Christ Desires Your Participation in Events He Engineers.

Jim Taylor Lead by the Lord:

We were told to go to Mazzio's Pizza that was near a Wal-Mart. After searching we found the only one that fit that description in our area was about twenty miles away. As we went we were told that we would meet a young lady who was pregnant, unmarried, and who had decided to have the baby instead of aborting it. We were to tell her that Papa God was pleased. I wrote it down and put it in my shirt pocket.

At the Mazzio's we got a table - there were eight or nine of us - and after we ordered we all asked Papa God about our waitress .. what he had for her. We all wrote them down and later gave them to her. I told her we were a class that was learning to hear "destiny words" and that we had heard these from God for her. I asked her to read them and then come let us know which was correct and which was wrong.

A while later she came over with tears in her eyes and asked 'How do you know these things?' We explained that we did not know them but that Papa God knew her and that he had directed us to come twenty miles and to sit at a certain table just so he could share his love with her. We had prayer with her and then she went and got a couple other waitresses she wanted us to talk to.

One girl, after talking with us for some time, said, "Maybe God told you, but I am pregnant." I took out the note and gave it to her. She read it and began to sob. It turned out she had been diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells on the cervix, but they could not treat her because of the pregnancy. Papa God had said it would be OK.

We asked her if she had a Bible and she said no. I was able to run across the street to Walmart and buy her a Bible.

We stayed in touch with her and were able to see her beautiful baby girl before we moved. And she was doing well. You can hear Papa God. Specifically. As in "go here" "don't do that" "say this" etc.

Yesterday at 12:10am · Like · 1

Williams in the Wilderness

We have been working on our personal goals for the New Year, 2013 here in Uganda. Through the discussions and formation of our goals some things have emerged, that I have identified, as positive values for our team.

Our collective vision is to see disciples, transformed by Christ, living and sharing the gospel. The mission is to make disciples and plant churches that will reproduce and multiply our efforts.

We have all felt God say he was going to move in our place; something we do not take for granted. God chooses times and places to bring about a movement of himself. There are places God calls people to labor in which there will be no wide scale movement. With this fact in mind, there are 2 key ingredients:The work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of people and the zeal and obedience in which we pour ourselves into making disciples.

The Holy Spirit draws people to himself. It creates a hunger in the person. The Holy Spirit answers our prayers for laborers and puts us into contact with the right people. The Holy Spirit opens ears of the listeners and the mouths of the speakers. We must never mistake our dependence upon the Holy Spirit. We must never give the Holy Spirit lip service but live lives and minister unaffected by the awareness of His presence.

We the laborers must have a zeal to make disciples. We identify making disciples as a whole process, starting long before conversion with the first words of the gospel and going through the growth of a godly person. We cannot desire accolades or praises, adoration or certificates for ourselves. Our primary concern filling our mind day and night must be that God is glorified, lifted up high to be praised by all. We must daily seek humility because we understand that pride is an attempt to steal God's glory and put it upon ourselves and pride plagues us all. We must be purposeful. We must look for how the Spirit is working in our relationships and probe to see if disciples are awaiting beneath these people. We must put off everything that does not contribute to the disciple making process. A laborer must put off the things which hinder us, steal our time and distract us from purposeful living. We must not be afraid to ask those we are discipling to do the same when we recognize such activities in their lives. We must be connected to the vine. In order to be constantly poured out as a drink offering we must constantly be filled up. The word must dwell in us richly. We must cultivate the primary inward disciplines of Bible reading, memorization, and prayer. We must share the gospel in and out of season. The sharing of the gospel is often accompanied by fear and the only way to dispel that fear is through practice. Better methods will not dispel the fear or necessarily increase the skill. It is the practice of sharing the hope that already resides within you.

The Parable of the Talents is a good parable for the laborer to look at. At times we wonder at the harshness of the master regarding his servant's desire to protect the talent. It has been brought to our attention through a look at Rabinnic teaching that what the servant lacked was love for his master. He feared his master but lacked love. Fear is enough to keep us from doing wrong but not enough to drive us to take risks in order to produce for our master. As disciples and laborers we must not only fear but love our God. Our love must be to the extent that we are willing to risk any and all in order to produce for our master that which will bring him great joy. Two servants invested the talents and in so doing risked losing all of it and in turn their jobs. There was no FDIC. They risked the eventual fate of the the last servant. Yet, love drove them beyond. Each of them wanted to be the one who came to the shepherd with the 99 sheep and said “look, here is your lost sheep, I've found him!” Each of them loved the master to the extent that to bring him joy was their greatest desire. Love and Fear work together as motivating factors that will produce a godly and active lifestyle of a disciple.

So we encourage our brothers and sisters around the world to be laborers filled with love and fear for our master that will lead to a risk filled high reward lifestyle of the kingdom. Examine yourselves that love might be your driving factor every day. If you find yourself doing your work out of fear or duty go back to your knees. Substitutes for a love driven service will ultimately fall short and the laborer will have lost of a lot of time, money and energy in the process. Dwell in the arms of your master and find that love deep within everyday to drive you into this life of a laborer.

Finally, we cannot live as laborers in isolation. A laborer must seek a community of the like minded to work closely with. Community provides accountability in our disciplines, restoration in our failings, identity in our disbelief, purpose in our wanderings. There are times when we are forced into isolation like Elijah, but we must always seek community when it is available.

Thanks for taking the time to read what has been on our minds here in Uganda. I would hope that this would characterize the laborers of Advance Him. I have used the words laborer and disciple interchangibly.

In Christ,

Kenneth Williams

williamsinthewilderness@gmail.com

011 256 785758033

www.williamsinthewilderness.com

Sadly, Child Killings are Predictable...

Jim Thornber

From my friend, pastor and author Richard Exley --

Like many of you I am grief stricken by the tragic mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, earlier today. According to the latest reports 27 people are dead including 18 children. Earlier this week a gunman opened fire in a shopping mall in Portland, Oregon, killing two and seriously wounding another before taking his own life.

Of course murder is nothing new. From the time Cain killed Able until now the human race has a long history of cold-blooded atrocities. Still, there seems to be something different, something more sinister about the random killings being perpetrated by these troubled young men. For the most part their killing sprees were not prompted by religious fanaticism or political ideology or even personal revenge. Their victims were strangers by and large – innocent victims – and seemed to be chosen at random.

Mark Kopta, chairman and professor in the department of psychology at the University of Evansville in Indiana, has researched extensively the country's mass killings, which he defines as attacks leading to the deaths of at least five people, including the killer's suicide. He found three incidents in the United States fitting this profile between 1930 and 1970. Three more followed over the course of the 1970s. In the 1980s, however, there were ten such incidents of mass murder. The 1990s had seventeen; and, since the new millennium began, there have been twenty-five such mass murders. Six of them occurred last year. And 2009 has already topped that with eight such killings. There have been nine mass murders in 2012.

So what’s going on? Why this sudden rise in mass killings? Are they just a statistical fluke?

There are no easy explanations, no pat answers. The conditions conspiring to produce these troubled young men are varied and complex. The entertainment industry continues to produce video games, music and movies that glorify violence. Liberal politicians, jurists and even educators insist that there are no moral absolutes, creating a society where each person is a law unto himself. Corruption in high places, within business, government and the church, has produced a jaded cynicism in young and old alike. Then there’s the economic meltdown worldwide and the resulting despair. Finally there is rampant divorce and the resulting dissolution of the traditional family creating a generation of lost souls.

While all of these are contributing factors they are not the root cause. The root cause is spiritual rather than sociological or even psychological. America made a covenant with death and we are now reaping the unintended consequences. That covenant was sealed on Monday, January 22, 1973, when the United States Supreme Court ruled 7-2, in the now infamous Roe v. Wade decision. When the highest court in the land rules that killing the child in your womb is an acceptable way of dealing with your unplanned pregnancy, we shouldn’t be surprised when children reared in such a culture turn to murder and suicide when life becomes overwhelming.

Sadly, Child Killings are Predictable...

Jim Thornber

From my friend, pastor and author Richard Exley --

Like many of you I am grief stricken by the tragic mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, earlier today. According to the latest reports 27 people are dead including 18 children. Earlier this week a gunman opened fire in a shopping mall in Portland, Oregon, killing two and seriously wounding another before taking his own life.

Of course murder is nothing new. From the time Cain killed Able until now the human race has a long history of cold-blooded atrocities. Still, there seems to be something different, something more sinister about the random killings being perpetrated by these troubled young men. For the most part their killing sprees were not prompted by religious fanaticism or political ideology or even personal revenge. Their victims were strangers by and large – innocent victims – and seemed to be chosen at random.

Mark Kopta, chairman and professor in the department of psychology at the University of Evansville in Indiana, has researched extensively the country's mass killings, which he defines as attacks leading to the deaths of at least five people, including the killer's suicide. He found three incidents in the United States fitting this profile between 1930 and 1970. Three more followed over the course of the 1970s. In the 1980s, however, there were ten such incidents of mass murder. The 1990s had seventeen; and, since the new millennium began, there have been twenty-five such mass murders. Six of them occurred last year. And 2009 has already topped that with eight such killings. There have been nine mass murders in 2012.

So what’s going on? Why this sudden rise in mass killings? Are they just a statistical fluke?

There are no easy explanations, no pat answers. The conditions conspiring to produce these troubled young men are varied and complex. The entertainment industry continues to produce video games, music and movies that glorify violence. Liberal politicians, jurists and even educators insist that there are no moral absolutes, creating a society where each person is a law unto himself. Corruption in high places, within business, government and the church, has produced a jaded cynicism in young and old alike. Then there’s the economic meltdown worldwide and the resulting despair. Finally there is rampant divorce and the resulting dissolution of the traditional family creating a generation of lost souls.

While all of these are contributing factors they are not the root cause. The root cause is spiritual rather than sociological or even psychological. America made a covenant with death and we are now reaping the unintended consequences. That covenant was sealed on Monday, January 22, 1973, when the United States Supreme Court ruled 7-2, in the now infamous Roe v. Wade decision. When the highest court in the land rules that killing the child in your womb is an acceptable way of dealing with your unplanned pregnancy, we shouldn’t be surprised when children reared in such a culture turn to murder and suicide when life becomes overwhelming.

i paused. i thought. i was blown away with the realization....

i paused.  i thought.  i was blown away with the realization, i had just asked God to heal a person of brain cancer half way around the world.  i don't know the person.  i've never met the person.  i don't know exactly where they live.  i don't even know their last name and yet i prayed with confidence that God was going to do the deed.

some say God did that sort of thing in the old days when people needed it to be convinced of His Lordship.  i am inclined to believe God does this sort of thing today, because of His Lordship needing no convincing. He is the I AM and works His will and purpose in our lives out of His being who He is.  not who we are.

He doesn't need our participation, but He enjoys the company when we choose to abide in Him.  It is in His company, miracles happen.  just believe and receive.

i paused. i thought. i was blown away with the realization....

i paused.  i thought.  i was blown away with the realization, i had just asked God to heal a person of brain cancer half way around the world.  i don't know the person.  i've never met the person.  i don't know exactly where they live.  i don't even know their last name and yet i prayed with confidence that God was going to do the deed.

some say God did that sort of thing in the old days when people needed it to be convinced of His Lordship.  i am inclined to believe God does this sort of thing today, because of His Lordship needing no convincing. He is the I AM and works His will and purpose in our lives out of His being who He is.  not who we are.

He doesn't need our participation, but He enjoys the company when we choose to abide in Him.  It is in His company, miracles happen.  just believe and receive.

What if i Claim Healing over Someone and They die....

i asked Jesus into my heart at the age of 6 while riding in a '59 VW down a gravel mountain road in the Sierra Nevadas. Thank you mom for sharing Christ's love with me. 

Today, i should be mature in my faith, but i feel so much like an infant when it comes to someone asking for me to pray for healing. I believe Jesus abides and where He abides there should not be sickness. But in the back of my mind i wonder, what if i tell the person they are healed and they die.....

I received some great thought from friends on Facebook....

"Stan Pollmann II What if someone is dying and you pray for them and they LIVE!!! ??? Because you stepped out in faith and obeyed the Word of God... It is always best to step out in faith and obey His calling than to have pride inside... because you might be embarrassed... food for thought"

"Sandy Campbell Stacey Thank you, Archie for sharing a sweet memory of your Mom and an important day as well as being vulnerable to share your fears. 

I agree with Stan and will share an experience I had. I work at a doctor's office. One day I was in the office with a patient and felt I was supposed to ask him if he was a believer. I was new to discerning the urging and voice of the Holy Spirit, and shrunk back at first speaking in my head to the Lord a small apology and told Him "I am not sure if it's You or me". 

Well, the patient, not knowing anything, said " I have had this song going around inside me all day." I said, "Really? What is it?" He said, "Jesus is my Healer!" I laughed and confessed! He said, "Maybe I was supposed to come here so you could lay hands on me." Spiritual like the book of Acts. I did and prayed the prayer of faith...thanking Jesus for what He did at the cross and Galatians 3:13. 

He has not been back since. I believe he is healed. Not everyone will receive their healing but Jesus gave it and bore all sickness in His body. Be Bold and Courageous. Only believe. James 5 The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well...if they are willing to believe and receive they will have it done for them. Mark 9:23; 11:22-24."

Raising People from the Dead is not a Spectator Sport or is it...

I love Jesus and have been reading about His life and His expectations on my life.  i believe Jesus abides in me and i in Him.  In His abiding i have expectations that i believe are His expectations.  Sadly... it seems my emulation of Him is lacking.  I want others to see Jesus when they see me, yet mostly others only see me.  I have a friend who shared this amazing story.... 

"Just last week I was at a table with a bunch of friends and we had a good laugh at my "devotion". They had never heard of someone who believed they could do that (raise another back to life). I thought it was NORMAL and thought people were weird who didn't believe we could do it through Christ. 

Once a mom wanted her 7 year old child to be raised. We circled the building ( mortuary) where she was and prayed walking around it for 6 times. On the 7th, we stood and shouted, " Sarah come forth!" I asked them, " what if they ALL come out!!!??? After a minute the door opened and a man stuck his head out and asked, " may I help you?" 

I said, " not unless you were dead." lol!!!!"

Thousands of times... Jesus healed matter of factly... He had no desire for fanfare.  He healed out of love.  Other times, miracles were asked of Him and He rejected their requests.  Could it be our impotence is tied to our need for self acclaim?  

As to the testimony of living life in the reality of Jesus shared above... i think the opportunity would have been great fun!

What is a Miracle? by Andrew Wommack

WHAT IS A MIRACLE?

Luke 23:8 "And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him."

LUKE 23:8

 

 

  Herod desired to see Jesus perform some kind of miracle, and some of the questions he asked Jesus made this desire obvious. However, Jesus did not use His faith to do any miracles for Herod. 

Miracles are God's way of meeting the needs of those who seek Him in faith. Miracles will sometimes be used to demonstrate God's ability so that people may believe (Mk. 2:10-11), but they will not happen to skeptics who are tempting God (Lk. 4:9-12). 

A miracle is a supernatural intervention of God's power over natural law. 

Healings occur within the boundaries of natural law while miracles are not limited to natural law. A person with a high fever who receives prayer and then begins to recover is experiencing a healing. The Lord intervened but in natural ways. The virus, infection, or whatever was rebuked left the body (Lk. 4:39) and then the natural healing process that the Lord built into all of us took over. When something totally supernatural happens, that's a miracle. When Jesus reattached the servant's ear and it was instantly whole after Peter cut it off (Lk. 22:51), demonstrated a miracle. It was also a healing, but it was a miraculous healing. 

Feeding the five thousand (Mt. 14:19-20), walking on the water (Mt. 14:25), translating a ship and all aboard to the other side of the sea (Jn. 6:21) - all these are miracles. Miracles are usually instantaneous whereas healings are sometimes gradual. 

The Lord has never had anyone who was qualified working for Him. It's by God's grace that He uses any of us. Anyone who claims to be used of God because of his great holiness is either deceived or a deceiver. It's our faith in the grace of God that allows miracles to flow through us. 

What is a Miracle? by Andrew Wommack

WHAT IS A MIRACLE?

Luke 23:8 "And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him."

LUKE 23:8

 

 

  Herod desired to see Jesus perform some kind of miracle, and some of the questions he asked Jesus made this desire obvious. However, Jesus did not use His faith to do any miracles for Herod. 

Miracles are God's way of meeting the needs of those who seek Him in faith. Miracles will sometimes be used to demonstrate God's ability so that people may believe (Mk. 2:10-11), but they will not happen to skeptics who are tempting God (Lk. 4:9-12). 

A miracle is a supernatural intervention of God's power over natural law. 

Healings occur within the boundaries of natural law while miracles are not limited to natural law. A person with a high fever who receives prayer and then begins to recover is experiencing a healing. The Lord intervened but in natural ways. The virus, infection, or whatever was rebuked left the body (Lk. 4:39) and then the natural healing process that the Lord built into all of us took over. When something totally supernatural happens, that's a miracle. When Jesus reattached the servant's ear and it was instantly whole after Peter cut it off (Lk. 22:51), demonstrated a miracle. It was also a healing, but it was a miraculous healing. 

Feeding the five thousand (Mt. 14:19-20), walking on the water (Mt. 14:25), translating a ship and all aboard to the other side of the sea (Jn. 6:21) - all these are miracles. Miracles are usually instantaneous whereas healings are sometimes gradual. 

The Lord has never had anyone who was qualified working for Him. It's by God's grace that He uses any of us. Anyone who claims to be used of God because of his great holiness is either deceived or a deceiver. It's our faith in the grace of God that allows miracles to flow through us. 

Starbucks Coffee Shop Ministry

My church went to the local children's hospital to pass out gift bags of necessities for those who find themselves in a difficult place.  The gift bags were only secondary in importance compared to the love that was shared in the gesture and prayers given.  Each left with wonderful stories to tell...

I sat in the emergency room briefly and then was off to the local Starbucks coffee shop.  Quite often i have opportunity to listen to another's story about life.  i am amazed at how ready another individual is prepared to share his story.  they don't need preparation.  a simple statement like, "it's pretty weather tonight."  let that sink in.... when the Spirit prompts with a simple question, "how are you?" and the dam breaks and stories flow.  i am always amazed.

This night was much like others at the coffee shop with an exception... the gentleman shared with me about his health problems.  we connected with being veterans.  i mentioned God and he went chasing after a young female.  sometimes the seed falls on rocky soil... i am grinning.

Starbucks Coffee Shop Ministry

My church went to the local children's hospital to pass out gift bags of necessities for those who find themselves in a difficult place.  The gift bags were only secondary in importance compared to the love that was shared in the gesture and prayers given.  Each left with wonderful stories to tell...

I sat in the emergency room briefly and then was off to the local Starbucks coffee shop.  Quite often i have opportunity to listen to another's story about life.  i am amazed at how ready another individual is prepared to share his story.  they don't need preparation.  a simple statement like, "it's pretty weather tonight."  let that sink in.... when the Spirit prompts with a simple question, "how are you?" and the dam breaks and stories flow.  i am always amazed.

This night was much like others at the coffee shop with an exception... the gentleman shared with me about his health problems.  we connected with being veterans.  i mentioned God and he went chasing after a young female.  sometimes the seed falls on rocky soil... i am grinning.

Starbucks Feeds the Homeless or at least i hope so...

I am sad.  You may remember, i was honored to give my gold Starbucks card to a homeless man in exchange for a coloring.  You can read about the God Spot here...  

http://37stories.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/starbucks-gold-card-feeds-homeless/ 

I recently reloaded the card and he has not made use of the reload.  There is no reason he would suspect i might reload it, but i am hoping he might. Maybe you will pray he will consider the possibility of trying the card again... 

i have been praying for you. i have been praying you will experience freedom in God's love. it is not what you do. it is who you are. be real in Jesus. be free.

Texas Bankers are a Different Breed

Today I met Sam Amos, a true Texan.  It was an honor and pleasure to meet another story teller.  Sam grew up poor and worked his way up to being a Texas banker.  He is quick to identify himself as Christian and suspected i was.  I deferred from the name Christian to the identity of Believer, knowing that does not adequately identify me as crazy for Jesus.

Sam Amos quickly gave me a run down of his career and the milestones that best define who he is.  He believes in honesty, integrity and Jesus.  It seems leaving any one of these beliefs out doesn't do justice to the life one is gifted.  He was quick to reveal he lived one step away from being fired many times.  I could identify with being fired as it seems without life on the edge, one is defined by the shackles "status quo".  

Now if you follow me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/37stories you will know earlier today, i posted multiple threads on favorite firing phrases... now i find my self chatting with a banker about careers ups and down.  Some people find it difficult to believe God orchestrates our steps if we let Him.  i find it a matter of fact.  thx Sam Amos for being a God Spot.

You are blessed when...

You're Blessed

1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

I smile and ask God..."Who ministers to who?"~Debra Wilson

Debra Wilson

On this cold rainy dark day, I started my morning leaving around 7:30 to take Lillian for an echo-cardiogram  I knew it would be hard for her to get out so early and in the cold rain no less. But I found my sweet Lillian positive about our journey. She says she can tell that I have pain today...I mention in a care-free way my neck and shoulders as usual. Lillian has arthritis pain daily and her immobility in her upper body is evident ..and suffers from pain in her neck area. So once home, I get her settled with her heat pack on her neck and she is all cozy in her chair. We hug and say a kazillion I love you's. 

Before I leave I mention I am using her bathroom...I close the door but not tight. I hear her start talking...she is praying. Talking to God as if he is standing right beside her...no formal prayer....just words. She is asking him to take care of me...thanking him for bringing me to her...asking him to make my pain go away and keep me and my home and family safe...asking him to keep my doggies and chickens happy and healthy. I don't want to just go back out and interrupt her conversation. I wait another few seconds and peek through the bathroom door. 

Her hand is slightly raised and she is trying to look up and her words of prayer are just flowing. I am so humbled by what I see and hear my tears just start falling. Here is a woman who has so little and in chronic pain..and she is praying for me. I don't know what I ever did to be so blessed to have a precious lady as this in my life. As I leave I smile and ask God..."Who ministers to who?"

Life after death.... http://youtu.be/xYZoX4N5_YQ

"As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last."~Billy Graham

 "As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last.  I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. 

I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God."~Billy Graham

"Change your life. God's kingdom is here."~Jesus