2 Samuel 16 (Account of King David's
fleeing Jerusalem after Absalom's revolt)
Act 22:17-29 (Paul's suffering in
Jerusalem)
Psalm 107: 33-43 (Life changing God
lifts up the faithful)
Mark 1:1-11 (Jesus' triumphant entry
in Jerusalem)
From the readings we hear how the city of God, Jerusalem, holds both times of hardship, adversity and triumph. So New Wine is in a time when finances are getting tight, our membership has declined due to the recent relocation of two active families, and we seem to once again need to hear a word of encouragement from the Lord.
After over 2 hours of listening prayer time, we shared our sense of what the Spirit was speaking to us in the quiet of listening prayer. Rob Robertson shared this prophetic Word of encouragement that seemed to capture the tone of our morning of listening time:
"You are my children. I am so very fond of you. You seek me out, each in your own way, but often we do not connect. I want more than this for you, a faith that is more than form and substance, but a place where we can deeply abide together; where we can listen to each other's words, think each other's thoughts, a place to go beyond the here and now that gives you just a glimpse of eternity. My love is not dependent on your response, although even I long for your embrace. Turn to me and lean into me, feel my touch...gentle and affirming. Let me hold you and know that you are safe in my embrace. Trust me and know this is all going to work out. I have not led you to this point to abandon you, but to allow you to know me in a new way. Know that I am your God and know that I am with you...that you have nothing to fear, your provision comes through me. I will make your path straight, every obstacle I will overcome. I will show you what to do and each of you will take back a piece of the Kingdom, belonging to you as heirs to the Kingdom."
This word to go deep, to trust more, to love more and fret less resounded through several other people's reflections.
From Hebrews 4:16 we were reminded to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need". The invitation was to "come be used, come to listen, come to see what the Lord has for us."
From Psalm 107 we were challenged to "Give Thanks", for the wayward, rebellious, evil and lost will not prosper, the redeemed will see the hand of God and give testimony in the "assembly of the elders". This reminded us again of the high value we place on testimony giving at New Wine.
From Hebrews again (10:32-35) we were exhorted to "remember the former days" of God's presence and action in our midst, particularly to give us hope in our current times of struggle. We were called to not "loss the confidence" which comes from the fact that we have seen God work in the past and He will in the days to come, as lean and difficult as they may appear at the present time.
From one who was drawn to several readings in Proverbs we were warned to be wary of enticements and distractions that draw us from the things of God, particularly from our relationship with the Father. We are to seek Wisdom which begins with "the fear (reverence) of the Lord". A similar word came to one of us even after our listening day: "Keep your eyes on the prize" (which is Wisdom, Jesus, etc.) Don't be distracted by side issues (congregation size, recruitment). The line from the movie "Field of Dreams" comes to mind: "If you build it, they will come". "It" being upholding Godly Wisdom, the person of Jesus, Kingdom values of healing and restoration. This is what will draw people into fellowship.
A second warning came in the form of a question: Have you heard a hard Word? Are you listening for or willing to receive a Word of correction? We are not to just grab hold of things that encourage but be willing to hear a Word for correction.
Romans 15:4 was shared: "...whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Remembering God's action in the life of Israel, in the early church, and even in our own experience, helps us get through the hard or trying times we may currently be experiencing..
This call to to be people of the Word , was re-enforced in the image of Jesus being the Vine and we being the branches (John 15). If we are to produce Kingdom fruit we must abide in the vine. We abide in Jesus by being in the Word (his teaching) and doing what He commands. More Word, more love and more serving seemed to be the theme again and again.
The Spirit also spoke to us about our expectations. In 1 Kings 19 the Lord did not speak in outward big and flashy ways but in the still small voice. God does not always act in ways we expect. In this comes the warning to pray God's will and not our expectations. The emphasis here was on "listening" over "seeing". God's promise is that his Kingdom will come. God's promise is that He will be with us and never forsake us. The promises to those who abide, draw near, go deep with God are many. But those who walk in their own ways, they do not receive the grace of those promises. We are not to fret, but walk in faith that if a door closes another will open, if the Kingdom is near it will be clear by his blessing and provision.
Practically
this means we move forward trusting He will provide until He clearly
directs us otherwise. Keep our eyes on Kingdom values and
goals. Kingdom people love, care and serve others, as we have been
loved and cared for by the Father. One among us was reminded us that
reaching others may be more about serving people rather than
preaching at them and certainly not helped by arguing with them. How
are we loving? How are we serving? How can we serve more?
Word
More, Love More, Serve More.
