Freedom

A.B. Simpson writes: "Brother, are you fainting in prayer? Look up. Your blessed Advocate has already claimed your answer, and you would grieve and disappoint Him if you were to give up the conflict in the very moment when victory is on its way to meet you. He has gone in for you into the inner chamber, and already holds up your name upon the palms of His hands, and the messenger, which is to bring you your blessing, is now on his way, and the Spirit is only waiting for your trust to whisper in our heart the echo of the answer from the throne, "it is done".

We pray with the expectation of an answer, immediately, if not sooner. We search the Scriptures for an answer only to find ourselves questioning and wondering, when will you answer Lord? Impatience leads to frustration, then to weariness and finally to defeat. As our journey into the Underground has resulted in anger, disappointment and silence, the frenzy for radical change echoes among the participants with questions, unbelief and confusion. In Job 6:24, Job speaks to God and says: "Teach me and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong." In my silence, I pray that He teaches me the truth and reveals His promises to me. Are we all praying in earnest to learn what He needs to reveal to us? Are we listening for an answer from Him to show us where we have been wrong? We do not share prayer; we do not share our heartaches or joys; we do not share our visions. We need to acknowlege our personal wrongs before God, be willing to confess them, repent, and be accountable to each other. David cries out in Psalm 32: 3-5:

"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"-and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

Ownership of our sin and repentance in each one of us will bring revival in our spirit and in our church. Striving for the abundant life creates the desire for a daily walk with Him so that we do not grow weary. As we follow our God to an authentic, spirit filled community, we will once again experience the joy that is absent when we gather. The freedom to praise and worship with our hearts and minds, free from sin, torment and darkness, will bring forth the fruit of the Spirit and peace within our fellowship. As believer's we must trust God's Word that we will walk in victory with hope and renewed strength. We have the tools and the authority to reclaim our first love. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to do it's work in our lives! "Do not let your hearts be troubled!"(Jn 14:27). Join me in vigilant prayer that we will become the shining light on the East End, the place where"something" is different, exciting and inviting!

Be Still

As I reflect on the events of my life, I see the threads of God's mercy creating the tapestry of my life. God said in Jeremiah 33 that "He turned His face because of their wickedness but nevertheless He turns to them again to bring peace and health and healing." A promise from God is that I may approach Him in confidence and thanksgiving for all that He has done in our midst, allowing the peace that brings understanding. I have become a prayer warrior out of obedience to God asking me to step out in faith. In my discomfort, I have begun to pray for the obstacles in my life that create an abundance of blessings as well as overwhelming fear of the decisions that I must make in my life. I have been removed from my illusion of a comfort zone and have taken the first steps toward a renewing of my spirit and a cleansing of my heart. God promises that "though I walk through the valley of death I will feel no evil."(Ps. 23) Is God really there tenderly guiding each step toward the unknown, defeating every evil that prevails ? The answer is yes, as hope and faith arise, as He means to bring good and mighty things into my life, my family and church, and our country. As grief grips so many lives, it is in those dark moments that we reach out for His hand and allow the love, healing and peace to flow over us. His good purposes also reveal His truth. We have authority to claim His cleansing for our family, our church and the East End. As I journey to the Underground for a new beginning in our church, I feel the anxiety and question the authenticity of all who are present for this experience. "Judge not, lest you are judged" (Rom 8:1) is definitive on who is the Judge. As I pray, there is a silence from God. I listen for His word, but am I REALLY listening or am I projecting His reply? He has warned me numerous times throughout this journey to "BE STILL". I believe that He will do great and mighty things that will be recognized by many, but could you just begin now God? As my spirit struggles with the stillness, I believe His Word and Trust His Love. All believers need to pray with a sense of urgency and stir up their hearts to their fullest desire. Remove God from the shelf and begin to speak from you heart at all times, not just the convenient times. When we meet with God, allow the impact of what God has done in your life be loosed upon your prayer life. If only I could hear Him now..........
"Call to me and I will answer you with great and mighty things which you do not know" (Jer. 33:3)