12 Insights for 2007 & 2008

This post contains a dozen revelatory insights I’ve received for my local congregation, the Three Rivers Bridge. Please pray for us as you read it. Thank you.

1. New Colors in 2007 - 2008

I see a box of very colorful crayons or markers, a mix of new and used. Those never before used colors are being drawn from the box this year; they are the chosen instrument in the Master’s hand.

I see a painter’s palate; new, previously unused colors are being “squeezed” out and made available for the Master’s brush. New additions are about to be made to a beautiful, colorful masterpiece – a work in progress.

Brand new colors are being added to the artist kit. The colors are people and their gifts

2. New Sounds in 2007 – 2008

I see new instruments being utilized in worship; an eclectic unconventional sound will once again arise from the Pacific Northwest. It will not be readily welcomed but it is from God.

3. God is Giving and Taking 2007 – 2008

I see “missionaries” with a passion for freedom being sent out in 2007 & 2008.
I see a redefinition of the term missionary. Freely you have received, freely we are to give. Freedom is infectious and contagious, it will spread very quickly.

2007 is Act 6 & 7
~ Stephens will arise, men known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom
~ They will be falsely accused by the religious standard bearers of the status quo
~ Open heavens and throne room visions will mark a turning point from an Acts 7 period to an Acts 8 period

2008 is Acts 8
~ The church persecuted, scattered and advanced
~ I see the Master’s hand reach into his bag of seeds; he grabs a handful and scatters them across a barren, bleak, colorless landscape. Instantly this lifeless land is transformed into a lush colorful landscape filled with the very life of God.

4. Ready or not here you go.

Get ready to go. The prepared and the unprepared are being sent. The cloud is moving, you must move with the cloud or you will die in desert.

“By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:21-22

This land is not our home. We are not to camp here but take the high risk options - person by person, family by family and group by group. We haven’t come this far to stop now. This is not the Promised Land. We have yet to cross our Jordan. We can camp here and find rest but this is not what God has promised us. Don’t settle here; don’t settle for Jazer and Gilead when you’ve been promised Canaan (Number 32 & Joshua 1). Don’t settle for anything less than your destiny.

5. God Chooses the Small

David
“But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart…" So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.” 1 Samuel 16:7, 11-13

God is not concerned with how a person or ministry looks or with how big they are – he looks at the heart.

Gotta have heart in 2007 & 2008!

David -

"Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18

Moses –

“But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11

Gideon -

"But Lord, “Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Judges 6:15

You -
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1: 26-29

Who are you? You’re the very one God has chosen!


6. It’s Time to Get Small and Stay Low.

It’s time for us to clean out our physical and spiritual closets, basements and garages. It’s time to get rid of our excess baggage. We can’t take it with us where we are going. We must learn to travel light and travel in the light.

Our physical closets, basements and garages are a reflection of our spiritual closets, basements and garages.

We must learn to make humility our default position. In 2007 – 2008 the humble WILL BE exalted and the proud WILL BE humbled!


7. Moses & Joshua

Moses was a Deliverer and Joshua was an occupier
Moses must give way to Joshua.

We are in a transition, shifting from the ministry of Moses to ministry of Joshua
Fathers must make way for their sons in 2007 – 2008

This shift is orchestrated by God. To navigate it well we will need to hold on loosely to people possession and positions.

Fear not, God is still God
When life feels like it is out of control, fear not, it’s still within His control

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” Luke 9:24


8. Theme Song for 2007 & 2008:

Worth it All – Rita Springer

I don't understand Your ways

Oh but I will give You my song

Give You all of my praise

For you hold on to all my shame (pain)

With it You are pulling me closer

And pulling me into Your ways

Now around every corner

And up every mountain

I'm not looking for crowns

Or the water from fountains

I'm desperate in seeking,

frantic believing

That the sight of Your face

Is all that I’m needing

I will say to You

It's gonna be worth it

It's gonna be worth it

It's gonna be worth it all

I believe this

You're gonna be worth it

You're gonna be worth it

You're gonna be worth it all

Jesus

He’s gonna be worth it

He’s gonna be worth it

He’s gonna be worth it all

9. Motto for 2007 -2008: “I’m going to the other side”

“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Mark 4:35-41

Be prepared for the storms

Make no mistake…
We are in the right boat
Jesus is in the boat with us
And we ARE going to the other side

10. Faith Required

The road ahead requires faith. Like snow chains over Snoqualmie Pass, faith is required. You’ll get stuck without them. Faith will get you through blinding storms and hazardous road conditional. Be forewarned; do not leave home without faith.

11. Fight the good fight, not each other

“But you, man of God, flee from all this (love of money, verses 3-10) and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith...” 1 Timothy 6: 11-12

There are spiritual battles on the road ahead. If we fight together victory is assured. If we fight with each other we’re doomed. You can not win fighting alone. Being a conscientious objector is not an option

This is a supernatural battle:

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Our Weapons: Holiness, Humility, Repentance, Forgiveness, Love, Worship, Prayer and Rest to name a few

12. Character

As we explore an –outside the box – expression of Christianity we must remain men and women of character and integrity

“…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:15-17

Peterson says it so very well in verse 16…
“Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath.” The Message


Yes indeed, there are surprises ahead, Lord make us ready, amen.

© Tom Zawacki 2007

Surprises Ahead

Food for thought…

Consider the following statement by Jesus from the Amplified Bible

And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]. For whoever would preserve his life and save it will lose and destroy it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he will preserve and save it [from the penalty of eternal death]. For what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and ruins or forfeits (loses) himself? (Luke 9:23-25)

Let’s break this down into digestible parts…

I - The Invitation

1 - And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me

II - The Conditions

1 - Let him deny himself
~ disown himself
~ forget himself
~ lose sight of himself
~ and his own interests
~ refuse himself
~ and give up himself

2 - Take up his cross daily
~ Day by day

3 - Follow Me
~ Cleave steadfastly to Me
~ Conform wholly to My example in living
~ If need be, in dying also.

III - The Paradox

1 - For whoever would preserve his life and save it - will lose and destroy it

2 - Whoever loses his life for My sake, he will preserve and save it from the penalty of eternal death

IV - The Question

1 - For what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and ruins or forfeits (loses) himself?

I’m convinced that God’s ways are not our ways. (see Isaiah 55:9-9) He has a way for us to follow that is contrary to our logical expectations of how things ought to go. There are surprises ahead, are we ready for them? Are we really?

Lord, change my way of thinking so that it aligns with your way of thinking, amen.

© Tom Zawacki 2007

Art Credit: Crossroads by Jack Bornoff

John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman

Two posts ago I mentioned hearing a story about two men who sold themselves into slavery so they could bring Christ’s message of freedom to slaves. With some patience and research, I found out who they were:

John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman

The world was not worthy of them and neither is the church. They inspire me. Below is an article I found about them on:

One Passion, One Devotion, Passionate about Jesus, Devoted to Him

John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman are names you may not readily recognize. John was a potter and David a carpenter. Ordinary occupations. Extraordinary men. They are men who left the security of their jobs and families in Copenhagen to become the first Moravian missionaries in 1732.

John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman are unsung heroes.

Well almost. Their final words as they departed on their mission are now lyrics in a powerful new Cindy Ruakere song; “Receive”.

These men were not going on a nice short term mission to the Caribbean, or even Africa or China but they sold themselves into slavery to answer the call 'come and minister the gospel to us'. It gives new meaning to the phrase “sold out for Christ”. They became slaves in order to have the opportunity to reach the slaves of the West Indies for their Lord. Their life’s purpose was to follow the Lamb who had given His life for them and for all the souls of the world. Their mission statement was “Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow Him.”

One of the men left his wife and children begging on the wharf for him to reconsider and stay. But the call and heart of God for these slaves in the West Indies was even greater than the pull of home. As the ship pulled away from the docks the men lifted a cry, "May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering” which became the resonating heartbeat of the Moravian Missions movement.

The men felt their sacrifice paled in comparison to the sacrifice of their Saviour. They loved Jesus with everything they were and did, and desired to walk in obedience, knowing that the God who called them is the God who gives the courage, grace and anointing for the task. Even to spend a life of hard toil, with meager provisions and hardship. They experienced and modeled the truth of Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Moravian Movement, that sent out David and John, was founded by Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (born in 1720), in the early 1720’s. He initially founded it as a refuge for Christians in a papist Europe, but soon it attracted those with a desire for intimacy with God and a zeal for prayer and evangelism.

In May 1727, Count Zinzendorf and the leaders of the community felt God calling them to prayer at a deeper level. They committed themselves to praying round the clock, beginning a 24/7 prayer meeting that lasted over100 years involving not only the adults but the children of the movement. In August of that the minister at the Sunday morning service was “overwhelmed by the wonderful and irresistible power of the Lord.” A move of God broke out, with people testifying that “hardly knew whether they belonged to earth or had already gone to heaven. We saw the hand of God and were all baptized with his Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost came upon us and in those days great signs and wonders took place in our midst.” Over 10 years later John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church visited the community where the revival was still taking place. He experienced a powerful encounter with God that was to shape his own personal relationship with God and his ministry.

It was in this environment and atmosphere that David and John grew in hunger of God, His Word and His Lost. They epitomized the Count’s personal life motto; “I have one passion: It is Jesus! Jesus Only!” They knew that the secret to been able to sell themselves into slavery in order to minister to their fellow slaves was to be totally in love with their Lord. With their eyes upon Him they could lay their lives down and carry the cross of slavery.

These two men birthed a missions movement, not by persuading men to “Go” via flashy display boards, brochures and messages, but David and John, and the men that followed their example, lived the message and just did it. They lived the “Go”. John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman inspired their generation, and generations to come to lay down their lives for The Lamb.

Whoever

Paul begins chapter nine of first Corinthians by asking this question…

“Am I not free?

The implied answer is “yes, I am indeed free”. By verse nineteen he makes this profound statement:

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.”

Paul answers my question from yesterday’s post, “What will you do with that freedom?” He used it to make himself a slave to win as many as possible to Christ. Paul further articulates his answer in verses twenty through twenty-three:

“Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!” (The Message)

I love Paul’s “whoever” list:

“… religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever”

Who’s on your “Whoever” list?

To be completely honest, lately I’ve been having an easier time with the nonreligious, loose-living immoralist, the defeated and the demoralized. The religious, meticulous-moralist just tick me off.

So do I get to pick and choose who is on and who is off my “whoever” list? Well, I can, I have. But then its “Tom’s” list, not a “whoever” list. No, I don't get to choose, God does. I gave him that right when I gave him my life.

In the ocean of freedom that is mine in Christ, who might He send me to that I can, like Paul, make myself a slave to win as many as possible?

Lord show me who is on your “whoever” today. Give me the grace I need to enter their world and experience things from their point of view, amen.

© Tom Zawacki 2006

What Will You Do With Freedom?

In one of my favorite scenes from the movie Braveheart, William Wallace played by Mel Gibson asks his countrymen

“What will you do with that freedom?”

This scene moves me, always has. As usual it had caused me to ponder freedom. God had been extraordinarily good to me. Not only do I live in the land of freedom, but I get walk out my faith in freedom as well.

What will I do with my freedom? I can celebrate it and invite others to my party. I can explore its fullness and blog about it… oh yeah; I’m already doing that… I can preach about it and create new ways to express it. All good stuff, but would I give it up… Would I sacrifice my freedom or even a portion of it so that others might be free?

There has been much talk since the tragedy of 9/11 concerning how much of our liberties we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of security. As much as I want to feel secure while in the air, I still hate removing my shoes as I go through airport security. Like most Americans I don’t easily give up my freedoms. Generally, I see this as a good thing.

Years ago I heard a story of two men who sold themselves into slavery so that they could preach Christ to those trapped in captivity. Wow, that blows my mind. I tried to find the account online but was unsuccessful. If anyone knows where I can find the details of it, please pass the information on to me, I’d appreciate it.

So, I’m feeling convicted. I can take pride in my freedom. I can thoroughly explore its fullness. I can share it with others and encourage them to be free. But, am I willing let some of it go for the sake of another’s freedom?

You know, that’s exactly what Jesus did. He sacrificed the freedom of the Throne Room and took human form to set us free. I can see that I still have a long way to go before I am conformed to his likeness.

Where is the greater love… personal freedom or seeing others free?

How much lack of freedom might God require of me to see others set free? What do I love more… my freedom or those still trapped in bondage?

What will I do with my freedom? What will you do with yours?
Oh God, oh God, Oh God…

© Tom Zawacki 2007

The Edge Is Never Dull!

Can the world prophesy to the church?

I like to live on the edge...
I like the view from above...
What I want is to see for miles and miles and miles on end...

How about you?

It's time to crossover...

Holy Discontentment

To be discontent is to experience a lack of contentment or satisfaction. It’s a restless desire or craving for something you do not have. Holy Discontentment is when this condition is caused by God.

Many of us are presently experiencing this holy discontentment. Deep within we know that we have been created for more. It’s our destiny we sense and it feels almost within reach.

It’s in the nature of man to seek comfort and safety. However, the very essence of faith is constructed of the uncomfortable and risky. Sometimes the Holy Spirit needs to stir us out of our lethargy by reminding us of our callings and destinies. At the same time, the enemy of our souls is willing to tempt us with something less than our full purpose.

Questions...

Have you felt this Holy Discontentment?
Can you identify with that nagging sense of dissatisfaction?
What do you know that you know, deep down inside your heart?
What is your passion?
What has God created you to do?
What is it that God has called you to?
As you peer above from your present plateau, what do you see?
What are you waiting for?

Know this, it’s not too late!

I believe that 2007 will be a breakout year for many. Much of the ground work established in recent years will pay off in the months ahead. I exhort you to go for it. This is the season to press ahead and take that leap of faith. Now is not the time to quit, now is Not the time to give up, now is not the time to run away!

Use the discontentment you are now experiencing to propel you forward instead of allowing it to grind you to a halt. It could be... it just could be God who is stirring this desire within you.

Oh God put to death in me comfort with the status quo. Continually stir up discontentment within my heart until I reach the fullness of my destiny in Christ. May I never be easily satisfied with only a portion of your purpose for me. Let passion for you burn within me until I am completely yours. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

I Don't Want to Lose Heart

After having betrayed William Wallace, Robert the Bruce confronts the architect of the betrayal, his father.

Robert the Bruce: Lands, titles, men, power... nothing.

Robert's Father: Nothing?

Robert the Bruce: I have nothing. Men fight for me because if they do not, I throw them off my land and I starve their wives and children. Those men who bled the ground red at Falkirk fought for William Wallace. He fights for something that I never had. And I took it from him, when I betrayed him. I saw it in his face on the battlefield and it's tearing me apart!

Robert's Father: All men betray. All lose heart.

Robert the Bruce: I don't want to lose heart. I want to believe as he does!

(You can watch an extended clip of this scene by clicking HERE)

I agree with the Bruce, I don’t want to lose heart, I too want to believe! Lands, titles, men and power just aren’t enough, they never have been. I want to have the same passion for freedom as William Wallace. I want to live free and use that freedom to see others set free. Wallace was willing to lead by example, fight and pay the price for freedom. The church and our nation are in desperate need of people with that same character and passion. Unfortunately we have far too many leaders like Robert the Bruce and his father. They sit in our statehouses and stand in our pulpits. Leaders who are willing to sell out our freedoms for money, titles or power, it’s time for change.

Oh God put betrayal to death in me. Remove any appetite after lands, titles, men or power. Stir within me Wallace’s passion for freedom and use me to set the captives free, amen.

(To remind me of his example Nadine gave me a Wallace Claymore. It was a touching Christmas gift from a very special lady. Just looking at it stirs my heart. Thanks Babe, I love you!)

© Tom Zawacki 2006

AWE Web TV

Today John Paul Jackson's Streams Ministries International launched AWE Web TV

Watch the very first episode here or go to http://awewebtv.com/