There’s a well nearby. You’ve probably seen it. It’s in a dusty abandoned town. You wonder who used to live here and why they all left.

Many people have traveled by this well on their journeys through life, but either didn’t notice it, decided not to check it out, or tried it but left for some reason. It doesn’t appear that the well has been used in a long time. You are not even sure if the water is good. The top of the water looks unappetizing . . . . disgusting actually – covered in dust, dirt, germs, bugs and grime. Who would even want to use this well or drink its water? You dip your finger in to just taste it anyways as you realize how thirsty you are, but you only taste the stuff on top. Yuck. You’re not drinking that! But your thirst remains.

You decide to move on. . . . to find something more appealing . . . more appetizing . . . more eye-catching and tasty. You heard there was something better down the road. So you turn your back to the well and head off.

I urge you to come back.

Things are not always what they seem.

There is more to this well than the casual observer and wanderer will ever know.

Let me help you draw up the DEEP water from the well. That is where the best water resides – where the cooler, refreshing, life-giving water is. It is not tainted by the dirt, dust, germs or bugs on top of the water. Nothing has touched this deep water except the bucket and cisterns that are allowed to draw deep into it.

Are you that kind of cistern or vessel?

Are you ready to go deep?

Monday, January 26, 2009

Today is a day to Fight!

Yesterday was a good day!

I woke up for church and hopped in the shower as usual. I wasn't terribly excited about going to church. Lately it had has felt like . . . church . . . like religion. . . not like the living, active, exciting, ever-changing relationship and celebration that it used to be. I don't want church. I don't want to start off with a hymn, sing 3 worship songs - 1 slow, 1 upbeat and 1 multi-cultural, then sit down, watch and listen to the announcements, give our tithe, say hello to everyone as we shuffle off the kids to their classes, then sit and listen to the pastor preach a good sermon, but end on time so as to keep the scheduled list of events going smoothly. That's what it's felt like lately - at least for the last 6 months or so. I wanted CHURCH - the bridegroom - the body of Christ - living, loving, rejoicing, weeping, warring, healing, ministering, bringing freedom . . . What has happened to God's bridegroom? We are being lulled to sleep. I can't live like that anymore.

So, I was in the shower complaining to God about it, asking Him what this discontent was all about. . . . was it just me (which I don't doubt it could be)? Was it the church? Was He getting me ready for a change? A move? What?

I may have said this before - but I am no longer willing to live a normal life! 2009 will be a year of intentionally living a supernatural life every day (or as much as I can)! My heart's desire is to see everyone living like that - living not only in freedom and peace, but influencing other lives, warring over evil, bringing in the harvest, and more! I want that for my family and for all those around me.

After my shower, all I could do was lay on my bed and cry and beg God to change things. Bring life back into the church (not just our church - but churches in general - His bridegroom) - show us what YOU want us to do - don't let us stray too far as we plan our services and schedules - but help us to do what YOU want us to do.

God then placed a sword in my left hand. I wanted to switch it to my right (my dominant hand. I can't use a sword with my left hand God!), but He said "No." My right hand was for holding onto his left hand while He held His sword in His right hand. He was a little ahead of me and to the right as we held hands.

"Fight when I tell you to fight and stay when I tell you to stay (rest). But TODAY is a day to fight!"

"There is a war going on in the heavenlies. Spirits are set against the church and the battle is thicker and deeper than before. Today is a day to fight! Pick up your sword, hold my hand and fight with me. I know you feel inadequate (with the sword in my left hand) - but you are to depend on me. I am training you to fight - for bigger battles are coming!"

"Today is a day to fight! Pick up your sword and fight!"

God led me to Psalm 27:1-6 -

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.


God was calling us to war today - to bring forth praises . . . to worship Him! As we did this, it would bring the angels to fight the battle with us!

Today was a day to pick up our sword even when we feel inadequate - and to hold onto and trust God to lead the way - to fight the battle with us - to train us so that we will become better warriors for the days ahead!

As God led, I shared the word with my church - though, for many in our church, it was more of a word of rescue. People need to be rescued before they can stand to fight. And people did. They came forward - took that step of faith to take up that sword and hold onto God's hand! PTL! I know God was rescuing people and handing them their sword today!

Then my pastor went on to preach a sermon about living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit! :) (Wow! Isn't God awesome??) His initial scripture was in Acts 2 - about the last days and God pouring out His Spirit on ALL people. I looked over to verse 25 and this is what David said about God - "I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken . . . " (read the verses following it too. They are good!)

God - I am soooo thankful that you are holding onto my right hand and leading me - especially leading me in the battles that surround me. Lord - revive your bridegroom! Holy Spirit - release your presence in our lives each and every day and help us to live a supernatural life . . . to really LIVE - not just exist! Help us to impact those around us and to do what you have called us to do. Send your angels to war in the heavenlies for us. Show us how to fight with them. We want to reclaim what you desire for your church! Continue to show us Lord!!

Today is a good day to fight!!

Go for it!!

L :)

2 comments:

Bree said...

Amen , Lori! I'm going to link to this on my blog-may we all fight together! hugs!

Terri said...

Amen!

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