Hopefully you’ve had some time to think about the first lesson I learned in the Land of Oz. Looking back on last month already seems like forever ago, but I’ll go on with the second lesson God taught me.
As I continued to read “Heavenly Man,” I was challenged by the stories and the miraculous things God is doing in China. As you could imagine the whole thing was very exciting for me. But the things that really stuck out weren’t stories of God moving in China. Instead, God reminded me where I need to be focused. Brother Yun gave me another wake up call:
Those Christians who have a public ministry are most in danger of falling into trouble, because they can easily be tempted to listen to the applause and praise of men…You must cry out and ask God to help you listen only to His voice, not to the crowds of people who pat you on the back and place you on a pedestal. God’s principles are often the opposite of our own…Never be satisfied with God’s calling or His gifts in your life. Be satisfied with Jesus Christ himself!
It’s so easy for me to do ministry in order to get praise and affirmation. I love to make people proud. I want to do things well, so that people will see the gifts God has given me. Even more than that, I’ve been seeking new gifts from God and I’m not sure my motives are pure in that. Am I seeking gifts or am I seeking more of God Himself?
In all of this I’m realizing that when I seek God for who He is, the gifts come along for the ride. I don’t want to prophecy in order to be closer to God. I want to be closer to God so that prophecy flows from our conversations. I want to be so close to God that His truth flows from my mouth. I want to follow so closely to the Lord that His love overflows everything I do. I just want more of God…the gifts and calling on my life are secondary.
I’m so privileged to be serving the Lord in the Philippines and all over the world, but more than that I am overwhelmed at the idea that the God of the universe wants an intimate relationship with me. He wants time with me. He wants me to give Him the good, the bad, and the ugly of every day. He wants ME! And I’m excited because I’m wanting more and more of Him…I’m no longer ok with little bits of God in my life. I want my whole life to exude Jesus!
