If I can remove myself from the center of the moment and allow Christ to be the center, then I can rightly perceive the whole situation. This is the parable that Jesus told about the servant who didn’t get congratulated for simply doing the job that was given to them by the Master (Luke 17:7-10). We don’t get extra credit for doing our assignment. When we look for applause or approval in prophetic ministry, we are short-changing the reward of God. We don’t get to satisfy ourselves, then have Abba reward us with a second helping. We choose who is in charge of our reward. It is either Abba or us.
Celebrating Ramadan in the Name of Jesus
We’ve always had a special place in our hearts for our Muslim sons and daughters, but this year has driven that love to deeper places. God hasn’t challenged us to work harder or do more. He’s asked us to slow down, listen and love in a simpler, clearer way.
Social Distancing Prayer Adventures
Now that my 4-year-old was finished eating the parts of her sandwich that weren’t smeared on her face or lost in the recesses of her carseat, I invited her to join me in praying.
This was a strategic moment. We were inviting the power and presence of God into our community. I could model apostolic prayer for her. This was especially important since we have been going on walks in our neighborhood and I have been talking to her about praying for our neighbors. This was her chance to join Daddy in something that he enjoys, and for me to put my money where my discipling mouth is. I was gonna be an awesome dad.”
Better Get Ready. Things Have Changed.
The point is–it’s on YOU now. You can’t just attend and pretend. You can’t serve and perform for your spot in the Kingdom (not that you really ever could, ya know). The truth is, we are staring ourselves in the face, some of us for the first time in a long time. No more distractions (come on, seriously, get off Netflix). No more excuses (“I’m just too busy” or “I can’t find the time”). No more passing the buck and placing blame–we have to face our current reality and choose to join God in this.
Who Even is My Neighbor?
The lawyer scrambles to catch the falling microphone and one-up Jesus by means of cross-examination. “And who is my neighbor?” Gotcha, Jesus. Winks to the crowd as he kisses his Star of David necklace and points to heaven. Slowly walks into the Galilean sunset.
Not so fast, buckaroo. Jesus responds with another parable, and this one is a doozy…”
Meet Me 6 Feet from the Well
By John Flowers If you are like me, then you aren’t excitedly looking for ways to isolate yourself from others right now. I am looking for ways to connect with people through the social distance. This novel coronavirus is cramping my style. I assume that there will be some folks who don’t find that same sentiment lingering in the inbox …