Christmas is a season of wonder. The One unbound by time determined to bound Himself to it for one short and noteworthy mission – a mission of love and obedience to His Father. With that kind of wonder in mind, please enjoy another, written that you might wonder all the more.
The following contains a wonder and several lessons, revelations, and/or reminders. I will point out the latter as we go along; the wonder will be obvious. When you see it – the wonder – slow down and give it time to wonder you.
It all began on Sunday morning. As I considered the subjects for that morning’s prayer: missionaries, leaders (both kingdom and secular), our neighbors, and our persecuted brethren in Laos and Algiers, I felt unusually unsure about how the Father would have me pray for them. So, I asked Him.
Lesson: Even with prayer lists, discover and pray the Father’s will, that you may know you have the petitions you have asked of Him (1John 5:14-15).
In response, the Father encouraged me to pray for each group using my spiritual prayer language. So, I did something I don’t do very often: Giving attention to each group in turn, I gave myself to the Holy Spirit praying through me for them. The experience was quite amazing.
Lesson: Praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20) may not mean what I believe it means, but it means something we should not be afraid to explore. For me, it is the Spirit helping in my weakness, Himself making intercession for me with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26). Praying in the Spirit is a miracle – particularly for this man, who was raised in a tradition that did not give attention to the Holy Spirit beyond the recitation of the Apostles’ Creed.
Furthermore, praying in the Spirit includes the Holy Spirit speaking into our spirit the mysteries of the kingdom of God. This may or may not relate directly to the attention of your mind during the prayer. This is the wonder that happened to me: As I participated with the Holy Spirit in prayer, He downloaded a revelation about the big “R” Reality of the kingdom. Here is the summary:
The big “R” Reality of God is bigger on the inside than it appears from the outside. For those familiar with The Last Battle (the seventh book of the Chronicles of Narnia): the further up and in you go, the bigger it gets. For those who prefer something more sci-fi, think Dr. Who’s Tardis.
The Bible is like that. Someone with their imaginations stuck in the material world will only see it as a book of some material size. Kingdom people know its inside to be something else entirely. The mysteries of the creation and kingdom of God are found in there.
Every human being, lost and being saved, is like that. There is more to us than most people know – including ourselves. It is why we say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” more often about people than books.
Moreover, every redeemed Christian is now infinitely bigger on the inside than on the outside. We have become vessels of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18, 23). Stop and wonder at it: The Logos of God, in its fullness, dwells within each one of us.
You and I are like that: A vessel of God’s Reality. Say that to yourself, “I am much bigger on the inside than I appear on the outside.” Every Christian we know is infinitely bigger on the inside than on the outside. We are all a vessel of God’s Reality.
Have you wondered yet? Stop; give it a minute.
Revelation: So, knowing this to be true, why in heaven’s name should it matter that a vessel of God’s Reality interrupts me, slights me, or does anything that annoys me? Why should it matter that they think differently about Baptism, Communion, worship music, or anything else not obviously heretical? For that matter, why should it matter that they have something obviously wrong? They are vessels of God’s Reality, a reality far bigger that anything I see and hear from the outside.
This is a paradigm shift that has been germinating for some time within me; now to burst forth. I find myself in wonder, eager to experience whatever the wonder and revelation become. I believe with all my heart that every other vessel of God’s Reality has a bit of that Reality that I will only find in them. I believe God made us this way with intention. His Son is waiting for a Bride, and She will not be dismembered.
God bless you with wisdom and courage to search out His Reality in others, and freedom to enjoy and wonder at the mysteries you will find.
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.
Pray for the Lord to identify and encourage the true prophets of this season. Are you one of the prophets we so desperately need? Pray for “the Sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel (i.e., the Body of Christ) ought to do (1Chronicles 12:32).” Pray that those of us with Godly wisdom will step up and forward to warn those entrusted to our care.
We are still waiting on the video editing to begin for the The Storms Have Only Just Begun online course. On a positive note, I have completed the initial draft of the Study Guide. Please continue to pray for this endeavor.
As we turn our attention back 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. Let me know if you want an early edition.
I have had several meetings with educators, pastors, and AI experts to better understand how we might return responsibility for the education of our children back to the church. God is opening doors and building worthwhile relationships. Please pray for God’s wisdom, discernment, courage, and boldness in this audacious desire.
The Better Living 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. I hope to take the remainder of this month to rest, watch, and listen in preparation for an adventurous 2026. We appreciate your prayers for our continued spiritual growth and encouragement in the use of our new home as a refuge of encouragement and wisdom 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