A New Work

A new work… a new vision… a new heart… a new trust…. a new start…. What is it that you need today? For many it’s time for something new. The definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. We pray the same prayers, we do the same things, we see the same people, we go through the same motions, and we expect something to change.

There are many…if not most who have reached a plateau of faith, hope, love, desire, fulfillment and these same people feel that they have gone as far in their lives and in their spiritual walk as they can go. God expects us to change and to grow continuously.

We need to begin a New Work!

John Ch. 13… Christ washes the disciple’s feet… Peter begins a new work… rather than Lord you can’t wash my feet….to Lord give me a bath….lol. We need this same appreciation for personal cleansing and new energy. We need this great desire to be a part of the body of Christ and the service He has called us to.

Lev. 23:16 “Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. “

God desires that which is new and fresh for his sacrifice. In other words, He desires our offering to be of the first fruits. Why not? He is God. He has given so much, is He not deserving? We’re not simply discussing tithes here, what about our time and service. Some say, “Well you can’t teach and old dog new tricks”. I beg to differ. We are to be constantly learning and growing. Spiritually we never grow old we are eternal! We simply get wiser. But unfortunately, we don’t see the spiritual growth in individuals that we would love to see, thus the ever present problem of dealing with the same old recurring issues. We simply need to make some changes and take some new steps. Sometimes to freshen something up we’ve got to change our approach. We can change our approach just by looking at things in a different way.

Why is it that we seem so bored today when we have the greatest story ever told? It’s the greatest because it’s all true! It’s the greatest because it’s so incredible! Have you read all the stuff that’s taken place in scripture? Do you realize that in all actuality the Bible is not just a book of faith it is a book of history. This is an important distinction. If we truly believed scripture as known relevant fact….somehow I think our approach to life might be somewhat different.

I think we often resist beginning or allowing a new work because we are so intimidated by change or we are so lazy and comfortable in the way things are that we refuse to move. The truth is that as long as there is breath in this body our job is to serve Him, by leading others to Him.

Question: How many reading this have ever lead one person to Jesus Christ? Ask yourself; have I ever personally been used by the Spirit of God as the primary operating agent in the acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior of another individual?

That’s a lot of pressure isn’t it? Well, I just don’t know… uh I can’t do that…uh I’m no preacher… that’s not my job. Fact: It’s your first priority and your first calling. Lose the pressure relax and just believe the incredibleness of our God and the scripture.

Look! Sharing your faith doesn’t mean you have to preach a sermon. It’s simply means that you believe enough, know enough, and are confident enough to tell. If you can’t do that… then we need to examine the realities of your personal faith. What do you really believe?

If what we read in scripture is true… how can we not share these things? The problem is we think we have to have the plan of salvation memorized and while that is good it’s not entirely necessary or we think we’ve got to pound someone over the head with the word to convince them. Listen up! You do not have to have the Romans Road memorized to lead someone to Christ!!!!!

Mat. 10:16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

This scripture is relevant to how you go out into the world today, as believers. Christ gave the example of how to approach the world. This is a very potent passage of scripture! First Christ warns, be alert because the world hopes to consume us. There is a clear and present danger. Second, be wise as the serpent. This second part of scripture is very, very relevant. Let’s look at the characteristics of the serpent:

• Is Camouflaged it looks like the world, is in the world, but not of the world, it is really different.
• Is silent until backed into a corner
• Does not seek a fight
• Is patient
• Is cautious
• Does not seek to bring attention to itself
• Sit’s in waiting
• Moves to fulfill its needs
• It is cautious
• It knows its quarry
• When it strikes it rarely misses
• It swallows wholly
• It grows and sheds its old skin
• It is determined
• It is focused
• It is resilient

There is a book in that ….. so don’t use it…lol Wow, have you ever thought of the power that Christ made in telling us to, “be wise as the serpent”? How different would this world be if we operated in this fashion?

Thirdly, He tells us to, “be innocent”, do not seek to cause harm rather be blameless. To be blameless then we can’t generate a direct attack or retaliation unless redemption is the goal. Redemption can only be purchased through love and not accusation.

John 3:16,17 “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him would not parish but have ever lasting life. God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.”

By Christ example we are to begin a new work. It’s a process of multiplication

Luke 19:12-27
(12) He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. (13) “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’(14) “But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’(15) “When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.(16) “The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ has made ten minas more.’ (17) “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant!] Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’(18) “And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’(19) “And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’(20) “Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief;(21) “‘for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’(22) “He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?’ (23)“Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’(24) “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’(25) “And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’(26) ‘“I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.(27) “‘But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”

In this passage who do you think the Lord of the Land represents?

What happened to those who sent the messenger to say, “We don’t want you to rule over us.”

Does the slaying of these enemies, create a sense of urgency within you?

What are you expecting?

What is your desire?

Will you continue on as is… or are you ready to begin a new work?

What return are you going to give God on his investment?