Tag Archives: Call

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE LATE NIGHT CALL YOU WANT TO RECEIVE

9018late_night_callHave you ever tried to fight off sleep? Maybe sleep knocks at your door during a critical point in a late night movie? Or perhaps as you are trying to unwind from a busy day you find yourself drifting in and out from a state of sleep and awareness? Either way when sleep arrives it’s near impossible to just “put it off.” Well, I found myself in such a state of being, a few nights ago, as I was doing my best to keep awake long enough to find out what winter weather may be coming my way. That night I lost the battle; and having fallen asleep I missed the weather, but not what God had planned for me later that evening. It was about 10:40ish when I woke back up with lights off and the TV still running. By now I had captured enough sleep to recharge my battery and also felt that familiar rumbling of the late night munchies coming on. As I rolled out of bed I made my way to the kitchen and just as I was passing the dining room I heard my phone ring. As a pastor the late night or early morning calls seldom bring good news; but also as a pastor you learn to never let those calls just drop to voicemail. Answering the phone I was surprised to hear the voice of a fellow pastor, and friend, who wanted to share with me some important and brief thoughts. Our conversation lasted no longer than ten minutes but the deposit of hope, friendship and faith he passed along kept me up for hours after we hung up. I skipped the pantry and went back to bed thinking on the contents of our conversation and this time, with the TV off, I collected my thoughts and prayed. It was an odd feeling that within the span of 40 minutes I had gone from sleep to wide awake and now prayer which drew me closer to spending time with Jesus and further from the concerns of weather, my daily routine or what might happen tomorrow.

When such moments occur, in our lives, we either want to doze back off and ignore the “late night phone call” or retreat from the battle that forces us to break our routines, and moods, so we can press in closer to Jesus. I will be the first to admit it is difficult to get out of “our business” and live the type of life where we look for opportunities to experience the Holy Spirit and develop our devotion to Him. When I reflect on lives Jesus routinely encountered it often seems those who were closest, to Him, missed even greater opportunities to know Him more intimately in favor of self or sleep. This is not to say the disciples, save Judas, were sinister or in some ways ungrateful. But their lack of knowing Him highlights a fundamental issue with us. Often we complain about not experiencing God, or “feeling” His outpouring; but when I think of my late night call I also wonder how many times did Jesus invite me to join Him and I just allowed the call to drop or went back to sleep? Can I honestly assign fault with God for my lack understanding Him? I think not.

When the late night call, or any call for that matter, comes we have to get out of ourselves and step into engaging Him continually. In times of prayer, praise, worship, reading, living and hearing the Word we have the unique occasion to daily experience God Incarnate (Jesus) and such moments should never be neglected. In times of growing global uncertainty, natural concern and spiritual drought the Christian should press his or her ear even closer to the heart of the King. We need to always be those who are clearing out more than enough room, in our lives, to allow His Holy Spirit to dwell in our midst. Today I want to encourage you to open up your lines of communication, leave the phone on ready and be prepared for Jesus to call. He desires to share His will for all who truly want to develop a lasting relationship with Him.
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Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

NEW SEASONS, OLD DISCOURAGEMENTS and DISCOVERING GOD’S FAMILY

2607520089_ec7687798b_mIn our family of faith, at Maranatha Koinonia, we have entered a new and exciting season of growth and expectation. But with the “new” also comes some of the same old discouragements. At the beginning of the year (2013) I shared a series of teachings on Biblical fellowship / community (koinonia) because I felt led, by the Spirit, we were about to enter into a new phase of ministry and community. Little did I know how much change would actually occur and how little I understood what these teachings were preparing us for. If you had asked me a month ago to sum up 2013 in one word I would have said, “set-back.” Throughout the year familiar faces, cherished friends and even family moved on while we as a community were still struggling to discover and pursue our vision and mission. Personally I looked back at two-years of ministry and felt as if I was holding a list of failures rather than successes and asking far more questions than having answers. Honestly, it was all very overwhelming. Yet, despite all the uncertainly those beginning of the year teachings, on fellowship, started to come to life and in the midst of the “set-backs” God was actually reworking me, the ministry and our entire community. Whereas two years ago I would have defiantly said, “I WILL NOT…” I now found myself saying, “LET’S DO…” Two years ago our church behaved more like a social group loosely connected by our faith; but in truth we were more connected to our personal preferences, worship styles and presupposed positions of doctrine. Today, our community lives, acts and fellowships like a true Biblical family where the love of Jesus has united us across race, socio-economics and even upbringing. And still, despite these new seasons the old discouragements lingered.

You know the familiar questions and haunts, Have I done enough? Could I have done more? Should I do more? Is there enough money? Is there enough space? Etc…questions, that at their heart, are designed to rob our joy and purpose as we walk into a new season. With the discouraging thoughts mounting I knew enough to pray “in the storm” a rather simple prayer which God gladly called my bluff on. In fact, within two weeks of my prayer, God brought the answer through the doorway of our church. And with His answer came a new season of trying, trusting and resisting the old discouragements.

You don’t have to be in “ministry” to experience discouragement but serving in the ministry will certainly test ones spiritual and natural fortitude. When you look back into the life of Moses you discover a man who witnessed the oppression of his people and felt certain God had chosen Him to deliver Israel. But was Moses’ journey free from discouragement? NO. In fact we read, no sooner after God used Moses to deliver a divine ultimatum, to Pharaoh, did the real tug of war begin. But when I look at the life of Moses I ponder on what type of growth happened, deep within Moses’ life, when he was in Midian for 40 years? He was still the same man called of God for a mighty work. There was still a very long road ahead of him. But tending sheep for 40 years prepared Moses to be a shepherd, to discern God’s voice and act, in obedience, when God revealed His will. In fact, Moses was the right individual in every way; but for the next new season Moses still had to learn about communion with the Father.

We may have a vision, from God, and a very clear understanding of what He wants, and we start to carry out the vision in obedience. But then comes “something”, like Moses’ forty years in Midian, where God may act as if He is silent to the call, vision, mission and purpose. It is those seasons we become thoroughly discouraged BUT GOD IS NOT FINISHED! When He calls you on your bluff, revives the call and tells you it is time to leave Midian we may be inclined to say, who am I? Remember He who called and purposed you has already said, I AM THAT I AM who has sent you!
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As 2013 began I had many expectations, even indications, that this year would be an amazing season of growth. And you know what? IT WAS! And as 2013 is now drawing to a close I can’t help but think God is enjoying what He see’s at Maranatha Koinonia. Not only have I matured and learned more about God, and His workings, I discovered my family…the community of faith at Maranatha Koinonia. Some of the faces are familiar loved ones while others are new faces, and families, that need much ministry and love.  I just thank God I didn’t allow discouragement to rob me, and us, of His marvelous plan. I can’t help but anticipate an exciting 2014, that awaits us all, as we minister together and live in communion and community to glorify King Jesus!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA