I was watching a YouTube video about the many existential threats facing humanity, when I sensed God saying something. I hesitate to call it “a word,” and I acknowledge He may have intended it solely for me. I find it hard to know except for the continued encouragement to share what I heard. As always, the reader should consider this prayerfully to discern what if any of this is for you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
God is trying to show His people that the things we have come to depend on in this world are killing us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. While we might like to think He will step in before it gets unbearable, it would be wise to consider the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 2Kings 25, and the forty years of desert wandering used to punish the disobedient (Number 14). Like Paul, I pray we will learn from their tragic example.
The warnings of Jesus in the Gospels (e.g., Mark 13, Matthew 25) and to the Seven Churches of Revelation are real and instructive to our day. Speaking of the Revelation, the promised judgments of God are not reserved for the world alone, but for those who desire to be its friend (James 4:4). Moreover, we are likely further down the timeline of 2Thessalonians 2:1-12 than we would like to think.
Think. Think. Think. That seems to be what this is about. We are not thinking as we should. Depending on an escapist eschatology may be foolish, and it is most certainly selfish. We were not created and redeemed to squeeze what we can out of life while we are on this planet, but to maximize God’s potential, for His glory and for His love of others.
There are compromise points along this spectrum – between self-protecting isolation and abandonment to God’s full potential – for each of us. “How do we know what sacrifice is enough?” is simply not the right question. Without proper consideration, each one of us will settle into a style of life which does not reflect kingdom priority. Take a moment to consider the consequences; God will not be slow to speak.
Granted, while there are people God can use to change the world, most of us are not those people. However, our limitations do not excuse us from the good work God has prepared for each of us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Each one of us has spheres of influence, beginning with our own personal relationship with God, that require serious attention. There are spheres God intends to influence through us which we will never recognize if we do not start giving Him our undivided attention for extended periods of time.
LORD, teach us to number our days.
Beware how you may be thinking about “give no thought for tomorrow.” It is a ready excuse, easily applied to avoid living in the light given to us. While this passage (Matthew 6:25-34) instructs us to take our minds off our daily wants and needs to focus on the kingdom (something we desperately need), we must resist the temptation to twist its meaning into “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” This attitude is incompatible with the rest of New Testament teaching.
We desperately need to put away the anesthetizing “drugs” of this world’s culture and begin the spiritual rehabilitation necessary to return our kingdom faculties back to God’s intended state. We must not tolerate our carnal resistance to assessment and criticism. This alone will prevent our repentance and recovery. Refusing to receive the love of the truth about ourselves and our fellowships will lead tragically and certainly to our destruction (2Thessalonians 2:9-12). Embracing Psalm 139:23-24 is a good place to start.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
One final warning: Though it has and will continue to offer solutions for what ails the Western church, the world has no solution worth considering. It is all distraction. It is all distraction – to make us “of the world.”
This is a strong message; one I pray we can receive. Our loving Father rebukes, chastens, and even scourges His children. That He would do so at this late hour is a good sign that repentance, recovery, and maybe even revival are possible. Please pass this on as the Holy Spirit leads you.
God bless you with courage and wisdom to receive the love of the truth.
Have a strong day in the Lord,
Rob
#iamjustthepen
Ministry Updates and Prayer Requests
Please turn your prayerful attention to God’s voice and purpose for you in this season. We are truly in a Kairos moment of spiritual challenge and opportunity. Knowing His voice is now of paramount importance, and His purpose will likely be your greatest kingdom legacy.
Regarding legacy: God has stirred a desire in my heart to assemble a cohort of Baby Boomers who are willing to sacrifice for the next group of church leaders – Millennials mostly – that they would have the opportunity to grow in their faith for the good work God has created for them to walk in. Please pray for this endeavor, and let me know if you are interested.
The Peer Advisory Group project concluded in May, after 17 months invested in the training of workplace leaders in the Map Maker transformation process. The project, a partnership with Christian Businessmen’s Connection (CBMC), was profitable for the kingdom of God and will serve as a leverage into our next cooperative venture. Our current, tentative plan is to start a Young Professionals group in the fall of this year. Please pray for God’s favor and the preparation of young men’s hearts.
In the meantime, I am setting aside all the Lord will allow to focus on the current writing project – A Christian Response to the Meaning Crisis. We are exploring the possibility of “publishing” the book one chapter at a time to the internet; including a short video with each chapter. Please pray for clarity and the technical help and financial resources needed for the project.
God has answered our prayers for the development of a Christian network in Douglas County, Georgia (and the surrounding area). Several churches and ministries are coming together to manifest Jesus’ prayer for unity in service to their community, initially through a Wellness and Deliverance Network. Please pray that we would have the spirit of wisdom and revelation for God’s way in the good work He will accomplish.
The crises of this season will continue to escalate. These are particularly hard on our sisters and brothers already suffering under persecution. Please pray for them as if chained with them – since you yourselves are in the body also (Hebrews 13:3).
Partnering with inLight Consulting
God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.
Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.
God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob