.......between two opinions.......

The other day, the Lord led me to 1 Kings 18. The chapter simply came to me. As I read, I came to one verse that stood out. It stood out to the point that I knew I need not read further. I knew that verse was a message from the Lord. A message and a question! A message and a question of and about our time and position--when and how we live. The message is verse 21. In this passage, all the people of Israel had gathered together. Elijah, the prophet, also came. He came and asked the people a question as stated in verse 21. It reads, "And Elijah came to all the people and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' But the people answered him not a word."

The question (and message) here is one of position. How long will you falter between two opinions? Prophetically speaking, our generation is in a period of transition---in the world and in the church. It is a period of transitioning to position. So, again, what we're dealing with here is a question of position. God, in this hour, throughout America and the face of the earth, is, by His Spirit, attempting to transition His people to a new position. One that is closer to Him. One that involves more vision and discernment, maturity and responsibility, leadership and authority, and also, subsequently, fruitfulness and reward. Many are not responding as they are not even hearing the question and calling or are aware of Gods' earnestness in this time and, as such, do not move/flow with His Spirit and do not answer His call (such as the people of Israel in verse 21). Therefore, they do not change, grow or mature. Many are caught 'between' and sadly, that is their position--between. Between two opinions is to say between the life and ways of this world and the life and ways
of God and the life God is calling them to.

In Revelation 3 we see that, with respect to spiritual position, God would have us be either cold or hot--not lukewarm. "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." (Revelation 3.15-17). God can deal with those that are cold and hot. Neither one of them are caught in between. The cold know they are cold and do not have the life of God evident in their lives. The hot also know their position. They know God is alive, vibrant, and working in their lives (they have a fire greater than them inside).
However, the lukewarm are just that--caught in between and neither cold nor hot. The sad underlying characteristic here is that they don't even know their true state--they are deceived into believing they are healthy because of their comfortable present status. They are living by their and the worlds' standards, but not by Gods'.
In a couple of my other articles, I have stated that as long as the air conditioning is working, food is in the fridge, the bills are paid, everyone is relatively healthy, and the lawn is irrigated, then, Americans (and much of American christianity) seem not to need or seek God. Oh, they may pray on occasion and pay homage to God with church attendance, offerings and tithes but those things do not necessarily have anything do with ones' true heart position. Again, "because you say I am rich, have become wealthy and have need of nothing--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." The lukewarm position (in between) says, "I'm alright, I'm okay, I'm doing what I need to do to get by and be comfortable" (materially and spiritually). But, the fact of the matter is that the lukewarm are caught in the zone or cycle of their own comfortable routine and, in fact, are watered-down, weak, insignificant and produce nothing but their own spiritually fruitless experience. Sadly, much of American christianity is caught in this position of deception, meaning they do not even correctly discern their own state or are aware of their own spiritual depravity and lack.
That is why in verse 18 of Revelation 3 we read, "I counsel you to buy gold refined in the fire....and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see."
This is good advice for those spiritually destitute and earnest alike. However, sadly, much of the church in America is caught up in their own routines like the rest of the nation and world.....Caught up in jobs and careers, making and spending money, mundane concerns and obligations as well as travel, entertainment, Harry Potter, and American Idol (idle America). "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, cares of this life..." (Luke 21.34).

I have noticed across the fabric of America, particularly in the political and church arenas, that there seems to be a dearth of good leadership and sound authority. Many people vote today, not for who they want, but more for the lesser of two evils, so to speak. I am not the only one to notice this leadership deficiency (even Lee Iacocca, legendary auto executive and former CEO of the Chrysler Corp., has a new book out named "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?"). Listen. God is trying to fill those shoes and He's interviewing applicants now!
As I wrote earlier, we are in a period of transitioning to position--if we allow God to have His way. God has been speaking to me since 1998 regarding this 'transition to position' and the doors of this period of time are closing but are not yet closed. Don't miss the call. Seek Him while He may be found. Do not falter between two opinions. We need to quit like impotent worldly men and be strong in His Spirit.
The actual Hebrew word for 'falter' ('halt' in the King James version) is pasach.
It is interpreted as "to leap" or "to pass over". In other words, many Christians today are not even paying attention to the fact that they are 'in between'. They are passing over acknowledgment of and dealing with their present position of being in between the way of this world and the way wherein God is calling. Sure, I admit we are not bad, evil people but we are not producing the works of Jesus either. Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.." Well, I ask you then, have you performed any great healings lately, raised any dead, or even seen these great works? Me neither, but we won't either unless we answer His call to growth and maturity and leadership. Sadly, much of our church body are not even walking with the 'mind of Christ' but are on other 'wavelengths' and 'christian fads'. Many have been stuck in an erroneously taught, practiced, and widely misinterpreted prosperity teaching/movement and many are not alive as a body to the works and mind of the Holy Spirit as our daily guide, comforter, and teacher. Sadly, we have the same divorce rates as the world, family strife, lack of spiritual harmony, materialistic pursuits, and don't even come close to walking in the divine life provided by the atonement of Jesus such as healing. The word says, "I am the God that healeth thee" but our growth in healing from Him as a body and individually is virtually nil! We have a long way to go but we make progress one step at a time. That's all He asks. Some steps are seemingly bigger than others because they deal with our comfort zones, our hearts, and situations that require daily attention, forgiveness, and change. But God is greater---if we allow Him.

Lastly, notice the question again. "How long will you falter between two opinions?" The question begins with "how long". Obviously, this situation had taken precedence for some time. It is important to deal with a matter when it's called to our attention--as it can get glossed (passed over) and even become hidden into a routine state if not dealth with. Notice the people of Israel did not even answer with a word to Elijah. They had become dull. Dull of hearing, understanding, and response. If God is speaking to change, He will provide the Spiritual firepower for it and there be will gain, growth and reward.
But He will not exercise His will over ours. Again, as He says in Revelation, "I stand at the door and knock." You have to open the door.

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Burn Your Ships

Over the years, I have been writing down a few one-liners from movies I have seen. There are enough of them now that I think I could compose a message, or two, from them. (Of course, I would have to spiritualize them, but then, that would be the point).

Today, as I attended a local ministers' breakfast, some lines from a movie kept coming repeatedly to mind. Many of you are familiar with the movie, "The Hunt for Red October". To those who aren't, let me set the stage a bit. Sean Connery plays a Russian submarine admiral who is in command of the latest/greatest, most stealthy of nuclear subs so technically advanced that it can run virtually undetected. However, he and his officers intend to hijack the craft and defect to the USA. After his plan is put in motion, he is sitting at mess (dining) with his officers and he makes this statement (the one that kept coming to me this morning): "There will be no going back. When he reached the new world, Cortez burned his ships. As a result, his men were well motivated."..........Think about it....sound familiar.

The parable of the sower speaks of four types of ground (hearts). The first two are so hard and shallow that nothing sown can live. We know the fourth is good ground and bears fruit. But the third , sadly, is like unto many people today. The seed (God's word, plan and life) is sown and received, but the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches choke the word and he becomes unfruitful. God is calling to many hearts in this hour. Many are responding. Many people realize they need change in their lives and are seeing the hand of God produce change. God genuinely responds to a sincere heart. God has produced change in and for many and blessed many lives. Many lives have been transformed from negative, hopeless, meaningless circumstances to that which has promise, hope and substance. When he reached the new world, Cortez burned his ships. God is speaking, in this hour, to not look back.

After the Israelites had been delivered from 400 years of oppressive captivity in Egypt by many powerful works and miracles of God and tired of the manna they were fed in the wilderness, they began to look back. "Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord, for the Lord heard it, and his anger was aroused....so the children of Israel also wept again and said, Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and garlic."(Numbers 11). You know the story. These same people delivered from so great a captivity by such mighty works looked back...back to the leeks and garlic of Egypt....and so, consequently, wandered in the desert, homeless and unfruitful, for forty years. They didn't burn their ships.

We are in no different a situation in blessed America today. Having come this far, will you, will we be taken captive by the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches? Will we look back and fall back? Will we forget 9/11? Do we have to repeat that lesson, to hear that wake-up call again? We need to burn our ships. Those things that would take us back to where we once were must be put away....we must press on in Him.
"But Jesus said....No one having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9.62).


Note: For those who are 'historically challenged' (slept through history class), Cortez was a Spanish conquistador who was sent to colonize the new world (Americas) in the sixteenth century.


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' 0 7

God transcends time....and therein does not think, govern, or plan according to what year it is as we do. It could be said that God moves more by dispensation and season.

We know that 2007 is but a continuation of 2006 and a prelude to 2008....and yes, '07 is, in fact, a continuation of many things that the Lord spoke about, tried to do, and did in 2006.

In this season of time (this year), the transition to position continues for those who listen and hear...but not just listen and hear, but press in to Him for intimacy. The call to come into His courts is still heard and the call to press in from His outer courts into His inner courts of Presence is still timely.

This season or period of transition for His church is one in which God is stirring His people. He is stirring His body for change, alignment and clarity. It is His desire to put an end to dead works of religion---that is legalistic rule, ritualism and routine and to come alive to depth of relationship. Relationship is key in this hour. It is key for growth, maturity and position. This time is a period of 'greening' for His anointed ones---those that will---that will spend and take the time, effort and sacrifice to press in and take (even as if by violent force of spiritual will as is necessary-Matthew 11.12) the restoration of relationship He offers. Someone once said, "I would rather be green and growing than ripe and rotting." Much of God's house is rotting on the vine and is, even now, being pruned for this is a season of pruning as well as greening.

In this hour, 2007, God's people desperately need "times of refreshing"--- a fresh rain to fall upon tired lives and lifted faces---a stream in the desert and a fountain of life on parched ground. They that truly hunger and thirst will find this refreshment for it is bought by desire and without money and without price. They that seek Him will find His rest, a much needed rest from their labors, cares and hardships and will be restored to His heart---one that desires to gather the lost, comfort the brokenhearted, and heal the wounded and hurting.

Finally, '07 is a year to make your paths straight, that is, to get your house in order...let your eye become single and well-focused. For this to happen, for most people, a back to basics is in order, that is to say, a return to their first love and the simplicity of Christian life. This is necessary to come to the positioning He would have us for the greatest anointing in the history of the church and mankind---the latter rain. The latter rain awaits and is even now falling for those that will---even now---in 2007.

R O L E S

In this hour, He is assigning roles. Do you know yours? Are you engaged?

I watched part of a movie yesterday called "Chasing Christmas". I don't know the whole plot but three of the characters were the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. Anyway, the Christmas past character didn't fulfill his role or assignment as expected--he took liberties, lost his focus and did his own thing without considering others or the consequences of his actions. Subsequently, because of his actions (misdeeds, missed deeds), he was reassigned to a lesser role. His assignment (role) went to another--someone more deserving. He lost the responsibility he once had. I got to thinking about fulfilling my role in this world? Am I doing that which I am specifically called to do---that which the Lord has assigned for me to do? Am I walking in the shoes (steps) He has prepared for me to walk in? It would be a terrible thing to have my role given to someone else and be assigned a lesser role!
This reminds me of the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25.14-30. Do you know it? Well, Jesus taught it saying that a man went on a long distance trip, but, before he did he gave some money (investments) to three of his servants. Subsequently, upon his return he found that two of his servants had made money with the money that he had entrusted to them. However , the third servant, for fear of losing what he had, had hidden his money away and done nothing with it. As a result, what he had was taken from him and given to another. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

I also saw another movie yesterday (all of this one). It was a spur of the moment decision to go to the movies on a Saturday afternoon (not a part of my routine). This movie was also about people who had specific roles to play--a true story that took place a couple of millenia ago. The name of the movie is "The Nativity Story". Against great obstacles and harsh criticism, even in the face of ostracism, Joseph and Mary had monumental roles to play 2000 years ago. I never really thought about it in depth, regarding all the ramifications of their circumstances, like I did during and after the movie. 2000 years ago, in legalistic Judaistic society, who would actually believe that Mary, very pregnant by the Holy Spirit with Jesus, had never been with a man? Who back then would have believed her and stood by and supported her? Well, Joseph did.........and even then, not immediately. Mary and Joseph, by obediently carrying out their roles, accepting their calling and mission (with little real understanding and confidence) set the stage for the greatest role of all time. Jesus, as the chosen, sent, and anointed one, fulfilled the greatest role of all time; but only after and along side of Mary and Joseph (as well as John the Baptist-another great role player). They were all specifically chosen to play their role and that they did----they fulfilled their calling regardless of the cost. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?

You have a role too--a specific one--one all your own that you are specifically chosen to play, to be, as a child of God and member of the body of Jesus Christ. What is your role? Do you know it? We all have them. Are you fulfilling your role in this hour? 2000 years after His birth, LIFE, death and resurrection, the stage is still set, the camera is still running , the movie is still in production---are you fulfilling the script He has written for your life? If you don't know, ask Him. He will reward those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11.6). Your role will become clear and fulfilling your place will have great reward.
If you are disillusioned or even bored with life, your present role status, the routine, etc., then you are not fulfilling your role . If you don't have enough time to listen to God and to do His will, then you are not, at least correctly, fulfilling His complete calling for you. When there is surrender on our part, true surrender in a persons' life, then does his/her role come to the forefront and take preminece and is prominent. He is still waiting for Love to take the reigns of your life. This is the love spoken about in Ephesians 3---that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height---to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fulness of God...........
This is an hour for fine tuning---fine tuning of roles (knowing His will) and a time of pruning by the Spirit for bearing fruit. This type of fine tuning and pruning is realized by surrender and it is key--the key to the inner court of His presence from which we will be clarified and defined by His light as it shines on us. His light will enlighten our path and we will clearly know our way and destiny....our purpose....our role.............sweet surrender.

Spearhead

A couple of Sunday mornings ago as I stood in church listening to the 'praise/worship team', I heard something I don't normally hear or notice. It was also something I didn't hear. My attention was called to the purity and effortlessness of the singers. It was also the lack of pretense, pride, pomp and fanfare----just simple, effortless praise and worship in the Spirit----not an expression of selfish will or striving or show.

In days long ago, when warriors went to battle with spears, it was important that their spears (spearheads) were pointed and sharp, otherwise, needless to say, they had lost their initial effect and could be deemed as almost useless and the warriors would be defenseless. Likewise, how silly would it be for a surgeon to enter an operating room with a dull rusty nail in hand saying to his patient on the operating table that he had lost his scalpel but would attempt to do the best he could with his rusty nail. (Most of us, anesthesia or not, would be out the door in 30 seconds). A clean, sharp scalpel is much more effective and efficient.
Boats and ships have a bow or hull that is strategically designed to 'slice' or 'cut' through the water with the least amount of resistance for momentum. Airplanes and jets, too, are aerodynamically streamlined to course through and use the air and wind for maximum, sustained lift and forward motion.

This same Sunday, I also was reacquainted with a couple of old friends visiting our church that morning. It occurred to me, seeing them, that I had known them about 35 years. It simply reminded me of the continuous passing of time. 35 years is almost a generation.
We are the spearhead, the scalpel to and of our generation. We are to be as effective as the bow of a boat in water and as the aerodynamic foil (wing) of a jet in air. That is to say, we are to be those that lead and lift our generation. To do this we must be pure, sharp, clean and clear with good hearing and vision. To do this we must be in tune with the Holy Spirit. For us to be effective to our generation, we must allow the Lord, by His Spirit, to lead the way....and thats ALL He needs----willing, surrendered vessels that have been cleansed and purified by His presence. It is the 'simple presence' of the Lord in our lives that speaks the most to our generation.

The pristine presence of the Holy Spirit is how we are most effective and efficient. As we grow and mature in Him, this should become 'second nature' and effortless. Certainly, for most that is easier said than done but there is a way. We must allow His Spirit the path of least resistance within us....and then to allow Him place (residence). We must allow the 'gentle breeze' of His Spirit to permeate us continuously. The voice (presence) of the Lord was not found by Elijah in the strong wind, the earthquake or the fire but in a 'still small voice' (I Kings 19.11-13).

I have said before that may it never be said that the enemy stole into the camp, our camp, and plundered our generation while on my watch, our watch. This is our generation---our watch, our time. It is our time to excel and lead.......but not by our plan or efforts but by His leading, His Spirit, His pristine presence. We must find our place in Him and He must find His place in us.
We must find, feel and follow the 'gentle breeze' of the still, small voice.


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"Too Long In The Turn"

'Are we stuck?' A couple of months ago, that is what I was wondering. In light of the fact that Jesus said in John 14.12, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do..." and that Jesus said that we are to be 'salt' and 'light' in this world to our generation, I have to wonder if His present-day church is fulfilling or even developing to fulfill His words and calling and mission in this hour. Most Christians consider the church today to be His 'end-time' or 'last days' church. Many also feel that this last days church or temple shall be greater than the former temple (as recorded in Haggai 2.9). However, I look at the modern-day church, particularly in America, and I have to wonder whether we are actually fulfilling our role in this hour. Now, I am well aware that this is a process, a growth and we are taught that we develop from faith to faith. Nevertheless, so it was, a couple of months ago, I questioned the productive functionality and maturity status and subsequently, the influence of the church in and to our world in this hour. I was and am concerned about our functional role and development. (Any development is and necessitates change). Not seeing much of a healthy influence and change, I then, as aforementioned, wondered--Are we stuck?

It was about three weeks later that a 'funny' thing happened while I was driving. This happened over the course of 3-4 days. It happened during these 3-4 days, last month , about 2-3 times a day. While driving I would turn my blinker on to make a lane change or to enter or exit an access ramp. Now everyone knows that when you make a lane change or get on or off a ramp, you don't make a complete 90 degree turn and, therefore, your turn blinker does not self-cancel or turn itself off, so, you have to do it yourself. Well, I noticed I would be well down the road having long completed my turn and the blinker would still be on (for some reason I just didn't turn it off). It was so suttle, but my attention was drawn to the fact that the blinker was still on only after I had well completed my turn (lane change, etc.) and was well down the road. The funny thing is this happened repeatedly 2-3 times a day over a 3-4 day period. Finally it hit me and I wondered why is this happening, why is my attention repeatedly drawn to my 'still-on' blinker light. It dawned on me there may be 'something' here and so I asked the Lord what, if anything, this meant. The interpretation or message was clear and immediate, very immediate, from the Spirit---"too long in the turn"!
What? It hit me like a lightning bolt. The Lord was speaking through the Holy Spirit ( and my blinker) that His church is "too long in the turn" or taking too long too change, to grow up, to mature, too develop to their desired stature and proper role....to fulfill their destiny in this hour. This goes for all of us.
God has a specific role for His people in and to this world today. Personally, I say what a fantastic and exciting time to live---and yes, too, what a responsibility. Yes, problems are abundant and our enemy is mounting on every front to usurp the world God created and His authority, but only if we let him. In this time, God is trying to shake and stir His people to change (see WatchLine July 4, 2005-"Shaken, But Not Stirred"). God is calling His people to leave behind religiousity and dead works and to come alive and press in to real intimacy in Him. Much change is needed. Our churches need to change in their perspective of practice and purpose. Our worship needs to change from 'ritual routine' to 'heart-felt spontaneity'. Our dependence upon the few to do a lot needs to change---no more 'one-man shows'. Our style of meeting together needs to change from the routine to more Spirit-led body ministry. Our spiritual relationship needs to change from 'outer-court head knowledge' to 'inner-court intimacy'. Our spiritual temperature needs to change and be set on high. We need to leave '90% good-enough' behind and push for '100% fervency' (see WatchLine June 9, 2005-"Jonah at 90%"). We must find the gateway and doors and the keys to the doors that will unlock our apathy and complacency and deliver us from our comfort-zone Chrisitanity to a passionate place in Him that flows and is in focus and continuity with His Spirit and that actually bears fruit. I am speaking to myself (after all, it was my blinker) and all that desire to move and move forward in Him. We need to get past that obstacle and besetting sin that keeps us from being green, productive, worthwhile and 'rich' in His kingdom. (Someone once said, "I would rather be green and growing than ripe and rotting). We need to go from being a sputtering, haphazard, sometimes- on organization to a well-oiled, smooth-running and proficiently well-tuned organism that is alive in and to Him.

This is a transition period and it is getting late. There is still time left. God wants to change His church. He wants His people to make a turn......a turn for the better......a turn towards deeper relationship with better understanding of purpose , more intimacy and more responsibility with influence. It is not enough just to be ok, alright, or even good. God wants us to be great. The world is looking for leadership and they are ripe for it. It is time to transition to position. We are late in the day. Don't be 'too long in the turn.'

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Boldness and Humility

The Spirit of the Lord speaks expressly and says that My truly anointed are a bold people whose passion for Me will instill boldness; and passion and boldness will inspire words of strength and direction and correction to be spoken in this hour.

I speak to My people that the righteous are bold as lions and to be bold and speak forth MY engrafted word. There are those that have need to hear and whose lives hang in the balance to hearing the living word from Mine anointed ones.

But, know this My people, that I am meek and lowly in heart. Has it not been spoken that pure and undefiled service before Me is to avail oneself to those truly in need and who are truly poor in spirit.?
For My heart beats for the fatherless, for those that are rejected, for the hungry, for the naked, for the spiritually destitute who are without course and direction and warmth of guidance.
My ear hearkens to the cry of the captive in prison, to the brokenhearted, and to the blind and oppressed. They are those that I long to free from their bonds.
But I must have those that know Me, that know My heart. I must have those that run the race and yet know their place. I must have laborers for the harvest. I must have those that are passionately bold and yet who are humbly obedient---who have an ear to hear....to hear My voice and My heart.
My heart is toward the lost sheep of the house of Israel, who are yet struggling in the highways and byways. Go forth to the lost and dying, to those that have been tossed away by this world and this worlds' system. Go to those whose cry of the heart I hear when no one else hears. Render yourself to those that are broken and rejected and have need of healing and uplifting.
Do not be swayed by the 'gates and spires' of this worlds' present religion and entanglements. Your service is one of the heart to those that are cast down and despised in this world---those who are untended sheep. Find My sheep. Feed My sheep. Tell My sheep who are lost, wounded, storm-tossed and not comforted that I KNOW WHO THEY ARE---COME HOME.
I am the Master Shepherd.

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