I like elliptical machines. Low impact, good cardiovascular exercise, and I can read while I do it. If I’m not reading I’m listening to somebody preach a message or just reflecting on Father in some way. God and I have had some good conversations when I’m running in place. Or gliding in place might be a better description.
Anyway, this is going somewhere other than pointing out the benefits of elliptical machines.
One day I was about halfway through my elliptical workout and really enjoying the fiction book in front of me. I was wrapped into the story and paying little attention to the world around me.
Suddenly the words began to blur like a Polaroid in reverse. At the same time a rope made of words tugged on my heart. The words were, look up and around.
I recognized the voice of the Holy Spirit and the stirring that had begun in my stomach. I knew that there was someone the Lord wanted to love on in some way. But I was less than cooperative. I took a half-hearted glance around the room and didn’t land on anyone I felt was the “target.” Not that I was really looking. I actually began to whine in my heart.
“God I’m actually at a really good part in this book so if I could, you know, just finish this I’ll get with you when I’m done.”
If those weren’t my exact words they mirror my attitude. When I tried to return to the book I found scrambled words and a wrench in my heart. Please, lift your head and look and I will show you the one who needs Me.
In that moment I could taste the bile my selfishness produced and I felt terrible. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m ready to see.”
I disregarded the book and raised my head. This time I really looked. I looked around the room and came up empty. One more time, I heard the Lord say. So I circled the room again and this time landed on a middle-aged woman I’d never seen before. My spirit burned suddenly like kindling and I saw a vision with words. Compassion filled my heart.
I approached her soon after.
“Hey how are you?”
Her head dropped slightly and I could see her eyes trying to match my face to a name. After a second or two she simply answered, “Hi.”
“My name is Jesse and sometimes the Lord lays things on my heart for different people.”
She fidgeted with something on her finger and shifted to her back foot. Curiosity worked through the creases in her forehead. “Okay.”
I smiled. “Is it ok if I share what I feel the Lord has for you?”
“Sure.”
“When I looked at you earlier I saw a picture of a piece of driftwood. It was just sorta floating down a stream.”
Her eye’s narrowed a bit but she was quiet.
“What I feel the Lord is saying is that He is your anchor. You don’t have to float along without purpose or hope. He is the one who desires to hold you steadfast. He loves you so much and be encouraged because He’s everything you need.”
The word was a plow going to work on hard ground. I could see the struggle to accept what God was saying but I could also see the seeds being planted.
She thanked me and we both finished our workouts. I’m excited for what God is going to do in her life.
I received an email the other day about a group of people gathering together to pray and seek the Lord. At the end of the email were a few lines about how they feel God is going to reveal His plans for the end time harvest. It was this that caused me to scrunch my face.
I have no doubt that as the group meets together they are going to encounter the Father. I know He is going to pour out His love and glory on them and speak wonderful things to each one. But what about the end time harvest plans?
It seems to me that the strategy has already been laid out.
1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
2. Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39).
3. Take up the tools He’s given us to labor in the field (Matthew 9:37).
4. Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse the lepers (Matthew 10:8).
5. Bring His Kingdom to earth (Matthew 6:10).
6. Go and make disciples and teach them to live and love like Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).
Sometimes it seems like the world needs something new when all we really need is to remember the model has already come (Jesus). Many times we just need to get over our own selfishness (like me) and step into the mold. It’s much easier to sit in a room and pray for revival than to actually go and be self-sacrificial love to the world.
My end time’s strategy is to do the best I can to look like Jesus. I don’t always hit the mark but I think a people loving and living like Jesus is the greatest strategy available.
Blessings,
Jesse and Kara Birkey
http://www.facebook.com/jesse.birkey
http://www.amazon.com/author/jessebirkey
Jesse and Kara Birkey are committed lovers of Jesus who seek to show others the extraordinary life of Jesus is available for everyone. They have authored two books, been featured in films and seek to serve the Lord in whatever ways they can. Follow their blog here.
Bring Jesse and Kara to your venue. Find more information here.
Life Resurrected, Extraordinary Miracles through Ordinary People has been endorsed by Sid Roth and Mark Virkler and is a collection of inspiring stories making it clear that the extraordinary life of Jesus is available to all who love Him. It’s also the testimony of Jesse’s life, the road he travelled bringing him into the arms of Jesus. Get the paperback here. Get the Kindle Version Here. View the trailer here.
Marriage What’s the Point? One couple finds meaning in a crazy mess is the story of their marriage—The tragedy and the restoration. They bear their hearts in an attempt to get others to bear theirs and finally receive the freedom they’ve longed for. Get the paperback here. Get the Kindle Version Here.
Jesse is also featured in the film DeadRaiser, a movie shining the spotlight on resurrection testimonies across the nation. Find more information here.
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