Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 11:11 AM
Subject: My Heart 2 Yours 909'05
Psalms 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I've been very busy these last several weeks preparing to go to New Zealand. Not to mention my everyday family life and pastoring such a wonderful congregation and community. I have always, (don't hold it against me), neglected taking a Sabbath once a week. I have always felt guilty about taking a day off. But I have found that in neglecting my days-off, I have also neglected quality time with my family and friends. So in the process of doing the work of the ministry I have jeopardized my relationships with my wife, kids, family and friends... and yes, even God. Hey, give me a break... I'm still learning here. Still God has been helping me through the months to find balance in my life by making time with him.
I'm not saying that I've been neglecting prayer. What I'm saying is that sometimes, in our busy-ness, our communication with God can be one way. It's from us to Him, and we expect those prayers to be answered. It doesn't work that way. Do we actually give Him the time for Him to respond to us? Do we want to hear what He really has to say? We need to hear from Him. We need to spend time and dwell in the secret place of the Most High. Stay there till you get an answer. It's not that I'm saying you don't have enough faith to pray and just believe He'll do it. But it's that He wants to spend the time with you so you can get to know Him more intimately.
Jesus said in Matt 7:6, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." We've got to be people with power. When we pray, we pray confidently in the power of the Spirit believing the will and promises of the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. Prayer is not swaying God's decision or will, or making Him work on our behalf. He is not a puppet. It is God working in us that we may be transformed and fitted to complete the Father's will here on earth. We could go deep in this teaching, but we won't.
One example is this: A lot of people are coming out of the closet... if you know where I'm getting at. We as Christians have a responsibility to get back into the closets, (our secret place) so that we may know how to deal with them and advance the Kingdom of God while they carry on in their agenda and their attack on us. Matt 11:12 NLT... And from the time John the Baptist began preaching and baptizing until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people attack it. How do we deal with this? Spend time with the One who knows every outcome that you may be encouraged and well informed of His on-going plan.
Well, I took 2 days-off this week, and I'm fired up and ready to Rock! I've learned that rest and time with HIM makes me more effective in every area of my life. It heals me, helps me to refocuses and prepares me for the future. My prayer is that you find that rest in Him today. Will you make the time for Him today? He's waiting to meet you.
I Love You All..........Pastor Fred
Copyright 2005 Fred Welch III
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