Bird Bath Takes A Fly

How windy has it been? Very! The wind as of today has not subsided. Many have no power as the temperatures are in single digits. How windy? Check out the link  below.

So imagine Tina's surprise when she came home from work to find a cement bird bath that has been imbedded in the ground for years and years rolling down the driveway.  Heavy enough that she could not lift it but only roll it back, And then I heard a song with Billy Graham's voice in the back saying, "we can not see the wind, just the effects of the wind." He was giving an analogy of our God as "unseen" but with effects.

And why the bird bath? I don't know yet. The same wind that blew the bird bath did not remove the tarp, but took a chair off the porch and into the driveway. The end of comfort as we know it.

As I watch the news I see that we are on the edge of some dramatic shift. This cartoon thing is crazy. Read "the plot thickens below." Things we have not seen are happening. God is calling people to pray as we never have before. Last week I was convicted of the fact that many including myself have worked overtime getting our vertical relationship(The one with God.) right but we have neglected a lot of the "love one another" part and our fellowship has been lacking with one another.

The wind of transition is upon us. Old trees(Traditions and religion) are falling. Things are blowing around(Mostly people.) and we have a job to do.

Ministry is the result of the overflowing of the love of the Father in our hearts. When we are connected to that  and influenced by His love our reaching out is effortless. How many have felt the effect of doing something because we have to? Ministry from overflow is not us but Him working through us. It is not a vocation(A job.) or a calling(Unless we recognized all are called.) but a heart response to enjoying the father's love lavished upon us. And with that in mind we go anywhere, do anything without fear or trepidation.

And that means that  "my" ministry is not in the workplace but it is holistic in it is everywhere I am that I allow God's love to flow. Not being selective about how or where I release His love means that I operate under open heavens in all cases. Not choosing who is "worthy" or who is "deserving." Just receive and release.

And isn't that what the wind of God is for? To allow us to soar upon the wings of it's lift? Requiring us to leave the weightiness of the world behind. An overweight plane can not soar, and if it does arise, it's ability to respond to the wind is jeopardized. So much is held onto without the relationship of the Father being manifested.

A conversation this morning indicated that this person did not believe in the connectivity of God, other than the scripture that says we are connected, binding us one to another. And that idea is permeating the body in an unhealthy way.

As I read of a family trapped without electricity or the furnishings of America's riches as the result of an atmospheric shift, they ultimately came to believe two things. The need of God and trust in Him and the need for one another, as the world tumbled out of control.

I believe we are seeing the world tumble out of control(In our eyes-not that God doesn't have a handle on it.) So our lives as we have lived it are being challenged by the wind. Were you one that lost electricity in 5 degree weather? I hope not. Last year I was in a region that had been broken down by snow and many on the Cape had no power. So they all drove along the Cape seeking the restaurants that were open. But what if there had not been one?

And how far does one have to travel to find a Christian trusting the Lord in every situation? Are we not to be salt and light to a dying world? The last week I have seen trouble in marriages of 30 years and more. Ministers who are dry and broken. All I can do is pray.

God says He will  take care of the sparrow, with or without the bird bath. That He will clothe the fields in color and beauty. Do I need to lose my "bird bath" before I will chase Him down? Or will I allow the wind to lift me up or just crackle across the ground like a fallen leaf, who can not or will not fly? Will I not pursue Him while he is near?

So may words are in the air I can not keep up, but the world's "chatter" is increasing. People are being killed by militant religious fanatics. Churches are being burned here and abroad. It is time that we release the Kingdom where we live. Where we work. Where we are.

Blessings,
Lee

Wind results-

http://rhimg.us.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Avis=RH&Dato=20060218&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=60217008&Ref=AR&MaxW=186

The Plot thickens-

Churches burned in widespread violence as

Danish cartoonist defends publication

 Amelia Hill and Anushka Asthana
Sunday February 19, 2006

The Observer

Blah, blah, blah ...        the Muslims are killing people and burning things again.  We are becoming familiar with this routine.

 

But, this mornings' article continues

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In Britain, a poll of Muslims last night found evidence of growing alienation, with four in 10 calling for religious sharia law to be imposed in parts of the UK with a mainly Muslim population. The law specifies stonings and amputations as punishments, and involves religious police bringing suspects before courts.

 

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This may be the first formal example of how the Muslim world is beginning to exempt themselves from all governments and will soon be calling for Muslims everywhere to be functioning as an autonomous body regardless of what country or government they live under.  You or I may be dragged into a Muslim "court" and have your body parts chopped off because they find you guilty of something that they find offensive. (like speaking to one of their wives on the street, which is against their law)  And at some point the local police will be unwilling to challenge these terrorists for fear of their own life and body parts.  ...Coming soon, to a neighborhood near you.  

 

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