January 10, 2011 Forward Motion Faith

Allow me to thank you for your prayers for Hack (my daughter-in-laws uncle).  Hack’s fever has come down but his kidneys are still causing a problem.  He is still on the ventilator but the external heart pump is now pumping every other beat.  These are all good indicators of improvement but Hack still has a long way to go.   I ask that you still continue to pray for him and his family.  It’s going to be a long week for all involved because the doctors told the family it will be somewhere between four and seven days before they can do open heart surgery.  Waiting for improvement for the necessary heart surgery is extremely difficult.  But it does give us time to pray for the manifestation of healing.

Our prayer time this morning in church was a powerful season.  We sang a praise song and prayed for healing.  This was after the model of Acts 16 – prayer and praise opened doors of a prison.   Hacks “prison” is his critical physical condition.  His prison has rendered him inactive as much as Paul and Silas were in their prison nearly 2000 years ago.  We need to understand that Paul and Silas didn’t praise the Lord to open the prison doors – the doors opened in response to their praise.  We praised God for the same reason as did they – He is worthy of our praise and we count ourselves privileged to suffer for Him.  We believe God is going to move on Hack’s behalf and bring healing to his body.

Another principle we shared out of Acts 16 this morning is what I call the “he” and “we” principle.  It is a model of leadership that I believe is a scriptural law set in motion by God.  It works with the idea that divine leadership is one person leading and others following by commitment.  It eliminates dissension, disillusionment, discouragement and destruction. It invites unity, commitment, cooperation and continuity.   Paul received the Macedonian vision and Silas and Luke and their mission team followed in pursuit.   “He” and “we” worked hand in hand to accomplish success in the kingdom.  Paul was given divine direction.  Those whom he led followed.  Simple.  Noting complex about this model. 

You can see this “he/we” principle in the life of Christ.  Christ received direction from the Father and the disciples followed.   I don’t think scripture could be any clearer on this issue.  It really works.  It works with you and I as individuals.  When we receive divine direction from the Holy Spirit in relationship to our everyday lives and we follow in obedience – there is fruitfulness to our lives.  It works in our marriages. When the father as the priest of his home receives direction from God for his family and the family saddles up in pursuit – the family is blessed and favored.   It works with a business.  When a business owner seeks direction from the Holy Spirit and doesn’t rely on his flesh all the time – he experiences the favor of God on his business.  It works with you as an employee.  When you submit to the leadership of your employer without dissension – you are favored and will find success.

This “he/we” principle will work for you.  You can have an awesome 2011 if you will submit to the authority of the Holy Spirit in your daily life.  Listen to Him.  Hear Him clearly.  Honor His voice.  Desire His voice.  Lean on His voice. Trust His leading.  Please.  For your sake and those around you I hope you find it in your heart to listen to Him.

That’s part of what our fasting season is about.  Learning how to be intimate  with the Lord.  Desiring closeness with Him.  Learning to live under the direction of the Holy Spirit every day of your life.  Honestly.  It can be done…the New Testament is our model.  Try it…you will agree.