This powerful journaling and visionary encounter is from a seminar participant who joined us at last weekend's conference in Texas. Be encouraged and inspired by the life-changing words of Jesus!
Even when you drive somewhere with total focus on getting to your destination, you don’t lock the steering wheel in place. In like manner when you follow me with all your heart with singleness of purpose the process involves continual course corrections. Do not be discouraged if it seems that you move in one direction and are then brought back to center. You are still making progress and you have things to learn from every segment of your path. Do you see your one true objective to follow me? Do you see that I lead you every step of the way, and that seeming course changes are a part of my purpose and plan?
Do you believe the Bible? Some people say, ‘I believe it and that settles it’. But believing is a place to begin, not to end. Believing is an invitation to engage, to consider the mysteries of the Bible and make them your own. Beware of the temptation to grab at easy answers. These will give you some immediate satisfaction in resolving the tension of difficult questions, but there is more to learn if you are willing to stay open to the questions as you walk. True spirituality is simple but not easy. Let the Bible be your companion on your spiritual journey.
Do you see my word as a book of timeless truth? I said that I had other sheep who were not of this fold. At the time this was spoken of you. Yet the principle is still true now that you are on the inside. I said that my Kingdom was not of this world. Throughout all the developments of history and politics this principle still holds true today. I said that a prophet is not without honor, except among his own people. I was referring to myself, and the poor reception I got in my home town. Yet even today you can ask people with prophetic ministries where they are well-received, and it isn’t in their home town. If you want to serve me in this way be prepared to travel.
Do you see a political dimension to your faith? Believers on both sides of political issues are eager to claim my support and even those who do not call on me as savior would still say that I am on their side. I warned that many would come in my name that you should not follow. Consider the times in which I lived. The true chosen people of God were under the heavy yoke of a foreign occupying army. What could be a greater just cause to rise up and lead a rebellion? I was encouraged to do so, but I declined. I said that my Kingdom was not of this world. Do you understand that this is still true?
Are you familiar with the practice of shunning? It has been used by some denominations on rare occasions as a means of church discipline, expelling a member to enforce doctrinal purity or right conduct. Its formal use was rare and as a last resort. Most churches don’t practice it formally today, but its informal use is rampant. Have you ever let a friendship die of neglect because someone was caught in sin, changed their view on a doctrinal matter, or changed churches? How does this differ from a formal pronouncement that someone is an outcast that you are not to associate with?
I taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Do you think this applies to everything? What about words? Have you ever encountered someone who was generous with their words, even if they were not desired, to the point of being wearisome or annoying? It is not gracious to dominate a conversation. In keeping with the paradigm of giving, you can think of listening as another form of giving. Don’t you feel ministered to by those who will listen to you and hear your story? They feel the same way and you can minister life to them by receiving their words. You can minister to me the same way and receive the words of life.
Children play a game called hide and seek. One person is designated to find the others who are hiding. Is it possible that the categories of hiders and seekers go beyond this game? I have called you to seek the Kingdom of God. If you are not engaged in seeking this, what are you hiding from? Are you content with what you have already found? Yet being a seeker is a permanent vocation. Are you afraid of what you may find? Do you understand by now that everything I give you is good, and according to my plan for your benefit? Though the straight and narrow way is also steep, it leads to the fulfillment of your destiny, your transformation into glory.
Have you noticed that people refer to every passing fancy as ‘awesome’, such as the latest movie or fashion? This is a word with a special specific meaning and shouldn’t be used lightly. Moses was awestruck when he encountered me as the voice of a trumpet. When Isaiah encountered me he said, ‘woe is me, for I am undone’. My disciple John fell down as a dead man. Perhaps it is an understatement to say that those who are truly awestruck are out of their comfort zone. Have you ever been in this place? Is it something you desire? I promise that you will have whatever you ask for and find what you seek. Be careful what you ask for because I am prepared to grant it.
Do you work because you need the money? Who wouldn’t prefer to be independently wealthy if they had the choice? A job provides an income, but it also provides a way for you to sacrifice and serve others; your customers or those for whom you work. This function of work can give you a sense of meaning and purpose that an unearned income cannot. Do you endure the work to get the money? This is a negative view of economic necessity. Your adoption of Kingdom values should enable you to see the value of being a servant, and the benefit you derive from serving others. Work like you don’t need the money.
