We are thrilled to have students in 129 nations taking CLU courses and learning to hear the voice of the Wonderful Counselor! Below are pictures and some testimonies from the recent graduation in Togo. At the end of this article, we describe how you can help spread revival.
Do you treat all your children equally? This is a modern ideal. In times past favoritism was expected and practiced openly. Consider the example of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Yet even parents who strive for equal treatment find it hard to implement in practice. Each child is different, and parents bring their own uniqueness to the situation, and there are random events in life. Can you extend this concept to your Father in heaven and the way he treats his children? You know that he is not a respecter of persons. Does it appear that he treats them all equally?
Do you worry about logistics? Soldiers worry about tactics and courage, but generals and field commanders worry about logistics. Management of resources and getting the right people in the right place at the right time and providing them with what they need to do their assignments is a huge task, and doing it well is a large part of victory. How good are you at this? Have you ever been aware that the events affecting your life were being coordinated by someone and it wasn’t you? Blessed are those who realize that I am at work on their behalf. Let me handle your logistical needs.
Do you see your body as a temple? Do you see this as a burden? If you are bought with a price and you are not your own then it is appropriate for you to honor me in your body. But before you regard this as a burden, can you stand in awe of the magnitude of the concept? For this is an affirmation that I dwell within you. The essence of my being is present in you. Though I inhabit all time, space, and eternity I also abide in you. You don’t contain me, but you don’t have to go looking for me either, for as I promised, the Kingdom of God is within you.
Do you like to play games? They provide a greater level of involvement and engagement than you get from entertainment or just being a spectator watching someone else play a game. They provide an opportunity for contact and involvement with other people, and competition sharpens your focus and brings forth your best performance. Yet they are still contrived contests, creating winners and losers without making a lasting improvement. Will your soul be satisfied with this? It is not wrong to play games, and they bring enjoyment, but don’t you have a hunger to make a difference in the world?
The book, Brushstrokes on HIS Masterpiece: From the Humiliation of Rape to Exaltation in Christ, which was just published by Sharon E. Hermitt, may be the only book on the market that describes in detail how such healing is obtainable through hearing God's voice, and letting Jesus walk you through the seven prayers that heal the heart. Sharon even discusses allowing God to speak to you through dreams and bring healing through dream interpretation. She applies the seven prayers to the healing of her sexuality and personality, and she shares many things the Lord spoke to her along the way, which has put her on the path of full deliverance. Amazon purchase is available here.
Do you understand the value of humility? Will you do anything to avoid humiliation? Do you see how these terms are related? The concepts are too. But if you see humiliation only in terms of shame and embarrassment you will do whatever it takes to avoid it. Yet is this the process by which you obtain humility? You can distinguish between that which you seek and that which is imposed on you. And so my word tells you to humble yourself that you may be exalted in due time, and to judge yourself that you would not be judged.
My word speaks of transformation as a desirable process. You understand that this is more than a superficial change in appearance. It involves a whole new way of being, and if you have experienced this you know that it is not quick or easy, but it is the best thing you can experience. Do you think of transformation only on an individual basis? What about organizations? In particular, what about churches? For a group has an identity that can grow even as an individual does. What do you think I meant when I said that new wine would require new wineskins?
Are you a conformist? My commandment to you is to not be conformed to this world. So are you a non-conformist? This depends on context. Gangs may be non-conformist with regard to the expectations of society, but within their own group do you think dissent is welcome? Colleges are not gangs and they are thought of as places of free and open inquiry. Do you think this is still true? In this regard would you say that most churches are internally conformist? How free do you feel to pursue your own spiritual journey and study of the Bible and embrace what you find in the process?
Have you heard it said that you should agree with your adversary quickly? Why would you agree with someone you disagree with? If you want to win over your brother, you should start with the weaknesses in your own argument and the strengths in his. He is expecting opposition, so if you start with something he can agree with, you have captured his attention and interest. Does this start you off at a disadvantage? Remember that you have the Holy Spirit to help you recover this if the door is open and exchange is occurring.
