IT'S NOT THE TIME TO STAND STILL!

Date: Mon Jul 16 19:44:00 2007

There is a verse in Psalms, 46:10 to be exact, that says, ìBe still, and know that I am Godî. Does John Teets have the right to say something different? Iím not. I believe in standing. Standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5), standing firm to the end in the truth and in faith (Matthew 10:22 and I Peter 5:9), and other passages. Sometimes we need to be still before God. If we are running every which way and asking God to bless a whole lot of things that are carnally conceived, or if are not seeing any fruit from our efforts, we simply have to stop and listen to what God is saying. However, this is no excuse for doing nothing. We live in serious times, and far too many of Godís people are standing around ñ some are waiting for the ìraptureî. Others are waiting until they graduate from Bible School or Seminary. Others are waiting until their parents die. Still others need to try out their new tractor. Others need to make some serious money first. Sound familiar? Jesus did not wait around for these folks, giving them time to mature. No, he left them where they were and there is no record he ever pursued any of them again. Ouch. Standing still when he has commanded us to move is not an option with Jesus. Telling to Jesus to wait until it is a more convenient time is not an option with him. Letís not keep Jesus g since he has already given us his marching orders.

Today, if you will, hear his voice and DO the will of the Lord. So, you may rightly ask, ìHOW?î Here are some ideas from the Holy Spirit ñ ideas he had holy men of God write down through direct inspiration from him.

PREACH THE GOSPEL AND MAKE DISCPLES ñ Matthew 28:20 records the great commission from Jesus Christ ñ he commanded that we should GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.

BE A SERVANT ñ In Mark 10:43, we are commanded to be a servant if we want to be great ñ and who doesnít want to be a ìgreatî man or woman of God?

HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR ñ In Luke 10, we are told of the Good Samaritan. If we ignore a victim because we donít know them personally, we are not loving our neighbor as ourselves and are disobeying one of the two primary commandments given by the Lord Jesus.

BEAR EACH OTHERíS BURDENS ñ Paul writes in Galations that we obey the law of Christ when we carry each otherís burdens. Do not let the afflicted bear their burdens alone.

SHOW PRACTICAL MERCY TO THOSE IN NEED ñ We are told to do the simple things such as offer a cup of cold water to the thirsty as well as the more difficult ñ caring for our parents, inviting those to dinner who cannot pay us back, and taking the homeless into our own homes. The widows and orphans are our responsibility.

Our attitude as we move is important as well. In Nehemiah 12, the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard FAR away! In Psalm 40, we are not only to do Godís will, but DESIRE to do it. We must act with sincerity and truth. In Psalm 126:5, even those of us who sow in tears will reap with joy. Therefore, be careful to move with God and carry out all his commandments. Jesus said that IF we love him, we WILL keep his commandments. If you disobey and still claim to love him, the truth is not in you. Donít contemplate the price of disobedience ñ it is far too high! Rather, simply follow the Lord wherever he goes.