethink this idea. Could it be there are times when myself needs to move up in the chain? Could my service to God and others be improved if I took better care of myself? 
 
The pressures of this age are real. We are living in a time of frail leaders, weary caregivers, and friends and family who have absolutely gone as far as they can. Despite these realities, we keep taking on more because we know there is more to take on. Our attitude is “if we don’t do it, who’s going to do it?” or “I can’t stop because they are depending on me.” These attitudes may be noble, but they are also leading us down a path that may not end well. It may be time to put our mask on first before helping others with theirs. 
 
Now before you stop reading and call me a heretic, I am not implying we place ourselves in the position of God who, alone, will always be supreme and worthy of all our worship.  I am not even insinuating we become self-centered and ignore the needs of others. What I am saying is if we do not take better care of ourselves our effectiveness and impact will be sorely limited. The good we could do will be replaced by mediocrity if that. Progress will be stymied by a cruise-control lifestyle. Burnout will become more than a catchphrase; it will become our identity. We must not let this happen. 
 
The publishing industry has made a large profit from self-help books – many of which are actually helpful, while many are nothing more than humanistic propaganda. Celebrity psychologists frequent the airwaves and social media world offering their advice – sometimes for a minimal fee. Most of us have a friend or two who will gladly tell us what they would do if they were in our situation. I sure do not want to be listed in any of these categories – but since this is my blog – I would like to offer four simple ideas I believe will keep us in the game and allow us to be a blessing to others for time to come. 
 
1.  Take in the nourishment you need. Intentional feeding of our spirit, soul, and body is necessary for our total health. Each part of us has requirements that must be met if we are to function at our maximum potential. Ignoring any part of our triune being will place us in the danger zone and limit our ability to effectively serve God and others. 
 
Our body must be given nutritious food, exercise, and rest. Our soul must spend time in communion with God through His Word and in prayer and meditation. My spirit needs connection, security, and knowledge gained through experiences and opportunities in life. This incomplete list is a good start in providing the nourishment one must have to be healthy. 
 
2. Practice listening to and walking in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a faithful friend who desires to be actively involved in your life. He wants to lead you on a good path and take you to a wonderful outcome. Never underestimate His ability to walk you through difficult places, provide counsel when it is most needed, and empower you to overcome any and every obstacle you face. 
 
The key to this blessing is leaning on Him. It is not the “in and out” or “every now and then” follower that will experience the awesomeness of the Holy Spirit, but the one who fully surrenders to Him. This is not something that will come through the laying on of hands or a sudden decision at the altar – it will come through a daily, deliberate, and determined walk with Him.  
 
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) 
 
3. Establish and honor boundaries. Galatians 6:2 establishes the lifestyle every Christian is to lead – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  But it is important to pay close attention to the first verse of Galatians 6 if we are to be successful in this ministry to others. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”   
 
A key to ministry to others is to know yourself. Never, and I repeat never, put yourself in a compromising situation. Boundaries must be determined before the ministry begins and they cannot be violated. Becoming a spiritual fatality while attempting to rescue someone else is not commendable, it is reprehensible. 
 
4. Know when to ask for help. I am sure I do not know each reader of this blog personally, but I know something about each one of you. I know you are not God! Even with your extraordinary talent and abilities, you have limitations. You cannot fix everything. At some point you will face a mountain bigger than you and you will need help. This is not a weakness, but being able to realize it is a legitimate strength. 
 
Sometimes you will need to speak to someone about your own need. Other times you will need to refer the one you are trying to help to someone more skilled than yourself – a pastor, counselor, or a medical professional. You are not accepting defeat and God has certainly not failed you; you are just discovering no one person can do everything. Sometimes we all need help. 
 
It is a beautiful thing when the Body of Christ embraces its mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus to this world. Caring about people and putting legs to our prayers will truly make a difference in a society that desperately needs to know there is an answer to the challenges they are facing. But a broken world needs a healthy Church, and the Church is only healthy when its constituents are healthy. 
 
I want to make an impact. I want my life to count. I want God to use me to be the answer to someone’s prayer. I want to be available for God to use whenever and however He chooses. I do not want to fail my Lord or the people who are counting on me…but it just might be that before I can help them, I need to put my mask on first.

I have always been interested in criminal court proceedings.  I am not talking about Perry Mason or Matlock, neither am I talking about Judge Judy.  I am talking about actual court cases tried in a courtroom by real officers of the court.  I can be entertained for hours sitting there listening to the real-life drama of a court case.

I remember attending my first criminal trial at the Choctaw County Oklahoma Courthouse when I was a little boy.  Throughout my growing up years I would watch for the trial docket to be posted in the Hugo Daily News so I could decide which ones I wanted to attend.  I admit I was easily entertained and going to court was absolutely fascinating to me.

My wife and daughter have had to come to grips with my affinity for criminal law.  One year on a family vacation to New York City, they agreed to accompany me to the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse so I could take in a little big city court proceeding.  They probably did not enjoy it as much as I did but I had agreed to go shopping with them when it was over, so we all won!  I got to experience a New York City Courthouse, they got to shop until I dropped!

Over these many years, my shade tree legal experience has taught me there are many complexities of the law, but one thing is certain, a trial turns on the pleading.  If the defendant pleads guilty, there is not much left to do but pass sentence.  If, however, the plea is not guilty, business is about to pick up in that courtroom.  Not guilty means there is going to be a trial with the presentation of evidence, witnesses, arguments, and lots of drama.  Everything is contingent on the pleading.

I have learned this lesson from the courtroom carries over into my real world.  I find myself from time to time on trial – some trials of my own making and some that are thrust upon me by circumstances beyond my control.  Regardless of how they originate, my ability to overcome is determined by my plea.  I can call myself a victim and say it is not fair.  I can blame heredity, environment, or the times.  I can even accept responsibility and just try to ride out the storm.  These pleadings do not lend themselves to peaceful resolution of my trial.

As a child of God, there is another plea available to me.  It is made possible by the finished work of Jesus on the cross.  His blood was shed for my salvation and, along with that, He bought victory over every enemy that will ever come against me.  He paid the price that enables me to triumph and win every trial in which I find myself.  As a result of His blessed work, I plead the blood!

LIFE TRIALS

Things happen.  I do not always understand.  Many times I do not see it coming.  I find myself fully realizing what Job said is true, “Man who is born of woman is of a few days and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1) Trials of life are a real thing and no one is exempt.

It can be sickness, fractured relationships, setbacks, or betrayal.  It can result in loss of trust and high anxiety.  It can affect plans and dreams – it can stop you dead in your tracks.  But, through it all and in it all, you are more than a conqueror if you know the Lord!  This is not the case because of your goodness or talent, it is all because of what Jesus did at Calvary.  You are never defeated in this trial if you plead the blood.

SPIRITUAL TRIALS

We are at war every day, but not with each other.  Our warfare is spiritual, and our adversary is the devil.  He has devised a strategy to destroy our welfare, influence, and happiness.  He has come to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10) This is not fantasy or made-up church speak – we have a real enemy.

Revelation 12:10 calls him the accuser of the brethren.  He is constantly bringing charges against us with the plan of keeping us off-balance and susceptible to his attack.  Too many times he is successful as he deceives with his cunning lies and intimidation.   He is shrewd and subtle.

We can cower and live in fear.  We can pretend this is not real.  We can even become so fixated with this fact we end up giving the devil more attention that he deserves.  The better approach is to give the charges to Jesus for His disposition which has already been decided. The devil will bully and bluff us hoping we will not realize he is defeated but one look at the cross and the empty tomb lets us know the truth.  When the enemy comes against us with all force, deliverance comes when we plead the blood.

FINAL TRIAL     

I have never been an actual participant in a court trial.  I have always sat with the spectators as the proceedings took place.  But, one day, I will be the defendant and stand before the ultimate Judge as I give an account of how I have lived my life.  At that time there will be no doubt of my guilt.  If justice is truly served, I will be sentenced to eternity separated from God.  But, thanks to Calvary and the sacrifice made there for my sins by Jesus, there will be a third option for my plea.  I will not need to plead guilty or not guilty, I will plead THE BLOOD!

On that day my title will not matter.  My accomplishments will seem so few.  I will stand there alone.  But thanks be to Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God will step to my defense!  He will testify on my behalf and because of His Word and His blood I will be declared not guilty.  I will hear the Father say, “Enter in!”

Here is the catch, however.  You cannot plead the blood if you have not had the blood cover your sins.  Without a doubt Jesus loves you – He loves the one who hates Him; He loves the one who disobeys His Word and lives in open sin; He loves all people – but you are not saved by love alone.  Your salvation required His shed blood. It is when you repent of your sins that His red blood washes your black heart and makes it white as snow.  Cry out to Him in sincere repentance and He will hear you.  He will not turn you away.  He will redeem your life from destruction. His blood will totally transform your life.

As you read this article, today, you may be experiencing the trial of your life.  You are hurting and confused.  It looks like your world is crumbling at your feet – it was not supposed to turn out this way!  But hear me – you cannot give up!  Jesus sees and He knows.  He has not only made a way for you – He is the way.  Plead His blood over your situation and watch Him move for you.  Things may seem impossible from your vantage point, but this is when He does His greatest work.  He is able to turn your trial into your testimony.  Be strong and watch Him do it!

I find myself being called into trial often these days.  The evidence is stacked against me, and it looks like I will not win.  But I know something the devil wishes I did not know.  My verdict has already been determined – I win!  My victory is not because of lack of guilt but because of who I know and what He has done.  When the time comes for me to offer my plea, I know exactly what to do.  I simply say, “Your honor, I plead the blood.”  That will always be enough.  Case closed! 

One of my greatest joys in ministry as I have gotten older is pouring into young ministers.  I was blessed with some great mentors in my early days so being able to pay it forward seems the least I can do.  If the little bit of knowledge I have gained and the experiences I have had can help a young man or woman to move forward in their ministry, then my life has extra value.

Awhile back I was invited to speak to a group of students who were studying for the ministry.  I was told these young people were very eager to hear from me.  I felt honored by this invitation and began to prepare to present a lifechanging message to them.  I worked on what I thought would be an appropriate message and, quite honestly, impressed myself with what I developed. 

The day came for me to go meet my audience, but something did not feel quite right.  I thought, again, about my presentation and it is as though the Lord said, “not this!”  I laid my prepared remarks aside and picked up an index card and began to write.  I came up with eleven random statements that every young preacher needed to understand.  These have become benchmarks in my life.  The old guy learned something as he prepared to speak to some young students.

They probably expected more from me, but here is what I shared with a group of aspiring young preachers on this occasion:

1.  It is always in order to be nice.  There is simply not enough kindness in this world.  I guess I understand that from those in the world, but I do not understand it from Christians.  We may be busy, and we could be having a difficult day, but being kind to people is the best way to show Jesus to the world.  People may not remember our words, but they will definitely remember how we treated them.

2.  The same God who opens doors, closes doors.  I am constantly praying for open doors for ministry.  I trust God to open doors no man can close.  But, if I am going to pray that prayer, I need to be prepared for the moment God closes a door.  I cannot become angry and feel I am being treated unfairly.  I have to know God in His goodness and infinite wisdom will protect me by closing doors I may have thought I needed open but, in reality would have been harmful for me.  Sometimes my greatest blessing will be a closed door.

3.  Always be prepared to do your best. Ministry is never about comparison with others or the feeling you must be perfect, but it should always be about doing your best.  I cannot be a great him or her, but I can be the best version of me.  My audience deserves a prepared presentation and God deserves the best representation of Himself I can give.  Do not be lazy; prepare to do your best.

4.  It is ok if you do not know everything.  I quickly learned in my early days of ministry I was over my head!  The challenges I faced had no easy answer and no one had told me about some of the things I confronted.  I have come to realize this is life and it is not going to change.  But…this is when we lean hard on the Lord.  I may not know, but He does.  It may be bigger than me, but it is not bigger than Him.  I may not have seen it coming, but nothing surprises Him.  It is all right if I do not know everything; I will just look to the One who does.

5.  It is a high honor to be called by God.  He chose me.  I bring nothing to the table He does not already have, but He called me to the table.  He lets me be involved in what He is doing in the world.  I do not deserve this honor, but it is one the Lord, Himself, has bestowed upon me.  I will cherish my calling.  I will protect my calling.  I will do my best to bring honor to the One who has honored me.

6.  You have to get into people’s world before you can get into their heart.  Ministry is about helping people.  You have it all wrong if you love ministry, but you do not love people.  A God-called minister of the Gospel loves people and wants to make a difference in their life.  This difference that needs to be made will never be made from a distance with clean hands and dry eyes.  It happens in the trenches through relationships.  Getting into the world of a person allows you the privilege of getting into their heart.  Big things come through a series of little things.  Love people where they are.

7.  Learn to preach from overflow.  Nothing brings greater panic to a preacher than coming to Saturday night with nothing to preach in the morning.  This does not happen when the river is flowing inside of you.  You are always reading.  You pray without ceasing.  Your spiritual antennae are constantly activated.  God speaks to the preacher who is listening.  Having something to preach will never be a problem if your relationship with Him is fresh and the river of His Spirit is freely flowing in your life.

8.  Being too busy is not an admirable quality.  Busy is the word of the day.  It is our excuse for our mishaps and the crutch we stand on when we make mistakes.  We even, at times, take pride in being in such demand that we are too busy.  When this happens, we need to step back and ask why we are too busy.  It could be because of poor planning and a disorganized life.  It could be because of misplaced priorities.  It could be because of selfish pride.  There will always be busy seasons in ministry, but we must never become too busy for God, family, and our own self-care.  Managing what comes is a much better quality than being too busy.

9.    Our church is not perfect, in large part because I am in it.  Criticizing the church has just become too easy.  When things go wrong in the world it is because of the church.  When things go wrong in my life it is because of the church.  We say the church is not what it used to be; there are so many problems with the church.  The fact is, the Church is what it has always been – the Body of Christ.  He has not changed!  The problem, today, is not the Church; it is us!  As long as I (and you) am part of the church, there will be problems so my criticism should be directed toward me and not the Church.  My goal must be to keep growing and become more like Jesus.  If I will do that, it is amazing how much better my church will become!

10.  Prayer makes everything better.  The greatest blessing given to the believer is the opportunity to pray.  Prayer seats me in the throne room of God and allows me to communicate directly with Him.  There is nothing I cannot talk to Him about.  If it concerns me, it concerns Him.  When I fully realize the availability of this resource and begin to employ it in my daily life, everything is affected and made better.  Consistent heartfelt prayer profoundly changes everything.

11.  Learn to appreciate – or, at least, accept – process.  Process has become such a bad word to many.  To them it means being denied.  Waiting is, indeed, part of process but it is also growth and development.  It is about learning and exhibiting commitment.  It is about showing oneself approved unto God.  It is about giving time for foundation to be established so when the winds of trial blow you are not overcome.  Moving up the ranks – process – is a valuable tool that can be dangerous to ignore.

Well, I am sure those young ministry students expected something far more profound than these “without rhyme or reason” thoughts I shared with them but, I have a feeling, if they took any notes they have referred to them a few times.  Sometimes it is not the deep things that change us, but simple truths that affect our real world. Grabbing hold of what we can all understand can be lifechanging.

I have to say I have referred to my list often.  Some of these things encourage and motivate me, while others convict me.  But the older – or should I say mature – me has decided I want it all.  I just want to be like Jesus and serve Him to the best of my ability.  There is much more for me to learn but I am grateful for the liberating truth I have received.  It is this truth that sets me free.  It is this truth I will keep preaching until everyone I can reach has heard.  It is, indeed, good news.  

 

I have always been a big fan of radio – especially AM radio.  I remember in my younger days enjoying running the dial late at night to see all the far away stations I could pick up.  Depending on the weather conditions, the dial would be filled with “in and out” “staticky” stations from all over the country and even one from south of the border.  I admit it didn’t take much to amuse me as a child and this activity would do it every time.

Radio waves are very interesting to me.  Just think – right now, bouncing off the walls of the room where you are reading this, are radio waves from all over the place.  You don’t hear them because you don’t have a receiver.  If you will get a good receiver and tune it to the proper frequency, you’ll be amazed at what you will hear.  The sounds are present, but an activated receiver tuned to the right frequency is required to hear them.

There is some definite spiritual truth in the aforementioned example.  I have no doubt God is speaking to His Church today.  The question is – are we in a position to hear Him?  He is speaking – He has been speaking for a long time – but unless we are a tuned in receiver, we will not hear Him.

I must admit there are times I am not tuned in.  It is sometimes a challenge to move past the many distractions of our day to listen intently to the Holy Spirit.  We want to hear Him – we know we need to hear Him – but so many things are vying for our attention.  Speaking for myself, an intentional decision must be made to get in the closet (whatever this is for you) and get down to business with the Lord.  He is never far away.  I just need to focus…and listen.

I had one of those times earlier this week.  I knew perfunctory prayer and devotions would not be enough.  I needed a Word from God and nothing else was going to satisfy.  I did what I have done many times throughout the years – I took my Bible and notepad to my quiet place and prepared for an encounter with the Lord.  After a little while, it happened.  The Holy Spirit began to speak, and I heard.
 
Among several things I believe the Lord spoke to me on this particular day were the following instructions to the church as it relates to positioning ourselves for what He wants to do among us in these important times.

There is no doubt in my mind God is moving across the world, today, with a fresh wind of His Spirit.  This is not an isolated move of God; this is a global move of God.  His promise to pour out of His Spirit on all flesh is truly being fulfilled and will only become more prevalent in the coming days.  These are exciting times, indeed, to be part of His Church!

But the sad reality is – many will miss what God is doing.  Because of a myriad of reasons – religious spirits; tradition; lack of vision; secret sin; unbelief to name a few – some will watch as the revival touches and transforms others but they, themselves, will not be affected.  What a tragedy this is!

This does not have to be your story!  You – your church – your ministry – can move from the bleachers onto the playing field.  You can be right in the middle of all God is doing.  You do not have to be a spectator; you can be actively involved and here is how:

WAKE UP!  The day of the sleepy passive Christian is over.  While we were sleeping, the enemy crept in and took our nation, many families and, sadly, many churches.  We slept and he stole.  We were very comfortable while we slept – we even enjoyed beautiful dreams.  But while we were sleeping and dreaming, destruction was occurring all around us.  It is time to wake up!

A big part of being awake is being aware.  So many have adopted the philosophy of ignorance is bliss.  As long as we do not know about it, we are not responsible.  This attitude is an affront to everything the Body of Christ stands for.  We are not a people who runs and hides from the crisis; we are the ones who have been called to storm the gates of hell and demand the enemy to let go!  We pray for the Holy Spirit to sharpen our vision to see the needs around us and we boldly go where He leads us.  We are awake and vigilant!

The cry of the Lord through the prophet Joel is a call to the church today, “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war!  Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up.”  (Joel 3:9 NKJV)

This is the time for all hands-on deck.  Sound the alarm!  Wake up!

MAKE UP!  It pains me to say this, but some will miss what God is doing because of division, hard feelings and verbal assassinations within the church family.  Jealousy of other ministries and personal/political agendas that hurt people have become far too common within the Body.  It seems an end-time strategy of the devil is to divide and cause us to turn on each other.  In too many places he is having overwhelming success.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 133:1 – “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”  This unity does not mean sameness or conformity.  It means we are all in the same boat together, rowing in the same direction and working for the same cause.  We are together even though we are not all alike.  We can celebrate each other and recognize each member has an important place and responsibility in the Kingdom.  We are not threatened by each other; we support each other and welcome to the table every brother and sister in the Lord.

This unity must become a treasured and protected element in our church.  Infighting and distrust will cripple us.  Someone must be big enough to say, “I am sorry.”  Someone must be strong enough to say, “I do not want to hear it.”  Someone must be spiritual enough to say, “I forgive you.”  It is only when we are willing to come together in a genuine spirit of unity that we will see God’s best manifested among us.

Now here is a word to the wise – in the real-world offenses will arise.  You are going to get hurt at some point – it will happen.  These are times not to sow disparaging seed but to show grace, extend mercy and reflect Jesus.  You can speak against systems, decisions and actions but attacking a brother or sister personally is actually an attack against the Father.  Believe it or not, but the Father loves the offender just as much as He loves the offended.  You can be sure God in His own way will take care of an erring child.  Leave that to Him.

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way.  First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”  (Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV)

SHOW UP!  Great victories are available for the believer, today, but you must be present to win!  Sitting in the corner and watching the world go by – and complaining about it – is not the position to which we have been called.  It may feel safer to shelter in place, but the prize goes to the one who leaves the bunker and enters the arena.  We have to show up!

There has never been a time when it has been more important for the church to make its presence known than today.  We need involvement in every area of life.  We don’t just need preachers in the pulpit – we need Spirit-filled believers in the seat of government.  We don’t just need worshippers in the sanctuary – we need strong believers in Hollywood, on Broadway and in Nashville.  We don’t just need teachers in Bible college and seminary – we need committed followers of Jesus on every school campus.  We don’t just need Christians in church on Sunday – we need disciples of our Lord to infiltrate every area of society.  We need to leave the fort and move into battle!

“You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV)

SPEAK UP!  Bullies love to intimidate, and the devil is a big bully!  He is working to intimidate the church into silence.  If we speak up, we will offend.  If we speak up, we will run people off.  (And here’s a big one.)  If we speak up, we will lose our tax-exempt status.  I think you will agree, we hear these things all the time.

I have never liked bullies.  I have learned the only way to overcome them is to stand up to them.  When they know you know their bark is worse than their bite any advantage they had over you disappears.  It is not that difficult to beat a bully!

Our church cannot afford to be intimidated by the devil any longer.  The world is dying without hope because in too many cases we have been afraid to tell them the truth.  This will change when we decide to stop listening to culture and begin to use our voices to proclaim the full Gospel of our Lord.  Firebrands in the pulpit and firebrands in the pew – men and women passionate about truth that sets people free!  We can longer watch in silence.  It is time to speak up!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed…”  (Romans 1:16, 17 NKJV)

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”  (I Peter 3:16 NKJV)

I truly feel the church has come to a crossroad.  We have the choice of holding on and depending on our tried and true systems to sustain us or we can lift our sails to the wind of the Spirit and allow Him to move us to a place of transformation and revival.  I’ve got to tell you I do not believe business as usual is a smart decision.  I just believe we have been brought into the Kingdom for a time like this and God has big plans for His people.  It is probably time to turn off some noise and tune in to the Spirit.  He will reveal His will and plans to us if we will take time to listen.

Well…that was my encounter with the Lord a few days ago.  He is stirring my spirit and calling me upward.  I feel it and I hear it.  I am confident I am not the only one to whom He is talking.  As a matter of fact, I believe those heavenly radio waves are bouncing off your walls right now!  Please don’t miss what God is saying to you.  He has a Word just for you.  Be a receiver and tune it to hear it.

God is speaking.  Make sure you are listening.

It is called the silent killer.  It has no odor, no color and emits no fumes.  Several hundred people die from it each year and because of it many more suffer debilitating illnesses. I am talking about carbon monoxide poisoning.  It can strike anytime anywhere and, unless there is a detector present, you do not see it coming.

It is a terrible thing to encounter a deadly poison like this, but it is even worse to have it present with you and not know it.  You are just living your life but at the same time breathing toxic air that could kill you.  You are in the presence of death, but you are unaware.

This is a very dark and morbid illustration to begin my blog and very different from the pattern I usually follow but, today, my spirit is stirred.  I believe there is so much God wants to do among His people, and I want to see and be part of it.  But the more I pray and the closer I look, I keep seeing forces at work to hinder the breakthrough God wants to give.  These barriers have existed for so long they are no longer recognized as problems by many.  They have become ingrained into our fabric and accepted as normal.  Truth is, they are a trojan horse that has been allowed to come into our camp with an intent to stymie and eventually destroy us. 

We are sometimes reluctant to take a critical look inward.  It is very uncomfortable to admit the greatest problem in our lives, and in our churches, does not lie outside but looks back at us in the mirror every morning.  It is only when the realization of this fact strikes a chord in our heart that we will address it with sincere repentance and a strong willingness to change.  Now is the time for this realization to be made.

I do not pretend to know all or have all the answers, but as I pray, three big problems keep coming to my mind as tools the enemy is using to hold us back and keep us from being as effective as we need to be in this troubled world.  These are not problems around us, but in us.  They do not exist everywhere, but they are prevalent enough to be concerned.  Here is what I hear the Lord saying to me.

Failure To Be The Church. We focus on having church and have strong opinions as to what that means. We give much attention to logistics and mechanics that make us relevant to the present culture. We fail to realize these things do not matter nearly as much to God as they do to us.  His desire for us is that we BE the Church He purchased with His own blood.

We are not this Church through our denominational connection.  We are not this Church because we used to be this Church.  We are not this Church because of our published doctrinal positions.  We are this Church when we do three things:  preach the Word, live the Word and experience the Word.

We are told in Scripture the end times will be marked by preaching that lacks truth and is meant to please people.  There is no doubt we are there.  In too many places, preaching is no longer seen as important, and its watered-down content is no longer productive.  The true Church must make the decision to swim upstream by boldly and lovingly preaching the full Gospel.  We can leave nothing out.  We must reprove, rebuke and exhort with long-suffering and doctrine. I believe we will be judged as much for what we do not say as we are for what we do say.  We must preach the Word.

Preaching the Word must transition into living the Word.  The practical application of the Word into our everyday lives will impact the world and bring souls into the Kingdom.  This must be more than a feel-good campaign at Christmas or a monetary contribution to a ministry.  We must accept our mission as the Church is to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs evidence God is real.  Sunday morning worship is important, but in the Kingdom, so is a cup of coffee with an unsaved friend, a warm coat for the homeless man under the bridge and a kind word to the stressed mother in the check-out line.  Opportunities to live the Word are endless…we must stay prepared to see and do.

When the Word of God is preached with conviction and the people of God take seriously their mission in the world, the Holy Spirit is ready to reveal Himself in powerful ways by bringing the experiences of the New Testament Church into our reality.  We cease to be a weak anemic body whose past is brighter than our future and we become a Church alive in the power of the Spirit.  Miracles, signs and wonders stop being talking points and begin to happen.  Answered prayer is no longer a surprise and expectancy replaces uncertainty.  This is God’s plan for His Church.

For so long there has been a wide chasm between what we preach and what we experience.  Many have slipped into a “form of godliness with no power” existence – we know how to have church, but we are weak when it comes to being the church.  It is time for this to end.  We must, again, become a force in this world by being the Church all the power of hell cannot prevail against.

Carnality Within the Church.  Many local churches, as well as denominations, have been weakened by carnality within the ranks of leadership.  In most cases, I am sure, it is unintentional, but it is happening, nonetheless.  This move to do the work of the Spirit in the flesh has brought the church more in line with the world than with the Word.

In the world, alliances are created to elevate men and agendas.  People are used for selfish gain.  Voices of the mighty drown out the voices of the weak.  Who you are, who you know and where you are from are the determining factors for promotion.  What seems right by a powerful few becomes the law of the land.

Sadly, these things are becoming more and more prevalent, not only in the world, but in the church.  They have crept in under the guise of protecting and moving the church forward.  The back room has replaced the prayer closet, and the politician has replaced the prophet.  The goal has become the majority vote, and the voice of the Spirit has been silenced by the will of the people.  Instead of the church standing out, it is blending in.  This carnal, fleshly approach to ministry and church business is producing discouragement among those who see it, division among those involved in it and grave danger to those affected by it.  God cannot be pleased.  

The Church is in the world but not of the world.  We will face the temptation to operate according to what seems right to us but this carnal approach to leadership must be avoided at all costs.  Flesh cannot take the Church where God wants it to go, and the unsanctified will of man will always be an adversary of the Spirit.  The prayer of our Lord just before His crucifixion must be ours as well – “…not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) The sacrificing of our will and our submission to His is the only way to defeat the enemy of carnality.

Self-preservation.  A telltale sign an organization has become an institution is when the vast amount of our time, energy and resources are used simply to maintain said organization.  Mission and vision become secondary to personal agendas and self-promotion.  Purpose becomes diluted by gratuitous and self-serving decisions.  An institution is all about self-preservation.

Churches and other religious organizations battle this spirit every day.  The passion and fire that birthed us gives way to survival mode.  We hesitate to launch out into uncharted waters because we are “playing not to lose.”  Our fear of losing is greater than our confidence of winning.  We just want to be standing at the end of the day – however that looks. 

The church of today cannot fall prey to this mindset.  We must catch a fresh vision of who we are and why we are here.  We are the Body of Christ.  We belong to Him.  We represent Him.  He bought us with His blood, filled us with His Spirit and called us into His service.  We have a job to do but our only responsibility is to obey Him.  Nothing we are called to do is about us, it is all about Him.  Our role is not as important as His and our commitment is to follow His lead not our ambition.  We must decrease that He may increase.

One of the saddest stories in the Bible is that of Samson in the book of Judges.  This mighty man who had been used greatly by God reached a point where he took his anointing for granted and placed himself in a compromising position with a woman whose goal was to destroy him.  That fateful night as he slept in the lap of Delilah, his power was taken from him and Judges 16:20 says, “…he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.”  He did not know…he did not know…he did not know the Lord had departed from him.

There is poison running through the church, and like Samson, many are not aware.  Its intent is to render us powerless and, eventually, destroy us.  In some places it is disguised and other places it is accepted as no big deal.  But be sure, whatever the opinion and whatever the response, poison makes one sick and, sometimes, it kills.  It must be detected, and it must be eliminated.  We simply cannot tolerate its existence.

Not everyone is deceived by the poison.  There is a remnant that is standing strong and determined to remain faithful.  This remnant will not be distracted and will not be overcome.  They will remain attached to the Word, committed to the Lordship of Jesus and determined to complete the tasks for which they have been commissioned.  They understand they are their brother’s keeper and future generations are depending on them.  Nothing is more important than their assignment.  They are determined to finish strong.

These are critical times.  Gamesmanship and manipulation in the Body of Christ must stop.  Spiritual leadership must rise to the top and His Kingdom must replace ours.  We do not have much time left and there is still much to do.  Our goal must be to “…lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

And by all means, do not drink the poison.

 



          

     

I grew up in southeast Oklahoma in the heart of tornado alley.  I have many vivid memories as a little boy joining other members of my extended family in my grandmother’s underground cellar while we waited for storms to pass.  This was a common occurrence in the springtime in our little part of the world.  The sights, sounds and even smells of these times will forever be imbedded in my mind.

Weather forecasting was not as sophisticated then as it is now.  It seemed most afternoons and evenings in the spring were the same – we would be under a tornado watch.  We were taught a tornado watch meant conditions were right for a tornado – this was so common it did not produce much concern.  Things would heat up, however, when we were under a tornado warning.  The warning meant a tornado had actually been spotted.  The Oakes siblings and their children (my mother’s family) did not have to be told twice what to do when a tornado warning was issued – we headed for the cellar!

Meteorology has advanced greatly from those days I have referenced here.  Radar has become so highly developed and complex.  Today, a tornado warning will be issued before a funnel is ever visibly seen because radar is capable of seeing them before people can.  These radar are so accurate, they will tell you what time your community – even your street address – can expect the storm to pass over.  It is amazing!  If these had existed in my childhood I probably wouldn’t have this nervous twitch every time I think of that damp musty storm cellar in my grandmother’s back yard!

The state-of-the-art, ultramodern tools available to forecast weather, today, have nothing on the heavenly radar God has been using since the beginning of time (I know God does not need or use radar but work with me here!).  Nothing has ever gotten by the Father.  Solomon wrote, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) He sees our behavior, discerns our motives, and knows the very dictates of our hearts.  He does not miss a thing.

From childhood I was taught this fact – God is always watching.  This lesson was usually given in the context of improper behavior.  From songs we sang to Sunday School lessons – from fiery Sunday night sermons to parental discipline – I knew I could not get away with anything.  I have to admit, even to this day, if I forget to take my gum out of my mouth when I enter the sanctuary or forget to say the blessing over my meal, I quickly repent for fear I may miss the rapture if it occurred right then!  I did not hear a whole lot about grace as a child, but the living right part was made crystal clear!  Obviously, there is some exaggeration here but those of you raised as I was know this is not too far from how it really was!

Lately I have been giving a great deal of thought to the flip side to this coin – God doesn’t just see the bad things going on in the world but He is taking note of the faithfulness of His people. Every day committed Christians are serving and looking for ways to please the Lord – not for praise or fame but just because it is what they do.  Doing the will of God is simply in the DNA of a disciple of Jesus and no good deed will go unnoticed or unrewarded by our heavenly Father.

Throughout my life I have been influenced by men and women who without recognition or notoriety have faithfully served the Lord.  They have been small church pastors…missionaries in remote parts of the world…laity who sacrificed to support ministry…people who loved God more than anything and were willing to give all to serve Him.  These folks will never have their stories written in a book or receive great accolades in this world.  The spotlight will never be on them and few people outside their circle will ever hear about them, but God has seen – He knows – and payday is coming!

I am grateful for Godly leaders who have a platform and use it carefully to proclaim the full Gospel of the Lord, Jesus.  There are many humble men and women whom God has called to prominent places and their voices are a clarion call in this sinful age.  But as I consider the big picture of the Kingdom, I am convinced the greatest impact is being made by the unseen warriors who pray in the closet, give in secret, and daily take up their cross and follow Him.  These are the movers and shakers.  These are those who strike fear in the devil himself.  These are the ones who have been faithful over a few things but will be made ruler over many.

A winning football team is usually known for its star quarterback or running back.  Occasionally there will be a defensive player who gets a lot of press time but, rarely, will the offensive linemen get the attention they deserve.  These big guys who line up in the trenches nose to nose against the opposing team may not get the mentions some other players get but their success will always determine the success of the team.  If they do their job well, the chances of their team winning increase greatly.  If they fail to do their job, the chance for victory is tremendously decreased.

These offensive linemen may not get the public attention they deserve but I guarantee their coach notices.  When the film from the previous game is being reviewed, that coach will always see the fulfilled assignments of his players.  Great satisfaction comes to the player and the coach when they know the job was well done.  The fulfillment of the assignment is enough to motivate the selfless player to suit up for another game next week.

We are in the game of our life – it is a game of life or death.  The regular season has concluded and the playoffs are in full swing.  The season is almost over.  I cannot stop – I cannot even slow down.  I cannot be concerned with what position I am called to play.  I cannot be moved by the cheers from the crowd or the lack thereof.  I have a job to do.  I must get it done.  I will be rewarded, not for my talent or skill, but for my faithfulness.  I want to be faithful whatever the cost.

I sometimes wonder if the Apostle Paul were to come to our church, today, and preach one sermon, what would he preach.  There is so much he wrote that would be appropriate for us but it would not surprise me if he took his text from I Corinthians 15:58 –

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

This is the message for every believer.  Keep standing.  Be determined.  Keep serving.  Be faithful.  God is watching and He is keeping good records.  He sees when no one else does and He has a magnificent reward that will never fade away awaiting those who finish well.  That is the goal for which we are striving – to finish well and hear Him say, “Well done.”  That will be our final victory.  It is coming soon!

I was blessed to grow up in a small classical Pentecostal church.  I have so many impressionable memories from this time in my life.  The people and experiences in this little church, no doubt, make me the man I am today.  I am very thankful for my heritage!

One of the things a guest to our church would quickly notice was our language.  We had phrases we understood but probably no one else did.  We would say things like, “you need to grab hold of the horns of the altar and stay there until you pray through.”  Well…our altar didn’t have horns.  It was a long piece of wood with molded edges that had been varnished and lacquered.  It was actually quite beautiful, but it had no horns.  We knew we were being instructed to kneel at the altar and stay there until we got the victory, but I am certain an outsider had no clue.

When we knelt at the altar we were never there alone.  People in the church always gathered around and prayed with whoever was kneeling there.  I still remember the language of the altar.  Someone on my right side would tell me to “let go” while someone on my left side was telling me to “hang on.”  This was not confusing to me because I knew the language. Both of my prayer partners were on the same page.  They were encouraging me to be determined in my prayer and not let anything hinder me.  I can only imagine the confusion, however, for someone new to that experience.

There was another phrase that would come up from time to time I am sure made no sense to anyone who did not speak our language.  In the pastor’s sermon or in someone’s testimony they would say, “sometimes you have to put legs to your prayer.”  I am sure this one caused any newcomer to our church to wonder if we offered a PSL class (Pentecost as a Second Language!)  We knew we were being reminded there are times you have to work along with your prayer but the images this phrase produced in the mind of those who did not understand had to make for some interesting conversations with their non-Pentecostal friends!

My mind pulled up the “putting legs to your prayer” idea recently while reading about the Children of Israel crossing the Red Sea.  Moses has led his people out of Egypt, and they are on their way to the land God promised them many years earlier.  They came to the mighty Red Sea, however, and it looks like their emancipation will end in their destruction.  There is no way to cross this large body of water and Pharoah and his army have had a change of heart about allowing the Israelites to leave – they are now in hot pursuit of their former slaves.

The Children of Israel get scared and in their fear they begin to complain.  They see no solution to their dilemma and feel certain their annihilation is imminent.  In this desperate situation, God gives another strong word to Moses, and he shares it with the people:

“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.  The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”  (Exodus 14:13-14)

Evidently this word was not enough for Moses and his people because the next verse takes a more stern tone as God says to them, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” (Exodus 14:15) He seems to be saying, “It is time to stop praying and start moving.”  I think He is saying to them it is time to put legs to their prayers!

I am certain God wants me to be a man of prayer.  I believe my private prayer life will largely determine the effectiveness of my public ministry.  Prayer should always be a primary weapon in my arsenal and my prayer life should be so powerful it causes the devil to tremble in fear.  But with all that being said, there comes a time when praying is not enough.

Most of the promises of the Lord have conditions attached.  He makes a contract with us telling us what He expects from us and what we will receive from Him if we do our part.  This contract – or covenant – is etched in stone and will not be compromised.  We do our part; He does His.

I’ve discovered many times our blessing is not realized because we are continually praying for God to do what He has promised while all the time He is waiting for us to meet His set condition.  Prayer and fasting, the laying on of hands, counseling – you name it – nothing is going to move the hand of God until we live up to the contract.  We must put legs to our prayer.

This principle is beautifully illustrated by the story of Naaman in II Kings 5.  Naaman is a national hero among the Syrian people, but he has been stricken with the dreaded disease of leprosy.  He hears about a prophet named Elisha who he is told heals people with this sickness. Naaman makes his way to the prophet’s house and as he pulls into the drive, Naaman sends one of his servants to the door to request the attention of Elisha.  Elisha hears the problem, but instead of coming out to personally address Naaman, he sends out instruction for Naaman to go wash seven times in the Jordan River.

This is certainly not the reception and treatment Naaman was expecting.  As a matter of fact, he is highly offended at the lack of personal attention he received from Elisha and even more offended he was told he had to wash in the muddy Jordan River.  He is so put off by this he leaves the prophet’s residence in a rage.  He left in anger, with his pride intact…and with his leprosy.

After a little cooling off period, one of Naaman’s servants attempted to reason with him.  He encouraged his master to simply do what the prophet had instructed.  Naaman knows it is the right thing to do, so he submits.  He heads for the Jordan ready to swallow his pride and obey.

In my mind I see Naaman stepping out of his chariot in humiliation and embarrassment.  He would rather be a million places than on the banks of the Jordan River, but this is what the prophet said he had to do to be healed of this disease.  It wouldn’t surprise me if he was thinking, “maybe my willingness to come here will be enough for the God of Elisha to heal me.”  But it wasn’t.

He steps into the water and dips one time.  He may have looked at his skin to see if God would show mercy and heal him because of his humble submission to the prophet’s instruction.  But God didn’t.

He dipped 2…3…4…5…6 times and there is no change whatsoever.  He quickly submerged himself one more time in the river and – you guessed it – he came out of the water completely healed.  The Scripture says, “…his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”  (II Kings 5:14) Naaman had fulfilled his part of the contract; God did not fail to fulfill his part as well.

So many times God speaks to us and gives us an assignment.  This assignment is His plan for our life and there is a beautiful blessing promised as we obey.  This is God’s covenant with us – we follow His direction, and He gives the blessing.  There is no negotiation involved – no deal making – no gamesmanship – just total surrender and obedience.  We obey; God honors His word.

Unfortunately, too often our attention is on the blessing.  We continually pray for God to give us what we desire – what we need.  We call others to pray for us and feel because of our strong petition God will relent and give what we are asking.  But here is God’s word for us today – no amount of praying is going to bring the answer we are seeking.  It is not a matter of praying; it is a matter of obedience.  God has already made a promise; the promise will be kept when the contract is fulfilled.

There are some blessings that will never come to you no matter how much you pray.  Sometimes praying is not enough.  The blessing that seems just out of your grasp may well be waiting on your total submission to the will of God for your life.  This should not be seen as trying to earn your answered prayer; it should be seen as keeping your side of the contract.  God will do His part, no doubt.  You might just need to put legs to your prayer. 

One of the most revealing examples of genuine transparency in the Bible is found in Mark 9.  A desperate father brings his son to Jesus in need of a miracle.  The son is being tormented by evil spirits and there seems to be no help for him.  This father has obviously heard of Jesus and sees the Lord as his only hope.  In true humility he says to the Lord, “…if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” (Mark 9:22)

Jesus responds to the sincere plea of this gentleman by saying, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) Then in a moment of true honesty and with his humanity on full display, the father with tears streaming down his face says, “…Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

I understand this guy!  I think he is saying, “Lord, I know your reputation and record. I have seen and heard what you have done for others.  I do not doubt your power, but I am having a tough time believing you are going to do it for me.”  There is no attempt to be super spiritual or something he is not; he simply admits his struggle to believe for this long-dealt-with situation.  He knows Jesus can, but will He?

Most of us, if we are honest, can say we have been where this father is in Mark 9.  We would never admit to doubting the power of God because we do not.  We have witnessed, and even experienced, His divine intervention many times.  But the storm we are presently going through has been raging for quite a long time and there seems to be no end in sight.  We have prayed but no change of any size has happened.  We do not want to verbally express it, but we are starting to wonder if this prayer will ever be answered.  We believe God is able…but nothing happening right now indicates He is going to.

If it has not happened to you yet – get ready!  At some point in your walk with God your faith will be tested.  A bad doctor’s report…a fractured relationship…a sudden reversal in your finances – these and other negative life-situations lead to some very anxious moments where your faith experiences the fire.  But, of everything that can happen, nothing causes a believer more stress than to pray – earnestly pray and believe – but it seems the walls of Heaven are brass, and you simply cannot break through.  You believe, but your circumstances have inserted some unbelief into the equation.  What do you do now?

The answer to this important question is actually not as difficult as the enemy of your soul wants you to think it is. The omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and eternal God is also your Heavenly Father who loves you more than you can comprehend.  He cares deeply about your need and is concerned about everything that concerns you.  When times of trial come your way, the devil wants to confuse you and make you afraid, but God has a simple strategy to bring you through to a place of peaceful confidence where His will is understood and can be embraced.  It is discovered through four simple steps:

1.  Trust God.  God is good.  He loves us and everything He does is for our good.  He has the big picture of our life in mind at all times and His sovereignty is never lost in our situation.  Your present reality does not define you.  You are and always will be who and what God says.  Our beautiful and wonderful God can always be trusted!

2.  Listen to God.  God has a good plan for your life.  This plan can only be received through intimacy with the Father.  During these sacred moments of communion with Him, He teaches and shapes us.  The lessons He wants us to learn during these times are revelatory and life changing.  His Word and will come alive as we listen intently for His Spirit. 

3.  Keep Looking to God.  Do not give up!  God is not restricted to your facts or the expert’s opinion.  Regardless of your present landscape, do not stop praying…press through your unbelief…keep your head up – even through tears and fears.  God does His best work when things seem impossible.  His answer to your prayer will come.

4. Trust God.  The journey to breakthrough is enveloped in trusting God.  True peace and contentment only come when the warring ends and the trusting begins.  This does not mean you accept your present situation, but it does mean you accept the Father’s perfect will for your life.  This can be done when you become convinced His plan for you is nothing short of amazing. I say it again – our beautiful and wonderful God can be trusted.

The story I have referenced from Mark 9 is so encouraging because we see the only response Jesus gave to the visible humanity of a broken father was to heal the man’s son.  There was no rebuke for the unbelief and no theological discourse on the importance of faith – Jesus just met the need and brought an end to the life-long struggle for this family.  Even when faith was weak, His power and compassion were at work.

This lesson was made clear to the disciples of Jesus one night while they were sailing on the Sea of Galilee.  The story in Mark 4 tells us as they made their way across the sea this particular evening, a great storm arose.  This storm was so intense the disciples feared for their lives.  They did all they knew to do to keep the ship together and heading in the right direction, but it looked like in spite of their best efforts they were going down in that storm.  Finally, someone remembered Jesus was onboard – asleep in the back of the boat – but was not helping them.  In desperation, they cried out “Lord, get up and help us!  We are about to die!  Don’t you care?”

The Scripture says Jesus got up, calmly surveyed the situation, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still.”  The storm immediately stopped and there was perfect calm.

The disciples in this story did not respond to this horrific storm in faith – they were scared to death!  This lack of faith did not keep Jesus from intervening – He got up at their cry and rebuked the wind and waves.  Jesus did this – not because of their great faith – but because they (the disciples) were His!  His love for them brought His miraculous intervention.

The two stories from the Bible in this article have a common denominator – real people faced real situations with weak faith at best.  Of course God would have been more pleased if great faith had been in operation, but the realities of the situation did not stop the love of God from being demonstrated. This reality was simple – God knew the hearts of these men and they belonged to Him!  He moved for them – not because of their faith but because of His love.

You, too, are dearly loved by the Lord.  He knows you – all of your issues, all of your disappointments, all of your fears.  He calls you His own and the reason for your creation has not changed. He wants to give you fulfillment in a life of God-awareness and blessing. He will never fail to keep His Word to you – you can count on it.

Without sounding harsh, the choice is actually yours.  You can seclude yourself in a world of unfulfilled dreams or you can wrap yourself up in the love of a Father who will never let you down.  He is waiting for your decision.  You can cry out to Him anytime and He will hear you and help you…even when your faith is not strong.

The book of Acts reads like an adventure movie meant for the big screen.  Beginning with the supernatural birth of the Church and continuing through its amazing growth and impact, each page is alive detailing the action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of everyday, ordinary human beings.  The book is filled with heroes and villains, inspiration and drama as well as information and instruction.  It is a powerful account of life directed by the Holy Spirit.

One of my favorite stories in Acts is found in the 12^th chapter.  It begins with a wicked king bringing persecution to the Church.  King Herod killed James and has plans to do the same to Peter.  He has Peter arrested and placed in prison.  He carefully and strategically placed the apostle in an inner cell surrounded by armed guards and the plan is to execute him after Passover…but the Church prayed.

The night before Peter was set to appear before the king, an angel of the Lord entered the prison cell and miraculously removed Peter’s chains and led him safely outside the prison – without the guards even seeing it!  You really need to read this story!  It is just one example in the book of Acts of God’s response to a praying Church.

The obvious point of Acts is the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.  But as you carefully dissect the recorded moments of the New Testament Church, an underlying element that must not be missed is this Church prayed.  Prayer was not relegated to an event or a duty, it was a lifestyle.  Prayer was not seen as a last resort after everything else was tried, it was the first line of defense and a primary weapon in their arsenal.  Prayer was not seen as religious activity; it was what they were called to do…and God answered their prayers.

Throughout history the people of God have faced great challenges but have overcome because they called on God in prayer and He answered them.

In the Old Testament –

God’s people are surrounded and being attacked by enemy nations…but they prayed and God delivered them.

They came under the authority of wicked kings and governments who brought idols and massive perversion to the forefront…but they prayed and God intervened.

They faced times of famine and pestilence…but they prayed and God provided and protected.

They failed God and turned away from Him…but they prayed and repented and God restored them.

They followed God’s direction and built a tabernacle for God to dwell in…and as they prayed and offered their sacrifices to Him, fire fell from Heaven and the presence of God went with them.

In the New Testament –

The Church faced immense persecution…but they prayed and God delivered them.

They faced times of great need…but they prayed and God brought great miracles to them.

They faced times of controversy and question…but they prayed and God gave direction.

They faced times of sickness – even death…but they prayed and God healed and brought resurrection.

They hungered for God and His power…and as they prayed God manifested His presence and brought revival – one time even causing the place to shake where they prayed!

In our own lifetime we have witnessed and experienced perilous times.  We have seen political unrest, natural disasters and moral depravity.  We have walked through the valley of the shadow of death and had our faith stretched to the nth degree.  We have encountered attacks from without and within yet we are still standing.  We are overcomers, not because of our personal strength and ability, but because the Church prayed.  Prayer has been the secret sauce (not really a secret) that has sustained us and carried us through every storm.

Today, the Church finds itself in a strange land.  Like the people of God in Psalm 137, some have lost hope – hung their harps in the willows – and accepted the fact our best days are behind us.  These have stopped singing the Lord’s song and have moved into survival mode. 

While some in today’s Church are simply hanging on, others have allowed themselves (maybe without even realizing it) to become distracted by things that seem important but have little, if any, eternal value.  While the world is on a collision course with disaster, these have chosen to spend their time debating worship aesthetics, who gets a seat at the table and what our titles should be.  These arguments are rarely settled and lend more to divide us than bring us together.

I think it is time to take a deep breath and revisit some history.  A trip through the Scriptures and a walk down memory lane will reveal to us past conflicts and battles have been settled when the Church prayed.  Prayer has unveiled strategies for victory and enlisted the army of Heaven to come to our defense.  Prayer has changed attitudes and brought unity to the Body when it did not seem possible.  Every believer can testify to the fact, prayer has been the common denominator to every divine intervention.

The Church – the Body of Christ not the institution – is a force in this world.  When it shakes off passivity and operates in its God-ordained authority, it has the power to loose and bind.  All the combined forces of hell are no match for the Church.  This power is our heritage, available because of the presence of the Holy Spirit but activated when the Church prays.

The challenges of this age are intense.  We are being bombarded everyday with hellish attacks intended to take us out.  It is not going to get better – evil will get worse and worse.  But as in times past, the Church will pray – not just study it, preach about it or meditate on it.  We will pray in faith.  We will pray boldly.  We will pray together in agreement.  And just as in times past, God will answer by confirming His Word and “do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

It’s not time to stop singing the Lord’s song.  It’s not time to give in to beaucratic or institutional tendencies.  It’s certainly not time to operate in fear.  It is time to pray.  When the Church prays, things change.  We have evidence to this fact.  But the church prayed…

My favorite tv show of all time is the Andy Griffith Show.  I have seen every episode countless times but I still enjoy it and laugh at all the funny lines.  There is nothing complicated about it – it’s just good clean humor set in simpler times.  I had much rather watch it than anything being produced by Hollywood today.  I have often said, “Jesus, Andy and Barney have gotten me through a lot of hard places!”

One of the reasons I probably like the Andy Griffith Show is it reminds me of the small town in which I grew up.  Hugo, Oklahoma in the 60’s and 70’s was “Mayberryesk” to say the least.  I think all the characters in the sitcom actually existed in real persons in my hometown!  Family and friends were important to us.  Things like morality, honesty and respect really mattered.  God and the Church were at the forefront of all we did.  I know things were not perfect, but looking back, they seemed pretty close.

When I compare where we are now in the world with where we were in my growing up years, I see two vastly different existences.  Things are far more convenient now and the advancements of modern society in so many ways are mindboggling.  But…the depravity, lawlessness and disregard for God and His Word make this time extremely uncomfortable for me.  I don’t recognize my own country these days.  I quite frankly don’t feel at home here anymore.

Every now and then I just get tired…tired of sin and ungodly lifestyles…tired of carnality and lukewarmness in the church…tired of the stress and strain of everyday living…tired of the suffering and pain of loved ones/friends…just plain tired!  If I could hide from it, I would hide.  If I could run away from it, I would run.  If moving to a deserted island would be a true escape, I would be willing to head that way at sunrise.  Sometimes I just get really tired.

Jesus surely knew these times would come when He prayed for us in John 17.  He said to the Father, “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:14-15)  I hear Him saying He knew we would face attack, hostility and hardship in this world.  He did not pray we would be removed from these things, just kept safe in the Father’s hand.  He prayed this prayer, not only for His disciples, but for us and it’s a prayer for which we are seeing an answer everyday!

When I read this beautiful prayer in John 17, it becomes crystal clear to me God has a plan for His children in this world today.  Jesus even said to the Father, “As you sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)  When I am tired and tempted to run and hide, I am reminded I am part of God’s plan.  I cannot grow weary and give up.  I must draw from His strength and fulfill my mission.  God has called me and this world needs me!

The realization that God has called me and this world needs me is sobering.  I know me…my flaws…my weaknesses…my baggage.  I do not feel I have that much to offer and what I do have does not seem significant enough to make a difference.  Yet the One who knows me better than I know myself has chosen me to bear His name and represent Him in these chaotic times.  This is His idea – His plan!  “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give you.” (John 15:16)

What could I possibly possess that the Father could use to impact this world?  What contribution can I bring to the table that can make a difference?  The answer is so simple, yet powerful when it is fully employed.  It is not our talent, charisma or accomplishments.  It is our presence, prayer and availability for the Holy Spirit to flow through us.

PRESENCE.  God simply wants us in the game.  He calls for our presence in the neighborhood, marketplace, seat of government…wherever people are He wants us there.  He knows we will not be comfortable – we aren’t supposed to be.  He knows we will stand out – that’s the idea.  He knows we will be hated – that’s why He prayed for us.  He wants representatives – people to reflect Him – and that’s us! 

The attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001 brought the responsibility of first responders clearly into focus for us.  These brave men and women knew the danger of the situation but they ran to it anyway.  Their instinct probably told them to run from the danger but their training told them to run to it.  They ignored their flesh and obeyed their calling.

Perilous times have enveloped our world.  It is dark and getting darker every day.  We want to find a safe place to hide but the call of God is to invade the darkness.  His plan is to move through us to bring light, hope and direction to people desperately in need.  He intends to use us to be ministers with our presence. 

PRAYER.  Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound – that is what they said about Superman.  This mythical super hero of my childhood could overcome any challenge thrown at him during a thirty-minute tv show.  He was the man!

Well…Superman is not real.  He was a made up character intended for our entertainment.  But there is a powerful force accessible to us that can overcome challenges, change situations and accomplish the impossible – that powerful force is prayer.

When righteous people fervently pray something happens.  Reading about prayer doesn’t do it.  Talking about prayer doesn’t do it.  Serving prayer as an appetizer will not be enough – it must be the entrée’.  When prayer becomes priority, the most difficult of situations will change.  God is calling and this world needs us to be people of earnest prayer.

AVAILABILITY FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO FLOW THROUGH US.  A lot of pressure is removed from me when I fully understand all I am is a vessel through which the Holy Spirit flows.  God is not depending on my talent or ability – He has everything and is everything.   He just lets me be involved in what He is doing by serving as a portal for the flow of His Spirit.

Again, this is His plan.  He could do His work through any method of His choosing – His chosen method is us!  He positions us in places where He wants to work.  These places may bring pain and be unpleasant at the time but He is using us.  We may not see any value or benefit from our situation but He is working.  We may not understand or even see an outcome in this life but His plan is being achieved.  Our responsibility is simply to be available and obey.  His great delight is when we surrender to His will and His work is fulfilled through us.  Our testing time becomes a testimony and our obedience becomes an answer to someone’s prayer.  In all of this process Jesus is glorified and a difference is made through us.