Roger is a friend in his 40’s that was diagnosed with colon cancer and given a couple years to live. He invited me to pray with him a couple of times and at last count he had been into the local healing rooms (a prayer ministry) 14 times. His healing is very measurable in terms of blood tests and the change is so remarkable his wife wanted to go in for prayer as well and was also touched by God in a physical healing.
The Father’s Touch – When I say “prayer” it’s not just several other Christians talking through the needs on your prayer list. They actually allow the Holy Spirit to minister. The result is better prophetic clarity, a real sense of God’s presence, and quite often physical manifestations of the healing process that folks, like Roger, can feel. There is nothing more intellectually convincing or personally encouraging than a personal experience in the presence of God. The realization that God personally cares about us and is moving on our behalf is a life-changing experience. It should be the norm but it’s often the exception.
The Father’s Love – Answered prayer and time in the presence of God rearranges our DNA in significant ways. The tangible experience teaches us that the Father cares in a way that goes beyond intellect and reason. We know in our minds that “God so loved the world” but our hearts aren’t as convinced His love is personally directed at me. Most of us have grown up in the faith with some sense that God is someone we reverence, worship, and obey. We’re afraid He’ll catch us violating one of his procedures (and we’re painfully aware of how many times we’ve stepped out of bounds). We carry a religious tradition that God is very distant and possibly disappointed in us. The resulting attitude is that we’re afraid to try new things. The idea of being adventurous or entrepreneurial would expose us to more risk of mistakes – something we’re afraid to try because we don’t sense the Father’s encouragement. Religious tradition kills the spirit and replaces motivations of our heart with rules and dead works and monotony. It feels like this:
To whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose” — but they would not listen. 13 So then, the word of the LORD to them will become: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there — so that they will go and fall backward, be injured and snared and captured. Isa 28:12-13 NIV
Adventure – What if we were in tune with how much the Father really loves us? What if we sensed it was His plan that we try new things and explore our heart’s desire? What if mistakes were just opportunities to learn and Jesus’ forgiveness was so real that we forgave ourselves… in a way that we were really washed and the blooper was drop-kicked into the ocean (Micah 7:19). With the Father’s encouragement, you might actually be willing to try something, even if it involved a little risk.
Conference question – When we share on the idea that 98% of us are called by God to function in the Kingly realm (adventurous, entrepreneurial and prosperous) a question often arises. “We all know some Christians that are entrepreneurial but most of us don’t have that personality. Isn’t it really 20%?” Here’s the answer:
It’s not about your personality. We’re all called to walk with the Father on an adventure that touches our own heart’s desire and results in multiplication of finances and ministry. I know too many introverts that are quietly starting businesses and getting blessed beyond their expectations. Your call is bigger than your personality. God has invited you to take some initiative and He’s powerful enough to connect His will with your heart’s desire. He’s invited all of us into a relationship that goes way beyond “obedience.” He’s just way more “relational” that the master / slave model would suggest. Jesus invited up from servant to the status of friend and to ask for whatever. (Jn 15:15)
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:15-17 NIV
Becoming a Father – You can echo the Father’s heart in friends you encourage or mentor by drawing out their initiative and helping them into the experience of His presence. Lay your hands on them and impart the presence and power and calling God has for them. Listen to Paul as he pulls Timothy out of his youth and into His destiny… “not timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Tim 1:5-7
My wife Sue is my greatest supporter. She ministered in my shadow, shared my dreams, and quietly raised four children. She’s a nurse and she’s starting her own business this month. It’s already apparent the Lord is opening doors for her and it’s very obvious she will be successful and blessed as will those she serves and ministers to. Three contracts for work are already signed and she hasn’t quit her old job yet! Sue is a great example of a King in a quiet feminine package. Like many other women God is calling out, she’s living Proverbs 31:10-31. My job has been to offer an occasional encouragement while staying out of the way… making room for her initiative and her heart.
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her beds he is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Prov 31:10-31 NIV
Life is an adventure. People are a blessing. God is amazing. We’re winning.
