As You Go

I must apologize to the few of you that actually read my fledgling blog for my lengthy absence. I usually try to post at least once a week, or as often as God gives me something. One thing I did promise myself is that I would not bore you with a daily blog telling you about what frappuccino I ordered from Starbucks on my way to work that morning. Those of you who know me well are probably shocked that I do this at all. I have a friend who tried to convince me that keeping a journal was a good idea. I secretly joked with myself that the only reason he called it a "journal" was because it was a more manly word that would make him feel better about the fact that he kept a diary. He did however talk me into starting this blog, but I wanted it to be something that would help people to live victoriously in Christ. Which brings me to this posting that appears after a three week hiatus. I had not posted until now because I did not feel that God had revealed anything flashy enough to be considered worthy of my time or effort, but that is exactly the essence of what He was trying to teach me. His revelations are not always front page news. I have a wise friend with whom I often counsel with tell me, "Jeff, don't always look for the results." He knows me well enough to know that although I don't seek attention, my heart longs to see God do a supernatural work through my life, and that I often become frustrated when it seems that nothing is happening. Patience is not my strong suit, and I am not a big fan of waiting. When he said that, tears filled my eyes as something began to resonate in my spirit. It was the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19, the two words "go therefore." Some translations say, "as you go." To me that means life. Jesus was telling us the same thing my friend told me that night on the phone; as you live life, do these things I have commanded you to do. I have been so caught up in the end game, looking for results, that I neglected to go and do anything. I am convinced that the reason we do not live powerful Spirit filled lives with supernatural fruit is because we are not living His mission. If we will step out in obedience to His call, the Spirit will meet us there and do more than we are able to ask or think.

Offense or Blessing?

Throughout history, God has always shown up on the scene in a way that offended most of the religious establishment. He shows up as manna when the people are expecting bread, He shows up as a baby when the people are expecting a king, He shows up as Benny Hinn when the people expect Billy Graham. When God reveals Himself it will often offend your head before it will bless your heart. He does this to see if you will listen to His voice despite the offense. God's word is the divine revelation of His Son, and although He will never contradict it, He has absolutely no problem contradicting your understanding of it. It is of the utmost importance not to become distracted by the way He reveals Himself, if you do you will miss out on the blessing.
To illustrate this, let's take a look at Jesus. When He returned to His home town, the people took offense to Him. It says in Mark 6:5 that "He could do no miracles there except that He laid His hands upon a few sick people and healed them." Because the people did not receive the prophet as a prophet, they did not receive the prophet's reward. (Matthew 10:41)
Now let's look at Elisha and the Shunammite woman in Second Kings 4:8-17. Verse 9 states that the woman perceived that Elisha was a holy man of God. In verse 17, she receives the prophet's blessing.
While in jail, the apostle Paul had only one thing on his mind. . . the advancement of the gospel. In Philippians 1:12-18, he admits that some preach the gospel out of envy and rivalry. Verse 17 says it was done out of selfish ambition, just wanting to stir up trouble. But look at his response in verse 18, "the important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached." If you cannot discipline yourself to hear God speaking through a vessel that you find distasteful, you may never hear Him speak at all.

Just Ask

James 4:2 says, "You do not have because you do not ask." This has never been more real to me until this last week. At my job, 30-35% of my income is overtime, half of that comes from working my day off. My employer has not allowed anyone to work off day overtime since January. My wife and I have recently gotten out of debt and have committed ourselves to living debt free. With the sudden decrease in the amount of money I was bringing home, we were forced to use our savings to make up the difference. As our savings dwindled, I realized I would have to find a part time job to help bridge the gap. I am more than willing to work two jobs, however it is difficult to find a business that can work around my first job's schedule. I was praying one morning, asking God to provide another job, and I mentioned to Him that it would be really convenient for me to just work my days off at the job I already have. Well guess what? I worked my day off this week, and my boss says that we will most likely be working our off days for the next 3-4 weeks! It is almost as if God was sitting on the edge of His throne waiting on me to just ask.
We are promised in scripture that we will never receive a stone when we ask for bread, or a snake when we ask for a fish. Why does it surprise us so when God steps into our situation and completely provides for our every need?
What is your need? Well He is waiting, just ask!