#779 / Going Nowhere, Hearing Little!

#779 / Going Nowhere, Hearing Little!

July 27, 2011 / By Ralph E. McIntosh / ralph@actsfoundation.us

 

Mrs. Winchester, heiress of the Winchester rifle estate, built onto her house continually thinking she would never die as long as she kept building! Many of the stairs went nowhere, and doors had no purpose. How easy it is to set up residence in “Rutsville” and do the same thing every day. When we do this with our relationship with the Lord Jesus, we stop hearing what He wants us to hear and doing what He wants us to do. But, we may be comfortable with living that way.

I am sure Jesus doesn’t want us to always be comfortable! (Maybe that’s why some churches have worship for an hour and I have to stand the whole time.) Have you ever noticed that Jesus’ favorite place to pray was the Garden of Gethsemane? Do you think there were padded kneeling benches there? More likely there were rocks to sit on or pebbles to kneel on. Some of our prayer times need to be labor and the pebbles of purpose need to be under our knees. I am not talking of self-inflicted pain, but when observing problems around us we can turn to kneel before the throne of God to hear what God says is the solution.

I recently was able to share with someone that most churches recognize God the Father, God the Son, and refer to God the Holy Spirit. But if Jesus sent Him as a Gift and a Comforter, why do we not turn to Him and establish relationship with Him? How could we fear a Gift and a Comfort when it was sent to us in love?
Perhaps it is time to review which stairway we are on in our climb to knowing God better. He wants us ever-climbing and wants the top of every stairway to open into heaven! Meet Him where He is. RMc

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Recommended reading: The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeshel. Recommended by beloved long-time ACTS team member, Mary Sauer. The author, a pastor, challenges every believer to cultivate the presence of God in their lives. An incredible book our team highly encourage you to read.



The Power Blessing

I bless you with a higher blessing

Than all the world can give!

I bless you with genetic stamping

That only God can live.

I cancel all the subtle cursing

Satan brought your way.

I now proclaim your faith is rising

To stop and slay dismay!



I call upon your conscience

speaking

To lead you in His Path

I place upon you Peace’ anointing

To walk in righteousness!

I place upon you His empowering.

To stop Distruct’s advance.



For yours is life to live like art,

And His, the power to give!



By Ralph E. McIntosh /January 1, 2011 / Clearwater Beach, FL