Here and Now or Eternity?

Saints,                                                                                                             26 Jan 11

A few introductory thoughts,

The world does an excellent job at being the world, let us stop being surprised at this truth. We act as if the world’s job is to live by God’s principles—no, dear friends, that is our job!

The enemy is completely committed to stealing, killing and destroying. Let us realize this truth.

Brothers and sisters, this “here and now” existence is not our home. Even so, we act and live like it is. Frankly, I think we believe that this “here and now” existence is our home. If we are honest, we would have to admit our heart’s desire is personal security, and safety. Doesn’t this ring true in your heart? Oh, how I hope we disagree with that statement!

Let us understand very clearly. Our eternal safety and security is very important and God has secured that. But, our temporal, “here and now” safety and security has been laid on the altar—embrace this, Christian. May we, right now, live for Christ. Make the decision. Delete this email or hammer the stake in the ground of your life…we are the Lord’s—every part of our lives is His!

We are at war! Not a war in the flesh, but a war existing in the spirit. As Christ followers, we are in the middle of a battle. We may lose our lives—our “here and now” existence. Many have already lost their lives. It is time to ask, “What do I really value, my here and now, or eternity with Jesus Christ?” Let us remember our fundamental faith. Our Savior explained,

John 17:3 (ESV)
³ And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Father, I believe Your Word. If I love You, then my whole life (heart, actions, words, thoughts) is Yours. Not to just sit around and wonder. “God, what is Your will for my life?” No, You have made Your will abundantly clear in Your Word. I (we) exist to to deeply connect with You through Christ. We exist to adore You and worship You. We exist to value You above all else. We exist to first, be a true disciple ourselves and then be used by You to make disciples. We exist so that every cell, fiber, and element of our being glorifies and points to God. This is God’s will. Saints, I accept this. This morning, my confession to you is resolute:

Lord, take me. Take my family. Use us as You see fit. We are yours! We love You. We trust You!

What is your confession to God?

Three years ago, God changed my direction in life. I began a process of trying to figure out a calling. Of course, as we often do, I had my thoughts about what this would look like. Today, as I look back, I am amazed at how much God had to do in my life—He still has much to do to empty me of me and fill me with Himself. How great He is. How loving. How patient He is. How faithful God is.

Please read how our corporate heart for God is defined by Andrew Murray in His book, Absolute Surrender, p 69 and 85. We need Him!

“The will of the creature is nothing but an empty vessel in which the power of God is to be made manifest.”

“Do not let us think, because the blessed reformation restored the great doctrine of justification by faith, that the power of the Holy Spirit was then fully restored. If it is our faith that God is going to have mercy on His church in these last ages, it will be because the doctrine and the truth about the holy Spirit will not be studied, but sought after with a whole heart; and not only because that truth will be sought after, but because ministers and congregations will be found bowing before God in deep abasement with one cry: “We have grieved God’s Spirit; we have tried to be Christian churches with as little as possible of God’s Spirit; we have not sought to be churches filled with the Holy Ghost.”

My prayer,

Oh God, please step up Your work in our lives. Please, do not allow one person to die in sin—to die without a deep knowledge of You, without a relationship with You. Father, fill me (us) with You. May others know Jesus Christ, not me. God, it hurts me to see myself or others dig our prideful, selfish heels in and resist You in any way—how this must displease and hurt You. No God, forgive us. We yield. We surrender. We freely give ourselves. We love you more. We desire You. We yearn to see Your kingdom come, now! Father, we may not deserve the out-pouring of Your reviving Spirit, but we must have it. Too much is at stake. There is urgency. God revive us so that the dead in sin are raised in Christ.

Revive us so that Your name is glorified. Father, we write You a blank check. We do not desire cultural security and personal safety over Your name receiving glory and honor. Father, if it means taking our coveted church buildings so that we as believers “wake-up” and cherish You more—please take them. Many throughout this world do not have church buildings, but they do have an all-consuming love for You. God, we are yours. You bought us with an amazing price, May You be the center of our lives. Make us true Christians. Make us Christ-followers. Make us true worshipers who worship You in Spirit and in Truth!   We cry out to You and ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

Compelled to pray and desperate for God, Steve