Stop, Stop, stop,do not move :0)
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Whatever we are doing right now, whatever plans we are making we must stop if we have not consulted or been led by God to do so. If we have not heard from God in this mater nor have his total peace that surpasses all worldly understanding logic and reason, then we should stop and go no further.
Many years ago, I attended a spirit-filled church in another state that was planning to build their first building. They held weekly meetings and debates on how to raise the funds for the enormous project. Plans were drawn up and a location was found.
I had just entered the USA recently from Europe where I had been around people who would not start a project or ministry unless they had first personally heard from God and his holy spirit. I had seen huge buildings given , built free of charge as God led his people and they listened to his leading.
What impressed me the most was the fact that they waited on God consulted him in all things,big and tiny :0) not just by reading his word but they took very seriously his personal relationship with them both individually and corporately.
So naively, I assumed this body of people would do the same. But alas no, they debated, argued and at no time did I hear any of the leadership declare that they had heard from God personally on the project. Oh, I heard lots of scriptures to back up what they wanted to accomplish and reasons such as spreading god’s word to the surrounding community. However, no clear leading.
The more I sought God on the mater the less peace I received. It was as though I had the front seat at a vanity party. The praise and worship band wanted to be like other famous groups with all the Hi-tech equipment to booth. The leaders wanted a huge auditorium like the large churches in the area.
I remember asking the Assistant pastor about evangelism and his reply was that they were not called to do that, that they were a praise and worship Church, he was very serious about this. The praise and worship leader had a major influence in the church as his deceased father had founded the church.
As I was just newly arrived to the states I was not listened to, as I knew would be the case. I prayed that some of the leadership would truly seek God on the Issue .
One year later and a great rate from a Christian lending company which was given as one of the reasons as hearing from God on the mater it opened.
Over the next year, the loan and other maintence issues became a huge burden on the members. The next year things became worse…during that first year I received a Vision from God of the main sanctuary area looking like the after math of a new year’s party with only the leadership sitting in a few scattered chairs wearing party hats surrounded by streamers and balloons wondering what we do now.
I shared this vision with the pastor; believe me I did not want to. God showed me that this would happen a year from now. His reaction was one of disbelief as he gave reasons why he believed this was Gods will.
A year to the day after I had shared this vision with him, it all came apart, and the church split.
God is not in the least interested in our plans, our ministry, our will, no he desires our total attention 24/7/365 so that he can make himself manifest through us to a dying world. You say but he gave us free will. Yes, he did so that we can choose to surrender our all and wait upon him. That is as simple as, it gets no big secret :0))))
Therefore, if we do not have his perfect peace right now on a current issue we must stop and not move forward until we do or walk away from it before it overtakes us and He has to rescue us repeatedly. It is better to walk with him in the light now, than to mislead others down a blind path.
Ok, that’s all for today, been a while..love Mike :0)
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Hey Mike. This is great food for thought. When I found Christ I belonged to a church that was big on praise and worship AND also thought us to evangelize and wait on the Lord, so I believe both can exist in one church.
I always believed and agree that God's will is sovereign and we need to wait on Him.
There are times for me, however, that it is hard to discern when I am hearing from Him or it's just me trying to rush things along.
I was laid-off 4 months ago and have doubt that it was God's will to rescue me from what was becoming a toxic environment. I hear now that 3 other directors have resigned and things are going downhill.
When I become anxious I try to be still and wait on Him but it is difficult. I have never been unemployed and it's freaking me out a bit. I am looking but nothing. And I keep telling myself to stop trying to find what God has in store for me but I'm getting nervous. Any suggestions?
Jagandelight :0)
"David -when he did things on his own accord with the ark he failed "
Thank you for your in put so very , very true!!!
God Bless this week as you seek him!!!
Mike ;0)
Bill :0)
"Boy! If more people read and listened to this it wold make a huge difference in the American Christian church."
Alwalys love you input...thanks!!!
Mike :0)
LeslieAdrienne :0)
"the habit of seeking the Lord and submitting to His command regardless of what we want is the discipline we need to return to...."
great statement thank you..it really is very simple is it not!!!!
Mike:0)
Ps Great to meet you sister!!!!
Planksnadandnails :0)
as alwalys you sum it up nicely...Thank you ..love your input!!!
mike :0)
Enlydia ;0)
Thank you for reading and great blessings to you as you seek his face!!!!
mike ;0)
This article is well said. It is important to seek God first if you expect to be successful, and God to be glorified. David -when he did things on his own accord with the ark he failed and as a result a man died, when he asked God direction he was successful in bringing home the ark and he was blessed, his soul was elated until he danced off his clothes.
Mike,
Boy! If more people read and listened to this it wold make a huge difference in the American Christian church. I wish people would just "let go and let God," as they say. Thanks for the warning and challenge!
I am in total agreement.... the habit of seeking the Lord and submitting to His command regardless of what we want is the discipline we need to return to....
Thanks
("I remember asking the Assistant pastor about evangelism and his reply was that they were not called to do that, that they were a praise and worship Church, he was very serious about this.")
When evangelism is denied, the church becomes spiritually dead.
There seems to be more entertainers in the church today than true leaders of Jesus Christ.
The Lord always sends someone to warn those in influence that they are going down the wrong path because of His love for us. He gives us a chance to repent and turn from our carnal ways, but when we decide or choose to do it our way, the end result is a lot of personal and collateral damage.
The most important aspect and foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ is obedience to Him.
Mike, thanks for the message...it's a good one. there are great promises for "those that wait on the Lord"...someplace in Psalms I think. Blessings.
Thank you Binaya.Ghimre for your words of encouragement!!!!
Mike :0)
Your experience inspires me.
mikeq107 Hub Author 9 months ago
Thank you :0) for such a great comment and request...sent you an E mail Evelyn..catch you later!!!
Mike :0)