Some of us are called, equipped and commissioned to nurture and look after those that are growing up in the faith, and their authority is to protect, encourage and teach those under their care. This is their holy commission from Jesus, who is the Head of His Body, and they have laid their lives down in the service of the Lord, for the benefit of those given to them to raise up.
Some of us are praying to Abba to thrust forth workers into the harvest, according to the request of the Lord Jesus, for truly the harvest is great and the workers are few, and those that have this calling are anointed and equipped to call forth this movement of the Body of Christ through a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the will and purpose of Abba, for His glory. Those that the Lord Jesus are calling forward into the harvest can step forth without fear, being directed and anointed through the Holy Spirit for the work ahead of them.
I pray that we see each other through the Light of Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit of Truth. I have lately been learning that it is not possible to see this way unless I lay my ego on the alter, take up my cross and follow Jesus wherever He goes, as He Himself is at the center of His Kingdom. This way, there is never room for offense to grow, because we have been crucified with Christ Jesus and live by faith through Him, who loved us and gave Himself for us. To lay the self life down and take up the cross is to keep a pure heart before the Lord Jesus Christ.
The words of the Lord Jesus in His sermon on the mount are vital to understanding how to walk in His Kingdom. As ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven and dearly beloved brothers and sisters in the family of God, we should remain poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure hearted, hungry and thirsty for righteousness and to make and pursue peace within the family of God, honoring those that have gone before us and those that are called to different gifts and ministries in the Body.
When Jesus spoke of the new wine, He said that the new wine is put into new wineskins so that both may be preserved. This is because the previous wine skin is the apple of His eye, into which He has poured Himself and which He shaped, nurtured, anointed and trained for His purpose, both at that time and going forward.
We are at a vital point in the Kingdom of God and at this point, we cannot allow for any distractions or fractures to open up among us, as everyone is needed, and everyone is needed just in the place and for the purpose that the Lord has called them to. Unity through the Holy Spirit and through love, peace, humility and faith are of utmost importance.
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself rebuke, bind and make void any accusation, slander, or any lie or distortion of the truth that comes against any of us as we serve our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully, trusting in Him always to lead and guide us, and may the Holy Spirit of Truth shine in our hearts so that we may love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and our neighbors with a pure, humble and peaceful heart, wherever we are called to be.
The world desperately needs to see the Lord Jesus Christ amid the violence, darkness and confusion. Our nation desperately needs the Lord Jesus and fresh outpouring of His presence and the power of His Kingdom to bring forth salvation, healing, and deliverance.
Beloved, if the Lord is calling you to remain and nurture others, remain with a steadfast heart. If the Lord is calling you to grow and listen to His Holy Spirit in the still waters, listen to Him with all your heart and be blessed in your growth in Him. If the Lord is calling you forth through the outpouring of His Holy Spirit, obey His calling according to His will and direction.
May God’s peace wholly fill our hearts,
just as Jesus has given to us His own peace to be ours-
that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ,
so fearing nothing from God
and faithful and obedient to the Lord's calling,
leaning on that peace which transcends all understanding
and that garrisons and mounts guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,
knowing that the God of peace will soon crush the accuser under our feet,
letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
to which indeed we were called in one Body,
being filled with thanksgiving for all the Lord Jesus is doing in us and through us,
as He moves His Kingdom forward according to His perfect will.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all,
beloved brothers and sisters!
We have joy in fellowship not only now,
but forever in the manifest grace and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ!
(Philippians 4:7, Romans 16:20, Colossians 3:15, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
