Withness 11: You Need a Place (Where's your Jerusalem?)

And when he drew near and saw the city (Jerusalem), he wept over it, saying " Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!  But now, they are hidden from your eyes.  For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade  around you & surround you and hem you in on every side, and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you......Luke 19:41-44

So here is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, found weeping over a place...this place was Jerusalem, where He had purposed his heart to go, literally to die for the sins of the world.  And trust His tears was not about His own death or dying, but rather because His Great Love for the people, and realizing that some of them ......well their futures are bleak, and He's realizing they won't spend eternity with Him, but rather in a much more grim alternate ending.   In the book " The 11......." Sweet pens his 11th chapter of Withnesses about a place....and the importance of each of us having a place that we would be willing to weep over, and even die for.  He says:

" With what place have you fallen in love?  What place do you have on your screen saver along with what people?  What terrain and food own your your heart.......?   Where do you pray best?" pf 202 and lastly " A territory is your place, " said the drummer boy.  " It's where  everything smells right.  It's where you know the runaways and hideouts, night or day.  It's what you fought for, or what your father fought for, and you feel all safe & strong there.  It's the place where, when you fight, you win."

We all have a place, and it's important that if we don't. we discover that.   I remember as a boy watching the movie " Superman" and how he longed for being on Krypton, but Krypton had been destroyed.  But his parents placed in his pod a piece of Krypton and when Superman discovered that piece of his home planet he planted in a icy patch and out of that patch emerged His place.   It's there where he flew to revisit his heritage, and soak up wisdom from those that lived long before him.  It was there he retreated to.   It was there when no one could find him, they could find him there.  You aren't Christopher Reeves, and this aint a movie...this is your life.   Where is your place that your heart weeps for?   Who are the people that are constantly on your heart?  The scripture says....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21  It's evident where Jesus' heart was...where his place was.....but where is yours...and have you given yourself for it/ and them?  Mine, is my home, my brother's hous in Plano, TX, SSM HomeCare Calvary Church (and that spans many miles....cause it reaches even unto Malawi, Africa)......I love these people, and if you know me (I give myself to these people in these places)...I'm not perfect...but I LOVE GOD TOO!  LGLP

Who's You VIPS? Your Lydias, Lazuruses, and Your Rich & Poor

Acts 16:13-14 ¹³ On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. ¹⁴ One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

Paul had been recently converted from Saul, and now was and had given His life to the mission of teaching and preaching JESUS CHRIST.  While doing so....a group of women, one Lydia (a very wealthy woman and a seller of purple) heard the message of Christ, and not only desired to become a follower of Christ's teachings but immediately wanted to fund advancing the message of salvation.  In the book " The 11 Most Indispensable Relationships......" Leonard Sweet pens a chapter that says we need to have people that are "....our sponsor, your patron, your partner, and your provider?  Why?  Because as a follower of Christ the mission He has you on may require people who may not be as driven to go like you, but are driven to give.

I have observed this first hand, over 3 years ago I felt the Lord calling me to Africa to do a short term missions trip.  But after sitting in the planning meeting my wife and I...I have to to admit I was discouraged because $3800 to raise is a lot of money when you have none, and you are essentially living from paycheck to paycheck.   Oh, I forgot...that no. needed to be doubled because my wife desired to go as well ($7600).   So here we are (never having been on a mission trip, never left the country) choosing to trust GOD to make a way out of no way so we began sending out emails and letters to "possible" sponsors......in short one of my first letters back funded the entire trip for one person. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.......the truth is...there are people that aren't as abled bodied to do such a trip, but have dreamt of being a part of making a difference against the poverty and injustices in the world and them catching word of someone going.....maybe their opportunity to make an impact.

Sweet says, " Your success hinges on one thing:  Is there someone out there who believes in you enough, and believes in the mission of your organization, to pony up to the table and put money where your mouth is?  All it takes is one, but the presences Lydia galvanizes others & generates a momentum that enables you...."pg 187  and  " Do we truly hunger  & thirst for righteousness and holiness, or is success for ourselves our lives' main passion and drive?  Are our lives lived for ourselves, which Jesus called a living death?  Or are our lives lived for others........."and last but not least " It is one thing to have a heart for the poor.  It is another to use their bathroom.  Rather, we treat the poor as anonymous recipients of charity rather than engage them as equals." pg 192

To end I say this....don't just give your money....give your time and or your talents.   While in Africa, on a ride to our Safari (Sabbath Retreat) we were riding and literally out of the bushes kids sprouted up and were lunging toward the vehicle echoing "muney muney muney" (money) and the driver talked about how this behavior (he was native there) broke his heart because the truth is what could they do with American dollars out here in the bush?  There are no currency exchanges our there...  But we realized what they needed were people....people willing to come and be with them, like Christ.   To spend time teaching, loving, helping, loving, playing, and loving them enough to invest themselves into them to help them better themselves and be able to help others.   Like Connections to Success.....breaking the cycle of poverty one person/family at a time.  WHERE ARE YOU AT?  WHO DO YOU SPONSOR beyond the WALLS of your CHURCH?  SPONSOR THEIR MISSION FIRST.  WHAT young non-profit business owner do you support?  What young business owner are you helping to become the next________________?  WHAT MISSIONARY do you partner with to keep GOD's mission funded?  Let's continue to leverage our power our abundance to help those that are powerless.  LGLP

Who's Your Rhoda (Your Little One)?"

¹² When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. ¹³ Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”

 ¹⁵ “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”  ¹⁶ But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.  Acts. 12:12-17
 
Ok so in this verse we discover a few things....Rhoda is a child...that is amongst adults locked in prayer, and as Sweet mentions in the chapter " Who's Your Rhoda?" from the book "The 11......." " A determined Rhoda finally convinced the adults to break away from their prayer exercises......and enjoying the holy of haze of "prayer meetings"...to point out to them the reality of answered prayer." pg.162
 
 

See it's the Rhoda's that Christ is talking about when He says unless you come as a child..........you know....where you still believe in the stories that elude to the mysteries of GOD, where you still are excited about the fact that He's so much BIGGER than you, or your situation....and it's not unbelievable that He's really able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you can ask or think according to the power that works in you.   It's like remember when you had your imaginary friend....where did they go as you got older?   God isn't imaginary by no stretch of the imagination, but when you close your eyes to pray is it dark (is that what you see or visualize), or are you in whisked away....are you in a throne room....are you before His majesty?  See Rhoda's, little ones...help to keep the child in you......alive, although you are physically aging?  They actually tend to see the unseen...while we think it's just ridiculous, and childish thinking.  The monsters are real (to adults that are little Rhoda's this is these are the rulers of the darkness..the demonic forces that are real and at work)......and we must vanquish them in prayer!

 

So what about you....are you still intrigued by "Once upon a times......" and inspired or encouraged by the " happily ever afters"?  Rhoda's can be your own children...if you haven't killed the splendor of life by making them grow up, or Rhoda's could be your friend that actually believes when they pray GOD is actually doing something on their behalf's.    Rhoda's could be that Pastor who when they do an altar call, are doing it knowing, trusting, and believing that someone in the room is actually coming to give their life to Christ.  Whoever your Rhoda is.....LOVE THEM, send them a note appreciating them, or invite them to dinner.  If you are a Rhoda....I say keep coming to CHRIST as a "Little One" and oh how HE LOVES the little ones....they are really the giants of the faith!   GOD BLESS YOU.  LGLP!

You Got to Have a Zacchaeus

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

 ⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.  Luke 9:4-6

In the book " The 11 Most Indispensable Relationships You Can't Be Without" Leonard Sweet felt that of all of the variety of people one needs....one of them needs to be a Zacchaeus.  Someone that is socially akward, someone up a tree, someone that isn't in the in crowd.  Listen as he paints this picture of a Zacchaeus.   " Some people are drawn to thoroughbreds.  Others are drawn to mongrels.  But almost nobody is drawn to misbehaving weirdos gifted in oddness.  Except Jesus, who expects us to do as he did." pg 146

So in your facebook community or real community who's the Zacchaeus?  You know the one who is really up a tree: socially, economically, mentally or emotionally? The truth is....we all are or can be up a tree during a variety of segments of our lives about one thing or another...and this person helps us to keep a good relationship with even our own weirdnesses.  So during this chapter and during your life here's what it's important we all remember as we live, work, and play:  

1.  Zacchaeus are up a tree (or maybe even hiding under a rock). 

2.  They are one of a kind. - there's value you in not being a cookie cutter. 

3. They are out there....meaning...outer space sometimes (radical which remember...Jesus & His followers were branded as radicals)....and who else would get you to explore it, if not them.  Chances are they don't go to your church or even A church.      

4. Be aware that a Zacchaeus is in trouble.   SERIOUSLY...he or she's the one...people are saying "I don't think you should be hanging with, or talking to......"  If you hear this...you got the right one.  Just think had Jesus followed the publics opinion....the disciples wouldn't have been disciples.

5.  Zacchaeus's tend to be inefficient, but don't be deceived they are worth your time...remember Christ was on His way somewhere...but made time to have an intimate evening with Zacchaeus, and evening which was transformational.  When was the last time you spent time with your Zacchaeus...or invited one over for dinner?

No  matter who you are....we need to be following Christ's example of relationship building.  He didn't discriminate or exclude folks because of what OTHER people said....but rather engaged in conversation and or life with least favorable folks. 

Look around your neighborhood, work group, or even church community...surely there's someone you could stand to get to know better, and the goal is only that....NOT TO CONVERT THEM TO BE ANOTHER YOU, for heavens NO!!!!  But to solely get to know them, so that you could value what GOD there creator values about them.  I think that's a challenge...to you......Have them over for dinner......LGLP

Withness 7: You Need a (Deborah) Back Coverer

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, judged Israel at that time......And she sent and called Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded [you], Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun?

    ⁷And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you at the river Kishon with his chariots and his multitude, and I will deliver him into your hand?
    ⁸And Barak said to her, If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.
    ⁹And she said, I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the trip you take will not be for your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. (Judges 4:4, 6-10)

In the book " The 11....." by Leonard Sweet he talks about the importance of having someone to cover you back, and Deborah like individual.  He says if you gonna need a guide, you will as well need a guardian like Deborah because it's a guarantee you will get it in the back.  Listen to how he puts this: 

The worlds is filled with people  who like nothing better than to kill- your reputation, your spirit and your mission.........  If your life is on mission for good & God, you'll be the first one fired by enemies and by friends.  It doesn't matter how good  you are; you're going to get criticism, and usually it comes via the back door.   And it's going to be more than back-biting.  It's going to be back stabbing, or worse.  If you recall, it was the religious establishment that gold Jesus His healing was a work of the Devil............The ultimate betrayal is when the back-guard becomes the back-stabber.  Look around you at the your circle of closest friends.  You can be certain of one thing: One of them will betray you.   You say, " No, certainly not! Not my friends." I say, " Are you better than Jesus?"

The truth is, Sweet doesn't say that we need a back-stabber....but the reality is you don't have to hire or recruit for one...they will willingly volunteer for the job.  But what is true you need, you want, we should all desire that someone is willing to keep watch over us while we yet sleep or even work for the greater good.    Jesus was not only stabbed in the back once...but twice by individuals who were in His inner circle.  Everyone is quick to remember old Judas...but what about Peter...and denying him three times?   The difference is that Peter repented and instead of ending his life, decide to really give it to the cause of Christ.   What was AMAZING was that CHRIST actually washed both of their fetes, knowing what both of them would do futuristically.    For my readers today.....take note of Jesus heart even towards the back-stabbers.....He still humbly served them.  So while I pray that each of you have guardian angels on Earth that desire to make sure you fulfill GOD's appointed mission....I pray even more that you love your enemies....or back-stabbers as Christ loved His.  REALLY LGLP!

Who's Your Yoda (Peter/Paul)?

By far, to me, one of the most interesting chapters of " The 11.............." by Leonard Sweet is the chapter titled " Withness 6: Who's Your Peter/Paul?  You Need A Yoda" not because I am a Star Wars junkie at heart, but because if we are honest: " each one of us needs a Yoda- a mentor, a guru, a coach, a spiritual teacher/director --if we are to complete successfully the missions to which God is summoning us........Each one of us needs someone to look up to, a wiser, (usually) older, God-energized guide who can help us find our way through this new and unfamiliar landscape landscape that is not for the faint hearts or weak stomachs." pg 115

And he appointed twelve (whom he also names apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast our demons.  Mark 3:14-15

Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Acts 16:3

The disciples had Jesus.   Timothy had Paul.  Luke had Yoda.  Neo had Morpheus......but what about you?  Who's voice is it that helps you make the tough decisions, and forces you to pause before making the ones that appear to be no brainers that helps you to listen to what it is or maybe the Spirit is calling you to?  Mine...has been a host of people, from Mark Mueller (a dear brother in the faith), my stepfather Alvin Center, to my old constant brother Dr. Richard Exley, to a few great men and women of the faith that have Pastored me over the years.   Without these individuals....I am certain that I wouldn't be where I am today, nor would I be the person I am becoming.   What about you?  Who's your Paul/Peter/Yoda...who's on your back...in a good way that's talking you through the major decisions of your life?  If you don't have someone......(JESUS is a great first choice....but until you can truly say you know HIS voice) you might be benefited by someone who already does know HIS voice, and listens to HIM regularly, that loves you...and wants to see you be/do your best.  If you already have that person who's "showing your the ropes" bless them today with a email of appreciation or even a shout out....LGLP

Who's Your Barnabas.....Your Encourager?

In the book " The 11 Most Indispensable Relationship That You Can't Be Without" Leonard Sweet mentions the importance of having an encourager in your band of brothers/sisters.  Someone who believes in you, and desires to see your candle stay lit.  Listen to how he paints a picture of the need of such a person when your day or days get dark... 

 " What curls you into fetal position?  Death of a loved one?  Depression? Fear of the unknown?  Collapse of a relationship?  Dreaded diagnosis?  Sickness?   When I'm sick, here's my routine: go home, shut the door, close the blinds, and crawl in bed.  And go into fetal position.  I unconsciously want to re-create the conditions of the womb: darkness (hence the closed curtains or blinds), warmth (hence the hot water bottles, and warm blankets), quiet (turn off loud noises -only simple soothing rhythms), cramped quarters (tuck in the bedsheets or comforter).  I want to recreate that time in my life when I felt most secure and taken care of the womb.  

No one can keep you from going into that fetal position...but they can encouraged you to uncurl........ pg 103"

²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27

See it was the Barnabas in scripture that spoke up for Saul (newly converted Paul) when the other disciples were afraid of him.  It was the Barnabas in Sam that spoke into the life of Frodo Baggins when the days got dark or the road ahead was tough.....that encouraged him to continue.  Who's that person for you; that will not allow the worst day for you, to get any worst?   That when everyone else has given up on you....they still believe in you?  " Someone who, when life takes your breath away and you hold it in, will slap your back and inspire you with the enlivening Spirit who makes you want to breathe again; ......"

As certain as I am you need a Barnabas (and it's important you identify who HE or SHE is) you also need to be a Barnabas for someone.  Here's your challenge today follow these scriptures:  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Heb. 13:3) and 2Cor. 13:11  Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  LGLP