Welcome to this month’s edition of the inLight Adventure Newsletter. This month, I want to share a few things the Lord has brought to my attention for my spiritual growth. I hope they will be of some value in your transformation.
But before we go there, let me encourage you to read the series of articles we recently finished on the church’s problems with her doctrines. Doctrines are generally necessary, good, and serve an important function in the formation of Christians and in the function of the Body of Christ. The problems with doctrines lie in the priority we give them, our restricted focus on them, and our misuse of them. The well-intended but flawed applications of our doctrines have truly damaged the Body of Christ and unnecessarily thwarted Jesus Christ’s purpose in building His church.
To get a feel for the series, and determine if you will be encouraged, edified and equipped by it, check out Part One here. Each of the remaining five parts can be found here. For those who prefer to review the proposed solutions first, go directly to Part Six here. Finally, if you would like to receive the articles in PDF format, just let me know.
For the Encouragement, Edification, and Equipping of the Saints
Transformation produces and requires chaos. Chaos allows for the removal and replacement of old paradigms, distractions, and deceptions. At the end of this transformational season, we will be spiritually “reset.” Something will be different – particularly the way we think. Hopefully, we will lead more with our heart, in the faith and desire God supplies. Let the following ideas, thoughts, truths, and insights encourage and challenge your walk in God’s good works (Ephesians 2:10).
Beware of outstripping God by your very longing to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, consequently we get so burdened with persons and with difficulties that we do not worship God, we do not intercede. If once the burden and the pressure come upon us and we are not in the worshipping attitude, it will produce not only hardness toward God but despair in our own souls. O. Chambers
The strongest must dedicate themselves to defending the most vulnerable (the soldier’s conviction). How? Focus on your assignment, learn and use the weapons you have been given, and invest your talent as the Holy Spirit leads you.
When we see others failing, we must not turn our discernment into criticism, but into intercession on their behalf. God reveals things in order that we may take up the burden of their souls, form the mind of Christ for them, and intercede on His line (1John 5:16). O. Chambers
Intercession for the sins of others is the way of the strong coming to the defense of the most vulnerable; and this by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
The race set before us – the one we run to win – requires laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us. It requires endurance and attention unto Jesus. It is a race of cross bearing for the joy of sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). It is a race of hostility from sinners that threatens to weary and discourage us (v. 3). It is a race of resistance unto bloodshed and striving against sin (v. 4). And it is a race of God’s loving chastening, rebuke, and scourging (vv. 5-6). We need this encouragement more so now than ever.
If we are being distracted by the chaos, then we must stop and get into such a living relationship with God that our relationship with others may be maintained on the line of intercession whereby God works his marvels. Turn from your angst and worry to the communion God offers in prayer and worship. O. Chambers
If we are following in the Master’s footsteps, we too must be willing to risk apparent failure in the eyes of the world; and harder still, must often be content to be misunderstood by our fellow Christians. Only when we have learned the faith and obedience which leave all consequences with God, can we know the power and joy of the exchanged life. L. B. Cowman
When a man’s heart is right with God the mysterious utterances of the Bible are spirit and life to him. Spiritual truth is discernible only to a pure heart, not to a keen intellect. It is not a question of profundity of intellect, but of purity of heart. O. Chambers
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. 1Corinthians 1:27-28
The power of the Holy Spirit is not power as a gift from Him; the power is Him. We must keep letting go of our own energy, and slowly and surely the great life of God will invade us in every part, and men will take knowledge that we have been with Jesus. O. Chambers
We must not be fainthearted because we are consciously poor instruments. The main question is the mastery of Him who uses the instruments. The power of the Spirit behind the least gifted one can work to glorious issues. Greatness is not required, but meetness for the Master’s use. L. B. Cowman
We are leaving too much of God’s offering on the table. If we would simply let Jesus be what He has become – our wisdom, sanctification, righteousness, and redemption (1Corinthians 1:30-31) – most or all of our mission here on earth would come with little personal effort.
If we would attempt great things for God, and achieve something before we die, we must pray at every moment and in every place. God commits Himself into the hands of those who truly pray. The first-century Christians were said to be power conscious; we, on the other hand, are problem conscious. L. B. Cowman
What did they believe about prayer? What do we?
Almighty and everlasting God, grant that all reborn into the fellowship of Jesus Christ’s body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Confession
For much of my life, I have drawn back for fear of performing poorly and receiving ridicule. There is something worse than pride in this way of thinking; it is inherently self-focused and consequentially pathetic and tragic. My fear of failure and my willingness to bury that fear has inhibited the glory of God in my life.
But there is hope for me yet. Behind every fear is a lie; deal with the lie, and the fear will fly. The lie behind my fear is that I should desire any glory for the good work God has created for me to walk in. It is not my work to be concerned or fearful about. And so, the truth has made me free to enjoy the good work of God – for His glory and my good.
God bless you with wisdom, discernment, courage, and boldness for the challenges and opportunities looming on our horizon – for His glory and your good.
Have a strong day in the Lord,
Rob
#iamjustthepen
Ministry Updates and Prayer Requests
Please turn your prayerful attention to God’s voice and His purpose for you in this season. We are truly in a Kairos moment of spiritual challenge and opportunity. The Storms Have Only Just Begun, and the rate of change we are about to experience will leave many seeking refuge, encouragement, and wisdom. Knowing His voice is now of paramount importance, and the purpose He entrusts to you will likely be your greatest kingdom legacy.
The publisher for the The Storms Have Only Just Begun online course has approached us about creating an AI coaching model based on its content. Work on the Study Guide and video editing continues. Please pray for speedy conclusion to this endeavor.
As we attempt to return our attention to A Christian Response to the Metacrisis, please pray for God’s direction in the book’s writing and publication.
We have been encouraged to create an eBook, The Shepherd’s Guide to the Dangers of Digital Technology, that should be published soon.We are also hoping to create an eBook from The Problems with Our Doctrines series. Let me know if you want an early edition of either one.
The Better Life Resource Network is now in its pilot phase. Several churches and ministries are coming together to manifest Jesus’ prayer for unity in service to their community. Please pray for our wisdom in the selection of participating partners, and faith for God’s exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think.
Our family and fellowship are well and well blessed. We appreciate your prayers for our continued spiritual growth and encouragement in this chaotic season.
Please continue to pray for our sisters and brothers suffering under persecution – 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