I suspect that everyone who writes a year-end newsletter hopes to write a positive one. That can be quite a challenge when you are sitting in the middle of the most chaos, storm, and crisis filled decade any of us will ever face. I am reminded of the cornerstone passage of our last book, The Storms Have Only Just Begun:

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. Matthew 7:24-27

Many have lost their houses. The symptoms include depression, addiction, loneliness, divisiveness, identity confusion, loss of faith, etc. The devastation can be difficult to watch and consider, and we must not turn away. The primary purpose of The Storms Have Only Just Begun has been to help Christians become houses who stand in the storms as refuge, encouragement, and wisdom to a reeling world. Our work has only just begun.

And so, it seems that now – in the middle of the storms – we should encourage ourselves, that we not grow weary in doing good (2Thessalonians 3:13). That is the objective of this newsletter.

Before you read on, please take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to infuse these encouraging words with wonder. Wonder exists above the natural plane. Allow your attention to be draw there and you will be transported into a place of encouragement which the words alone cannot provide.

1. Where chaos abounds, God will be found. It is quite reasonable to expect God’s activity in our chaos (and the lives of those we love). His love, joy, peace, long-suffering, etc. is more clearly seen – for His glory! – when our lives are in crisis. He invites us to the wonder of His presence.
2. The opportunity of a lifetime. The transformation God intends for the church in this season will be a great step toward the Bride having made Herself ready (Revelation 19:7). I believe, when all is said and done, it will be rightly called a Second Reformation. He invites us to the wonder of His good work.
3. Signs and wonders will follow. With the death of secular atheism, many have turned to the supernatural for meaning and purpose in their lives. As we know, there is no greater wonder worker than our God. He has proven it to be so throughout history and even now with those willing to be His instruments. He invites us to the wonder of the kingdom come.
4. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). He is a careful orchestrator. It is no coincidence that we are alive here and now. In fact, each one of us is where He wants us, when He wants us, and with those we are to walk this out. He invites us to the wonder of Providence.

I am sure other wonders will come to my mind once I publish this newsletter. As they say, wonders never cease. In fact, God may have already brought forward something specifically for you. Whatever it is, you must not dismiss it. Let it captivate you. Let the Holy Spirit use it to renew your mind and draw you into the wonder of God and His kingdom. Let me know how I might help; and in the meantime…

God bless you with full encouragement for the days ahead, and wonder at the full potential of His life in you and those you love.

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 the purpose He entrusts to you 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, 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.

In the meantime, I am setting aside all the Lord will allow to focus on the current writing project – A Christian Response to the Metacrisis. We have decided to “publish” 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