A sketch came into my mind earlier on today. I do not know whether it is a recollection of any I saw on social media or if it is an original thought from my mind; either way, it is something the Spirit of God used to pass his message.
The sketch was that of a person knelt in fervent prayer. Observing him, I would have told you that he was what Pentecostals call 'totally in the Spirit'. He seemed aligned with James' (the-Elder's i.e. the Lord's brother) admonition to us about prayer in James 5:16, saying the ''fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much''. As the sketch progressed, a hand (supposedly the hand of God) tapped him repeatedly trying to get his attention in order to speak with him. However, still fervent in prayer, the man and not even looking up, said sharply 'Can't you see I am praying? Do not disturb me'.
The Lord quietly withdrew so he can get on with his prayer.
However funny (or not) this sketch might seem to you, it belies a salient point: 'what does it really mean to be in tune with YHWH?' Now, this was not brought up by God to guilt trip his children or leaders in any way at all. It's purpose is simply to give a little check - a nudge - to ensure we understand our priorities from his own view point, especially as we plan with him in the new year.
YHWH takes pride in his Children. He simply loves to watch as we take charge and exhibit all his love, power and authority in ordering our world and establishing his way and rule on the earth - it is his favorite pastime! How do I know? He gladly gave Adam dominion over all his creation! As David said, ''... may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being (i.e. Shalom - peace and prosperity/advancement) of his servant.”[Psalm 35:27b] I saw the Lord watching us with delight when we acted just like him in Spirit and Truth. God is not afraid to share his power, it is his intense delight! However, what is his greatest delight? - Our presence in his presence. As John Wesley is said to have said on his dying bed, "The best of all is, God is with us”.
At one time when it seemed I lost all influence, position and call in Ministry, the verse the Lord kept repeating over and over to my spirit is: ''And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.'' [Genesis 5:24 KJV]. Jesus was telling me what he told Martha: ''but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”Luke 10:42
As this article is for leaders, I do not need to restate the hows of intimacy with God. We are individual and our callings unique but one thing we will always have in common is that we are all in YHWH's sight, his children. There is therefore nothing the Father wants or loves more than to walk and talk with us in the garden in the 'cool of the day' as he did with Adam. His idea of our prayer and every work is that it is a collaboration borne out of the oneness of our intimacy with his Spirit. As explained by Jesus our Lord in John14:10 :
''Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.'' or the simple revelation of John 10:30 ''I and the Father are one.”
These are simple things. Hardly can they be called ground-breaking revelation by those who look for the spectacular. But our God is the one who pre-existed all things and in whom all things exist; it is very hard for him to be impressed with the spectacular - he's seen them all. But simple loving and trusting intimacy? Now, that is a different thing: this is what he considers exceedingly precious.
The greatest truly in our Father's eyes, is a heart that pants for him beyond the activities, exhibitionism and 'results' - a heart that truly wants HIM.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PRODUCTIVE 2024
For the Kingdom
Deborah
And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. - Jesus Luke 22: 29-30
After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Acts 13:22
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