February 15, 2009
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Good News for The Next Generation Blue Like Jazz - I read Donald Miller's best seller over the weekend. He has a great ministry to the post modern generation through the church. He's developed some mentoring tools that emphasize video content that are very well done. As I read his book Don reminds us of two things.
As a pastor - I used to explain repentance as incomplete until we turn toward God and get on board with his plan. New believers often experience a season of struggling with sinful tendencies that can be very frustrating. I explained that when we learned to obey God and embrace His vision, our desire for sin would diminish. Most of what I offered for involvement in "turning toward" God was personal evangelism and roles building the church. I emphasized the need for obedience after the decision for salvation. Here's what I missed - There was no concept of finding your own heart's desire. I would have been prone to assign such an idea to a carnal category. I'm ashamed to say we even called it an "independent spirit." I actually encouraged people to ignore their heart's desires and live by principle! We are saved for reasons of the heart and we mature for the same reasons of the heart. Our relationship with God cannot primarily be defined by our intellectual awareness of the truth of His existence, or our adherence to the principles of the Bible, or even the memory of past encounters in God's presence. We have to ask what is thrilling our heart about this love relationship. If we are primarily compliant servants, it's natural that evangelism would be hard - our hearts are not engaged. Can you see why the next generation of unbelievers traditionally refers to "all the hypocrites in church?" Their perception is that we're claiming to serve God but not really enjoying what we do. In many cases they are right! Anybody can tell the difference between religion and relationship! Spiritual maturity can include sacrifice but it is not defined by our service or obedience. Really connecting with God for a lifetime means finding an expression for your own heart's desire. That's where you will find the will of God for your life. When you're doing something you really enjoy and sense the pleasure of the Father and the presence of the Holy Spirit in your work - that's worship! Connecting with your heart's desire is the fuel that gives us vitality and life and enthusiasm. Engaging our heart is the first assignment in our relationship with the Lord.
When the passion of our heart is evident, people come to us and ask about Jesus. We are not just witnesses of truth; we are walking in the dynamic experience of a relationship. When we connect enthusiasm and vocational work, the result is usually financial blessing. When you enjoy what you're doing you'll apply yourself creatively and become very good at it. Now you have something of value other people want both naturally and spiritually. They are not only interested in what you do or make, they are interested in what makes you tick... why are you so excited? Think about it... an enthusiastic Christian with wealth and a vision. Almost sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? It's marketplace ministry and you're invited.
There are some great graphics on the web we use in conferences to contrast the King / servant distinction.
We're Dancing,
John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com
PS: I want to recommend some follow-up reading.
You're invited into the vision to release Kings; communicate the message, make the money, and do the mission.
____________________________________________________________________ You can get your copy of Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace or Desire to Destiny at 1-800-308-5837 (or)
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