|
So, recently, I had a conversation with a young man whom I just met. He said he loved the Lord, he was raised in the church, and that he’s been a Christian most of his life. Within a matter of moments, he began to speak non-stop, trying to show how much he knows, and about how he “keeps it real” with folks — boasting and bragging about himself. I actually had to interrupt him several times. Finally, I told him, “I appreciate your zeal and eagerness. It’s just misplaced.” He looked at me quizzically. I said, “Right here and now, I want you to get a better, clearer view of you. You game?” He said yes, so I told him we’re gonna do a quick inventory of him. Now y’all know I’m a “full immersion” kinda guy, so I asked him the following:
Right there, on the spot, I told him every response was flat wrong and that he had failed the test. He knew it too. However, he remained open to receive, I explained to him, “You’ve identified with Christianity all of your life, yet you’re still on milk! You’re an infant of the faith. You know little to nothing about the Word or the Ways of God — very little growth, maturity, or wisdom. Consequently, you’re probably a bigger liability and hindrance to God’s will than most non-Believers. Whether you know it or not, Christians like you are arguably the Church’s biggest problem.” (As I was talking, I thought of that stupid meme, “He need some milk!” Lol! I though to myself, “No. He need some meat!”) Bluntly sobered and quite exposed, he received the correction (1Pe 5:5 and Heb 13:17). In genuine humility and sincerity he asked, “How do I fix this?” I invited him to the bi-weekly ministries that we conduct. I also told him that the ball is in his court — his choice now — that if he shows up it would mean that he really wants discipling. Likewise, if he I don’t see him again, it’s probably because he does not really want discipling, or to change.
|
Update on Rental DisputeMy court date in tomorrow morning (March 18th). I desperately covet your prayers. We did have an initial consult with the Japanese lawyer (English speaking). He said we have a win-win case, because the Owner has no real grounds to evict. However, the lawyer said his fee is almost $12k. Yikes! So hiring him was not an option. As such, I will be going tomorrow purely by faith and trusting that the Holy Spirit guide me, regardless of what happens. The truth is “It’s just a building.” So maybe God is leading us out of that particular building. I just don’t know. What I do know is that Zebulun continues to make disciples and bears great Kingdom fruit! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your prayers. I’ll keep you posted. |
Agree with us in Prayer: Aerial view of Camp Hansen Brig. For over twenty years, so many souls have been ministered to and recovered! Glory to God! (Read “I have kept the faith!” A true story of a prisoner that I ran into at Disney World, years after his release.) a. For the Brig/Prison: I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig, even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration! b. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for mature, qualified families and permanent personnel to co-labor with us in the northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. c. For Zebulun Worship Team as they practice and develop their gifts. d. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit! e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers. f. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength: |
|
In closing… Many churches are expressing that this COVID-19 crisis is an opportunity to share Christ. While I get what they’re saying, I feel like I’ve been in crisis-mode for over twenty years, regardless of the Corona virus. I am keenly aware of the damage and pain of godless lives. I feel desperate to see Christ preached, as I recognize Him as The Ultimate Solution to all our problems. This burden is what haunts me, in a way, to press on hard, see folks saved, and disciples made! Saints, is 2020 turning out to be a whirlwind, or what? Regardless, thank you for your prayers. They are empowering and encouraging. With all the obstacles, resistance, and challenges, we press on. We continue to love. We continue to confront. We continue to share the truth. And, we continue to make disciples. As a result, we see lives changed for His Kingdom! Honestly, it’s a privilege to serve the Lord. We can use your help. Being full-time missionaries in Japan is very expensive. Please consider partnering with us in The Father’s works over here. Your monetary donations and support help us continue making disciples. And, as you sow into these works, you become a benefactor in this Kingdom harvest (Php 4:17). Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. I declare that you keep a clear mind in every situation. You’re not afraid of suffering for the Lord. You work at telling others the Good News. And you fully carry out the ministry God has given you! (2Tim 4:5) Contributions can be mailed to: ▪ Please ensure Acct #426 is annotated on your contribution so the funds can be allocated correctly. |
— Our Mission & Vision —“Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!”“Catch, Clean, & Release!” |
ZCDC 
Pingback: “Your not planting ‘happily-ever-after’ seeds!” | ZCDC·
Pingback: “We make disciples!” | ZCDC·
Pingback: “Don’t blame the Flame!” | ZCDC·
Pingback: “Leaving It For Someone Else?” | ZCDC·