I will never forget what a wise man once told me. He painted
a picture of a great storm that struck fear in to the hearts of many. This fear
forced them to leave the fields they were plowing and run for shelter that was
later completely destroyed by the storm they so feared. But for a single man, a
supernatural peace came over him. With an intense focus, he held the plow with
both hands and kept moving forward. The rain from this destructive storm then watered
the field he was diligent and faithful to plow. Crops and fruit from that land
were rich and abundant. He described the desire to be that man—and placed the
same gut desire in me—who did not run out of fear but remained faithful about
his Fathers business with his hands to the plow.
In response to the shooting that recently
took place in Oregon, I respectfully acknowledge the loss and my heart is moved
with compassion for the people and loved ones affected by it. Now a word of
encouragement for them and the church at whole. Let us be the one who doesn’t
run out of fear, but remain faithful about our Fathers business knowing that no
matter what happens Jesus is worth it all. Great is our reward in Heaven for
those who remain faithful, those who are persecuted because of Christ (Mathew
5). Let us remember the beautiful words of Jesus, “Truly, truly, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if
it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates
his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he
must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves
Me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:24-26)
My friends, don’t let anything keep you from serving and
following Jesus. Don’t let anything keep you from obedience, both in the small
and big things alike. Let us live a life dead to ourselves and alive in Christ.
Let not fear, sickness, persecution, self, comfort or any other thing keep you
from loving Jesus! Follow Him. Meet Him secretly. Allow the revelation of the
Father’s heart to overcome you. Bless the one who so willingly laid His life
down to give us real life. Eat of Him, be with Him, meditate on Him, and love
Him. Then, go out and pour His love and that which you were freely given to
those who desperately need it—to those around you.
Friday September 11, 2015 was a rough day but had amazing
fruit in the end. All that week I felt great amounts of opposition. It’s easy
to believe the lie that you won’t be able to withstand the pressing. That it
would just be better to crumble now and quit. But let me tell you, DON’T QUIT!
If you don’t quit you’ll win. There is too much at stake to believe the lie.
And may I point out, it is a lie. Lie’s may feel real, sound like truth, and be
extremely convincing, but it is still a lie. The truth is, if you said yes to
Jesus then you are a child of the King, and He is with you always. The Holy
Spirit lives and dwells with in you and you CAN DO all things through Christ
Jesus who gives you strength.
On the 11th our church took prayer and worship to
the streets of Charlotte on the corner of Trade and Tryon, one of the busiest
intersections from what I hear. That morning I woke up sick. I’m talking gnarly
eww sick. The bathroom was my closest friend that day. I felt weak, clammy and
just plain icky. I was wrestling with whether I should go or not. I wrestled
with thoughts like Don’t go. The worship
team doesn’t really need you. They will be fine without you. It won’t make that
big of a difference if you don’t show up. Besides you really don’t feel well.
You should just rest. Warring
mentally, emotionally, and physically took a toll on me, but by God’s grace a
few people started praying.
As I was laying on the couch, minutes before my ride was
about to leave, I heard the voice of God say “Get up. Arise and Go.”
Even though I still felt crummy I decided to go in faith, and I am so glad
I did! God showed up! By the time I reached the event I was feeling 100 %
better. As we declared the name of Jesus through worship I could feel the
chains break off of me, let alone many others who joined us. Business people
with suits and ties stopped out of curiosity to see what was happening. People
were being healed and set free merely by the worship without anyone laying hands
on them. Hearts were being softened to the Lord Jesus, chains were being broken
and freedom was released on the streets of Charlotte. Holy Spirit was active at
work. The body of Christ started to move as one. People from other churches
happened to walk by, decided to minister in the crowd, and set up a prayer
tent. The Spirit was moving! There was worship, prayer, and street evangelism taking
place all at once. There were many testimonies of what Jesus did that night. He
is amazing! To Him be all the glory! He alone deserves it all!
Keep running! Keep loving! Keep your eyes on His!
