A Storm is Coming – Spiritual Preparation is Paramount

As a follow-up to What I Believe – The Storm is Coming, I would like to get your input on a couple of other things I have come to believe. First, I believe that my title for that first article is a bit misleading. I don’t believe the storm that is coming is “The Storm”, meaning the Great Tribulation. As we see in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, Jesus taught that there would be small “t” tribulations before the big “T” one occurred. This should be sobering news, particularly for those that think they are going to avoid suffering via a pre-Tribulation escape plan.

Secondly, I want to encourage you that spiritual preparation is paramount for everyone that believes a storm is coming. This is contrary to our protective nature; and contrary to what most of the world is promoting. Even in the church, many are encouraging – and selling – physical preparation (e.g., freeze dried food, hedge funds, guns and ammo, leaving the country). When you look at it from their perspective, you quickly learn that there are hundreds of things each of us could do to protect ourselves from the storm.

And that is the problem!!

Call to Action – Where is the Outrage?

I have been meaning to write an article on the Western church’s silence towards the massacre of our brothers and sisters around the world.  Then I came across this article and realized that I don’t need to recreate what has been so powerfully articulated.

I will add that we are to remember them as if chained with them (Hebrews 13:3).  How does this happen?  You might start with a subscription to Voice of the Martyrs; or a regular visit to their prayer website.

There is much our persecuted brothers and sisters have to teach us; and much we need to learn in preparation for the days ahead.  First, we must have our hearts softened to receive God’s word on suffering.  Please don’t  shrink back from this because it is hard or challenging.  Learn how to remember them; learn how to suffer.

Humbly yours and His forever,

Should We Leave Them at the Gate?

Imagine yourself standing on the top of a hill overlooking a beautiful pastoral scene. In the distance you hear the sounds of sheep, cows, ducks, and people. People? That’s right – lots of people; and it sounds like they are all coming your way.

Where could all these people be coming from and where are they going? Drawing closer to the edge of the top of your hill, you see a broad road at its base; and you realize that this road curves around the hill, towards you, from somewhere out of your eyesight. The people – many people – are coming down that road.

Moving to your right (to see where the road goes), you notice that it ends abruptly at a precipitous cliff; and a fall into destruction. Immediately your heart goes out to the folk on the road. Hurrying back around the edge of your hill, you see them; and you begin to yell a warning, “Don’t take that broad road! Find another way! It leads to your destruction!” With all your heart and strength you cry out to the people that are heading to their destruction.

The Desires of Our Heart and the Work of God

In Part 1 of this series, we learned that God has shared the desires of His heart with His children; creating a heart-tie between us and our loving Father. These desires are different from the selfish desires of the flesh, which lead to death. The word of God is alive and powerful to discern the difference; and to prepare our hearts for the word that will produce a bountiful crop of fruit and good works.

Allowing the word of God to do this preparatory work is a critical first step in discovering and receiving the desires God has put in our hearts. If the ground is not prepared, the seed will not prosper. Go back to Part 1 if you need the word to prepare your heart. You will be glad you did.

Now that you are being prepared (it is a continuing work), we will search out the awesome magnitude of the good work God intends to accomplish in our assignment; and the work He is doing to prepare us for it. Expect your paradigms to be stretched and your faith challenged. Ask the Father for the grace to hear and understand. In fact, pray this prayer for yourself (from Ephesians 1:15-21):

Heavenly Father, thank You for encouraging me to come to You as a child. God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, I pray that You would give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You. May the eyes of my understanding be enlightened; that I may know what is the hope of Your calling on my life, what are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in me, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power toward me. I pray in according to the working of Your mighty power – the same power You worked in Christ when You raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Now, let’s do some more searching!

Marketplace Ministry Tip #19 – Identify Yourself

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. John Maxwell, Leadership Author, Speaker, and Pastor

Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room. Jeff Bezos, Internet Entrepreneur, Amazon.com

Identity is an important thing – whether it is your personal identity, or that of your company. Sadly, most of us have allowed the world to define our identity. From well-intentioned parents, teachers and pastors, to mean-spirited oppressors, controllers and bullies, we have heard and accepted an identity that is much lower than our Creator intends. Of course, Satan is behind much of this; coercing us to settle for less.

We have been deceived about our identity in God’s story. Like the man in James epistle, we have forgotten who we are. This is particularly important for Marketkplace Leaders, for without a true sense of identity, we are additionally deceived about our authority and influence. The people God has called to lead the implementation of His plans are inadequately prepared.

Consequently, the church in America is losing her identity; more so than at any other time in history. Don’t believe me? When was the last time you saw the royal priesthood in action? How about a temple of God being, well, a temple of God? Smelled the aroma of Christ lately? Where are the “greater than” works that Christ promised for those who believe?

Finding and keeping our identity is one of most challenging and critical battles we will face. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy had no idea of their importance in the battle for Narnia until they discovered that they were the Kings and Queens. Like them, it is time we discovered who we are – not for ourselves, but for God’s glory and for His kingdom. Experiencing joy and power in His plan for this season is dependent on our participation in the full identity and influence we have been assigned.

Marketplace Ministry Tip: Take time to think outside the box about your identity. For example, what was Jesus thinking about you and your company when He said that those who believe in Him would do greater things than He did? What does it mean to be ambassador, king and priest? Have you been given a special identity for God’s kingdom? Refuse to settle for anything less. Click here for more encouragement and teaching on this subject. Contact me, at rob@inlightconsulting.com, for more guidance in the search for your identity.

Your servant and His forever,

Lessons While Riding… a Bicycle – Hills are Not My Enemy

I live less than a mile from Dog River. Do you ever wonder what the people who name things are thinking? Rivers aren’t shaped like dogs. Was there a dog in the river? Given the terrain in this part of the county, it could be that coming up the hills from Dog River make you sweat like a dog, and they make you dog tired.

Now, don’t get me wrong. We are not talking about riding in the Colorado Rockies, but for a 54 year old man the hills around here can be quite the challenge. To give you an idea, I can’t ride four miles from my house without having to make at least four substantial (for a 54 year old) climbs. Usually, my 18 to 20 mile rides come with six or eight challenging segments.

I must admit there have been days since I broke my hip when I wished we lived closer to the Silver Comet Trail (built on a train track bed, it is nice and flat). But, that was then, and this is now. Now, my mind has been changed. God gave me an attitude adjustment about those hills, just the other day.

He said, “The hills are not your enemy.” That’s right; that’s what He said. Here’s the rest:

Contingency Planning God’s Way – Part 3

What would you do if you knew a storm was coming? Would you stick your head in the sand? Would you run? Would you figure out a way to work around it? Be honest with yourself: What is your tendency when trial and tribulation are clear to see on the horizon?

Now, let me ask you: What would you prefer your response to be? Again, be honest with yourself; and write down your answer. Seriously, write it down. If you are a righteous man or woman, it is likely God’s desire for you; and there are things He will empower you to do that will help you prepare.

In this – the third and final part of this series – we will continue to consider the preemptive responses that prepare us for the storm that is coming. As we do, let me remind you that God does not act without first giving His people fair warning. Those willing to respond to God’s warnings are promised eyes to see and ears to hear. Do you see and hear the warnings that are all around us?

For those of you that prefer to think the best about our future, let me suggest that it will not hurt to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. This is, in fact, good and accepted business practice. Billions of dollars are spent annually on contingency planning. So let’s talk about contingency planning God’s way.

As we mentioned in parts one and two, there are a number of preemptive responses we can take, as Christians, to strengthen our relationship with God and make the most of the opportunities that trials and tribulations bring. As Marketplace Leaders, we are looked upon for courage and answers in difficult times. Prepare yourself now, and God will use you to expand His kingdom, for His glory.

Preemptive Response #5: Know and do the sayings of Jesus Christ. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that the man whose home will stand during the storm is the man who “hears these sayings of mine and does them” (Matthew 7:24-25). Therefore, an obvious preemptive response is to understand His sayings and make sure we are doing them.

Preemptive Response #6: Keep your eyes focused on the glory of the Lord – the primary condition for transformation (2Corinthians 3:18). Your focus will cause others to look to Him, as well. Be aware that your enemies will attempt to distract you. Establish safeguards to protect yourself and others. Practice turning to Him in the morning; and regularly, throughout the day.

Preemptive Response #7: Make the most of your chaos moments (don’t waste the pain). When moments and seasons of chaos come, ask God what He is up to and join Him in the work. It will also be important for you to help others through their chaos moments and seasons. This is the mark of a true disciple maker (2Timothy 2:1-5).

Contact us at Rob@inLightConsulting.com if you would like to receive a list of Jesus’ sayings from the Sermon on the Mount. We also have more information regarding the transformation process and how to handle its inherent chaos. It would be a blessing to supply you with the resources God has so graciously provided our ministry.

In closing, we strongly admonish you to stand against the enemy’s discouragement in your adventure. Remember, your journey and your assignment are born out of the very purposes of God; and no purpose will be denied Him.

 

Humbly yours and His forever,

 

Rob Streetman; President, inLight Consulting, Inc.

Contingency Planning God’s Way

What would you do if you knew a storm was coming? Would you stick your head in the sand? Would you run? Be honest with yourself: What is your tendency when trial and tribulation are clear to see on the horizon?

Now, let me ask you: What do you hope your response will be? Again, be honest with yourself; and write down your answer. Seriously, write it down.

Let me suggest two things right off the bat: First, there is more to do than we are doing (the urgent superseding the important); and, second, we have in us the Power to get it done. God is working in us to will and do to His good pleasure. He is the Power Who is capable of exceedingly abundantly more than we can think or imagine.

In this, and my next couple of posts, I want to suggest a few ways God would have us respond. But first, I want us to consider the storm that is coming. You don’t have to be a prophet to know that things are going to get worse before they get better. Only those desiring to be deceived could miss the chaos that now exists in our society; and because it has become a subculture to that society, the church in America is also suffering major chaos. There are statistics to back this up; let me know if you need to see them.

For those of you that prefer to think the best about our future, let me suggest that it will not hurt to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. This is, in fact, good and accepted business practice. Billions of dollars are spent annually on contingency planning.

Lessons While Riding… a Bicycle – Don’t Let the Future Rob Your Pleasure

I live in the Dog River Basin. That means hills, lots of hills; hills that are relatively difficult (at least for me). I cannot ride five miles from my house without encountering at least four challenging climbs. God has used the hills around my house to teach me some interesting things about His kingdom, and my walk in it.

God first showed me that hills can be a distraction. This happened while riding on a relatively flat, and very pleasant, section of my route; think smooth road, few cars, lot of trees and sunshine. I should have been enjoying myself. Instead, I was troubled. There was a hill coming up; and two or three more after that. I caught myself dreading the ride, and wondering what I was doing out there. Silly, I know; but that’s what hills can do to you, if you let them.

God’s lesson that day: Don’t think too far ahead – particularly about hills. I am sure you see the connection this has with real life; even life in the real world – the place where we spend most of our waking hours; the place we call the Marketplace. Whether it’s running a business, defending a client, teaching a classroom of students, or trying to be your best in your favorite sport, it’s just not a good idea to let the future distract you from the pleasures of the moment. Jesus said it like this:

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34

Not only was the hill taking my joy away, it was distracting me from one of the primary reasons I ride my bike – to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. As I told you in my last lesson while riding, God speaks to me when I ride with Him. It is an amazing expression of His grace to join me on these rides. But that doesn’t happen when I take my mind’s eye off of Him in consideration of the future hill.

There is another pitfall that comes with thinking about the upcoming hills: The temptation to avoid them. Who would do that, right? That’s where you get the most exercise. Well, I can tell you from experience that it is human nature to avoid pain – to find a route around the challenges of our lives. The result: No growth, and the development of a timid spirit. Enjoy His presence, and you will avoid this debilitating temptation.

In conclusion, be encouraged that the time to think about the hills in our lives will come soon enough for each one of us. If you are on a hill now, then certainly think about it. Your Riding Partner will meet you in that moment; and He will teach you something in the challenge. In fact, there is much that we can learn from Him on the hills.

I will share some more in my next post. In the meantime, stay in the moment. Don’t let the future rob you of His pleasure.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob Streetman; President, inLight Consulting, Inc.

Marketplace Ministry Tip #11 – Fear Your CEO

Fear is something we do not like to talk or think about – particularly in business. Why? Because we have been taught that to do so is a sign of weakness. This is a narrow and deceptive perspective. Why? Because hiding fear does not make it go away; it only drives it into our subconscious mind, where we are even less likely to deal with it properly.

Refusing to consider the fear in our lives has another, perhaps more profound, impact on our success in life and business. In our attempts to suppress the fear that cripples us, we inevitably suppress the fear that promises to empower us for success. That’s right: There is a fear that is good for us.

The Book of Proverbs promises that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (1:7) and wisdom (111:10), and the source of strong confidence (14:26). The fear of the LORD leads to a life of satisfaction and protection from evil (19:23). The right fear can be the best thing for our professional and personal lives.

There is a good and a bad fear. Jesus put it this way:

⁴ “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!                                             Luke 12:4-5

There are things and beings we should fear, and those that we should not. Fear can empower us; and fear can paralyze us. In either case, fear must be considered if we are to benefit from it (the right fear), or deal with it appropriately (the wrong fear).

So, how should you deal with the fears that don’t belong? For the Christian, it is really quite simple. Fears are like little dogs with big barks. Behind every fear there is a lie. Deal with the lie, and the fear will fly.

Marketplace Ministry Tip: Ungodly fear can be a great tutor in the practice of prayer. Confess your fear to God. Ask Him to expose the lie. Ask forgiveness for your belief in the lie. Ask God to replace the lie with His truth about the issue. Believe and reckon His truth to be truth for you. Take action in light of the truth you have been given. Contact me for more encouragement in this topic at rob@inlightconsulting.com.

Your servant and His forever,