Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ! I hope and pray this edition finds you making disciples and transforming your spheres of influence. God has invested much in you as His agent and ambassador. He has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness. He is the wisest of investors. You have been carefully chosen. Be encouraged!!

Some of you may remember Paul Harvey, the radio broadcaster and commentator. His programs reached as many as 24 million listeners every week through five decades. Using his famous tagline, Mr. Harvey kept our hands off that radio dial, waiting through the commercials for “The Rest of the Story”.

I thought of Paul Harvey a few days ago, when I discovered a different kind of “rest of the story” in my quiet time with the Lord. This story, told by Jesus, is a sober warning for those of us called to make disciples in the marketplace. I hope and pray you will give it your attention.

The story begins in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus tells us to:

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Imagine you are standing on a hill looking down at the scene. Many are passing by the most important gate that mankind can ever discover. Yet, few will find it. A tragic story is unfolding right before our eyes!!

Wouldn’t it be great if the “rest of the story” had a different ending for those that do not find the gate? Perhaps a middle road or a more obvious second chance gate. Happy endings for all!! Sadly, many have been deceived to think exactly that.

But that is not the case in the scene before us. In fact, while there are many heartwarming “rest of the story” endings in Scripture (Christ’s resurrection being the most notable), the second half of this story is even more tragic than the first.

Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:23-24)

Back to our story: Many are taking the gate that leads to destruction. Our hearts, like the Father’s, are saddened by their choice. Then we see those that have found the gate that leads to life. Initially, our hearts are warmed. But, what’s this? Many are not able to enter in. We don’t know why. Perhaps they don’t have the key. Perhaps they cannot get through with all that stuff they are carrying around. Some seem to be holding back. Are they afraid of what will be required once they begin to enter?

As hard as it is to bear, in the end, few of the few that find the gate will find their way into the kingdom of God. As disciple makers, I encourage you to face the sobering truth and importance of this “rest of the story”. Here are three things I hope you consider:

1. We must know the whole story. We are stewards of the mysteries of God. As stewards, we are to be found faithful. That means searching out the truth diligently. Depending on others to spoon feed the truth is for babes in the faith. The mature press on to know (and do) more.
   
2. There are few who will enter in. Don’t be encouraged or discouraged by numbers. How many heads you can count is not as important as how deep you are taking the hearts and minds you have been given responsibility to disciple.
   
3. My striving will not get you in. Those you are discipling must strive for themselves. Your encouragement to strive is a critical part of disciple making. The passion to enter in is contagious – particularly in the close fellowship which Christ has been praying for His church.
   

In closing, I remind you that inLight Consulting is here to help Marketplace Leaders respond to the challenges of disciple making and transformation. We are blessed by your support.

God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him and His purpose for your life.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob

Ministry Update

Our efforts in 2012 have been focused in three areas: One-on-one ministry to Marketplace Leaders; helping churches start their own Marketplace Ministries; and completing “The Adventure Guide to Joyful, Spirit-filled Ministry”. God has also surprised us with some unexpected opportunities, and given us hope for even more in 2013.

The adventure we call inLight Consulting continues!!

For those of you that have not read my year end update for 2012, please go to the Message from the Director and read it there. Your prayers, encouragement and support are His grace towards us. As you read this report, I hope and pray that you will experience His good pleasure for your participation with us.

Partnering with inLight Consulting

Please remember us in the coming months. I covet your prayers for strength and patience. Also, please specifically pray for my writing and for my family. Pray that our children will grow in the knowledge and admonition of the Lord.

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 continuing, as the Lord has directed, to provide our services at no charge to the Marketplace Leaders and fellowships that desire to lead the spiritual transformation of their communities. We are a non-profit, 501c.3, ministry. If you share our vision, we encourage you to prayerfully consider partnering with us in this great adventure. To do so, please visit our website and invest in the kingdom.