Prayer Point.
by:John
Hi Prayer warriors,
I’ve been finding it difficult to order my time here. We’re still getting adjusted to the place but, I really want to see fruit. I know that so many have invested in me, not to mention the invaluable investment that God gave in Jesus. And, I really want to live up to that. Just pray that God would grant His wisdom and discernment for me to order my time, and then give me the discipline to follow that.
Thank you..
March 6th, 2006 06:04
We know how you feel John:) We’re praying right now for the grace to know the security and total acceptance in Christ…no need to prove anything. And for the grace to walk in what He has called you to be and consequently do in this day and season. May you be filled continuously as you walk in the Spirit so the the overflow of Life splashes on the people in need of Living Water. Never underestimate the power of Loving Presence…just being there makes a difference. And take care not to fall in the trap we both did in the first 3 months of internship concerning judging fruit by our standards. I wrote a post on it with more detail on our site if you’d like to know more personally what that looked like in our lives. ALOT of the interns at the retreat in Athens shared how it ministered to them because the theme of the posting seemed to be the constant in all our internship experiences. It’s posted under Archives in November and it’s called “Great Expectations”.
His and yours,
Tara
March 6th, 2006 11:09
Thanks for the encouraging words yet. I haven’t yet read your post, “Great Expectations”, but I wanted to say thanks, as well as including a link for anyone else who’se interested in checking out this article. I’ll definitely read it. Peace
March 7th, 2006 00:27
The following are some questions, and my answers to some questions that our new internship coordinator at Bethany (Paul Hartford) was asking the interns. I think that they pertain to this post. Please do pray. But, I also want you to know that the Lord is seated on the throne! I am not worried about the struggles that we face because He is enthroned and He is merciful and mighty! Hallelujah!
This is a difficult area and always has been. But, especially now. I think that the reason, is that I have a real strong desire to help here and serve well. When you combine that desire with the added hindrances of life in a new culture and the complications of having a wife who is slightly detatched from the ministry aspect of life here, finding “success” in ministry seems like an uphill battle. Of course this brings up the question, “What is a ’successful’ ministry?” I consciously know that the only way I will bear true fruit is if i really abide in the Vine, and the One who gives life. At the same time, I think that there is a desire (perhaps unhealthy) to do a job that is esteemed in the eyes of my supervisor. I want (perhaps unhealthily) him to be satisfied with my work to such a degree that, he places me in positions where I will be able to impact many. I want my supporters (perhaps unhealthily) to be satisfied and happy that they are supporting me. I want to be able to report measurable fruit and know that the money they have invested is going to good use.
All this to say that the devil can, and will try to use these pressures to get me to wage war on my own strength. I do not want to fight this way.
I think that the above answer really gives the answer to this question. Pray that the unhealthy desires would wilt away while the Lord’s strength would truly be my sufficiency and that His will would be made known in my life. I relly do want to press into Him.
I’m not in that stretch yet… but, as I’m in the beginning, I have other ‘greatest needs’. That is that the Lord would order my steps! Also that He would empower our family for ministry for the long haul.
March 7th, 2006 00:45
Well, I just finished reading Tara’s beautiful thoughts, Great Expectations and, I was ministered to. Here is an excerpt:
It was a very timely word. Thanks Tara!