Suffering in Christ

I Peter 4:12-14 (NIV) 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

There is a suffering for every child of God that has made the stand to go forward in God no matter what the cost. As soon as we make this stand, all hell breaks loose to try and turn us from this. You see God will do miraculous things within us. All He is looking for is a person, a people, that will say, "God we want You and You alone, have your way within us". I believe nothing awakens the powers of hell like this does. The devil will give us a life of ease and blessing as long as we do not make this stand. He will bless "our ministries", he will lay of our families and do anything he can to keep us from making this stand. But when that burning deep within our spirit cries out for more of God and will not be satisfied with anything less then it begins.

We will go through a suffering for His namesake that most christians today will not understand. No one can understand it until they actually experience it. But one thing you can be sure of; Once you make this determination in your spirit then you will be thrust into a realm of suffering unlike you have ever experienced. But, let me tell you this!!!! There is a fellowship with Christ that can only be experieced as we enter into this with Him. There is a sweetness to be had in Him as we break and collapse into His arms over and over.

Do not grow faint! Do not give up! You are not alone! God is raising up a remnant in these last days that are going through the same things all over the face of this world. Count it all joy brother. Count it all joy sister. For God is revealing His glory within you and through you in a greater measure than you have ever imagined possible.

From Bible Story To Life Story

How many times have you read a bible story or passage of scripture and understood the message contained therein only to have it revealed maybe years later in your life? I believe this is how everything is worked out in the lives of God's people. It seems like we have gone years and years studying, learning, and doing our best to live the same principles with very little succes or actual growth. I have seen in the past few years such an increase of these things being lived out or better yet brought into fruition in the lives of christians in such a beautiful way. And, the one phrase that I keep hearing over and over is, "Did I understand any of this before?"

You see, there is a huge gulf between the "bible story" and that being applied to our lives. God never intended it to be just a story or principle for learning, but to be something that would be wrought our within us by the Holy Spirit as we yield to Him continually. I really believe that we are going to see such and increase of this in the last days as God the Father prepares the Church for the return of His Son.

Now this is not something we are going to just see in new believers. Oh, no! We will see it in believers who have been serving the Lord 40, 50 and 60 years and they will start moving into a deeper realm in Christ than they have ever experienced or imagined. Hallelujah! This excites my spirit tremendously. God is simply looking for a people, a remnant, that will lay aside their own agendas and self and allow Him to raise up what He wants for His glory in these last days.
Are you ready? Do you feel a pulling in the depths of your soul to get closer to God? If so, then just surrender to Him your all. The Holy Spirit will do the work and guide you into all truth. Even so come Lord Jesus!

A Stirring in the spirit

This past week I have felt a definate and urgent stirring in my spirit. Much different than just seeking more of Him or desiring revival; this, I believe, is something much more universal in the body of Christ. I believe there is a drawing by the Holy Spirit or a calling out, if you will, for those that the book of Revelation refers to as "overcomers". What is evident is the fact that these aren't just overcomers of the world but overcomers of the condition of the church. The condition we have in these last days is a church that thinks it has it all together: rich, great wealth, and no need of anything. However, God says we are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. THIS IS TALKING ABOUT THE BODY OF CHRIST! Not some "other" denomination you don't like or church that seems watered down. NO,NO,NO....this is US!!! God have mercy on us for the state we have allowed the body to get into.
I have often heard through the years people talk about a "remnant" of God's people and most of the time it comes across as some special "class" of christians or as "spiritual elitism". You can rest assured, if someone comes across like this then they are definately not part of it. This remnant or last days overcomers will emanate the humility and servanthood of Christ. The closer they come to Him the more wretched and pitiful they view themselves. You aren't left with the impression of having been in the presence of some "awesome" christian. You actually won't be impressed with them. What you will be left with however is the impression of Christ upon your heart. You will think more fondly of Jesus and not the person. Oh God would you burn away every trace of us so that all is left is the image of Jesus Christ.
Be still and listen to the Holy Spirit....do you feel Him calling?....He will lead the way.