We are just the beginning of a great harvest, the greatest
there has ever been. However, the fasted way for us to depart from the
highway
that is being built to prepare
the way for the L-rd is to become proud of the grace we have been given.
There is a true and false church, both of which are prophesied
in the Scriptures. There is true and false with almost everything: true and
false apostles, true and false prophets. We are warned about 'false brethren.' The
wheat and tares are mixed together now and will not be separated until the
end., they both look alike until both have matured. Only then will the
difference really be seen.
The main purpose of the true church is to be the temple of
the L-rd, so the main thing that we should look for in the church is the
presence of the L-rd. When the L-rd is in His Temple it does not matter what
the temple looks like If the temple is receiving all of the attention then it
can only be because the L-rd is not in it. The way we find the true church is
not by looking for the church, but by looking for the L-rd.
The L-rd will bless many things He will not inhabit. The
mature have learned to look beyond just what He may be blessing to what He is
inhabiting. It is one thing to be in a congregation where there is a good
teaching, worship, and ministry, but it is something else when you feel the
L-rd moving among people, and where He is the true focus of attention.
Many worship the things of G-d instead of the G-d of all
things. Some worship His truth more than Him. Some even worship, worship. This
is some times just immaturity, but there is a difference when the teaching,
preaching, worship, and ministry all come out of His presence.
When we mature we will want to help prepare the way for the
L-rd by helping to prepare His people for Him. No person is capable of doing
what they are called to do without
G-d's help. That is why we were given the Helper. Feeling
constantly inadequate makes one learn to lean on and trust in the L-rd, to
constantly seek Him. As a leader your successes are multiplied, but so are your
failures. Some failures can make you lose faith, but that only proves it was a
false faith in ourselves instead of faith in G-d.
Those who may be uncomfortable speaking to large groups can
be comfortable in small groups. It is a different gift. A leader can not think
too highly of self or want to have people's attention on them, in the presence
of the Lamb even the twenty-four elders cast their crowns at His feet.
We studied the great ones in history and in Scripture. We
have a long way to go yet to measure up to those who have gone before us, but
soon some of the greatest of all will emerge n the full maturity of all those
who have gone before them. Remember the L-rd had saves the best wine for last,
for the end of this age.
A leader must build everything in fellowship on truth, the
leaders goal is to be successful at the job given, and that job is to prepare
for the King's service to follow Him.
There is no higher calling than this - to prepare the way for the L-rd
and lead His people to Him. There is no greater joy or fulfillment than this.
One may at times chaff under the pressure that comes with always being a in a
place beyond their ability. But if G-d puts him or her there, He will supply
what is needed. A leaders identity and value is not in the position before
mankind, but in their position in Him.
Teaching
G-d's Word (the whole book) is not a rush job, the leader must go at the level
of their congregation.
They will draw on
the
living water.
Call ones will rise up and take their place as
watchmen for the body.
