So there I was standing on a balcony overlooking an almost empty street in Madison Wisconsin, a microphone in my hand with instructions to share a testimony. A few college kids were milling about not really paying much attention to the strange guy clearing his throat.
What goal do Christians have in presenting the gospel to those walking in darkness? The final objective usually stated is that of getting them saved and involved in a church. Yet how much appeal does a church hold for them? What was it that drew you to me? Didn’t the Christlike behavior of believers play a stronger role in your own conversion than the appeal of the church as an organization? The same thing that worked for you works for others too, even as the apostle said, you are our epistle, read by all men. Let your life be an open book and let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and come to me.
Male and female I created them. There is neither male nor female in Christ, but in this world the distinctions between the sexes are recognized and rightly so. Each is in turn subject to typical behaviors common to men or women respectively. Each may smile at the traits of the other or be more openly critical of things they regard as weaknesses and failings that they themselves are not as subject to. My word tells you to give honor to the weaker vessel. This is stated as an admonition toward men regarding women but it could be considered to go both directions. I want everyone to give honor and grace to everyone else that you may live as brothers and sisters together in one body.
Do you see a connection between worship and prayer? Do you ever feel overwhelmed at the number and magnitude of prayer concerns that you have? You can address them individually in sequence, and I am always glad to hear your petitions. Do you understand that worship can be a generalized form of prayer? For in worship you acknowledge my total sufficiency for all things. In worship you recognize that I am in control, that my will is perfect, and I am able to carry it out. If you have ever been uncertain of how to proceed in conventional prayer or become lost in the details then spend time in worship for if I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.
Have you ever been hypnotized? Most of my people avoid such a vulnerable and diminished state of consciousness with good reason. Yet is it possible that the multitudes you see every day are in a hypnotic state? You live in a material world but you also live in a spiritual world. Both are real and you are profoundly influenced by both whether you realize it or not. Yet how many live with an awareness of only one? These are spiritual sleepwalkers who go through this live not knowing there is a reality beyond what they see. I have called you to be children of the light and of the day. I want you to walk in the full awareness of both realms and awaken those around you who have never been awake.
Don't study about God. Encounter Him through His Living Word!
Do you want all your questions answered right now? It takes patience to live with unresolved questions. My disciples had lived and walked with me for three straight years and even so I told them that I had more to teach them, but they could not bear it now. Have you considered the possibility that I have all the answers to your questions now, but you are not able to bear them yet? I know what you are ready to receive. Growth comes from answers but growth also comes from living with questions and sometimes growth is necessary before you are ready for the answer. My purpose in your life is not just to inform you but to transform you into my likeness. This is a journey rather than an event. Continue in my word and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free, and I will complete the good work I am doing in your life.
Economists refer to the behavior of people in the marketplace as enlightened self-interest. This may make sense in terms of buying and selling, but in the context of the Kingdom of God it is a contradiction. You are too attached to your own point of view and have limited vision as a result. Enlightenment comes from looking beyond your personal perspective. Only then can you see things the way they really are. A disinterested observer is one who does not have a personal stake in the matter and as a result is in a position to be objective. Release your self-interest that you may know the truth and be free.
The following is lifted from Pamela's final paper for the Communion With God Course she took with Christian Leadership University. It is used with her permission.
Do you see my presence in the godly, those who openly confess me as Lord and acknowledge their love for me? This is easy. Can you see me in the least of these? This is more difficult since they are broken and needy, missing the attributes of those you consider to be successful in this world and even in my church. Yet they are still made in my image, and I said that when you minister to them you are ministering to me. Do you assume it is their own fault they are in that condition? Yet I made the previous statement, so if you can’t see me in them, then ask me to correct the problem with your vision.
