Hello Everyone, We wanted to be the first to introduce you to our new partner program. I wish I could take the credit for it but I cannot. There is one who I walk with who sticks closer than than a brother to me. It was His inspiration and wisdom on which I now lean. But before I begin let me share this...our original agreement and our beginning destination is so far behind us I can no longer see it, but I remember our meeting as if it were yesterday. That day I made a promise to walk with Him for the rest of my life. I am a man of my word. I do what I promise. After all these years we are still together. In the beginning of this incredible journey I had no knowledge of what a covenant was. I know and understand what a covenant is today. Sadly many people do not understand covenant.
Now let me get into why we have a partner program for this new season.
Throughout the years I have seen many people come and go Christian & non-christian alike. I have seen and heard many people make promises, only to leave them undone as if they had no value in the first place. Commitment is linked to a promise. Promises have great value to those we make them to. God knows, God listens, God sees all. God is faithful to reward those who keep their promises and their word. He also deals with those who give excuses why they did not fulfill a command He gave them.
Over the last few years I have extended myself to borders and boundaries I didn't know existed except to God alone. I have spent all He gave me for the sake of the kingdom, keeping nothing back. I am tired from last seasons work but understand this... He loves when we reach out beyond ourselves and our own natural ability. In that way we cannot take any credit when we are finished we re able to whisper in the night hours...Only God, Only God. All for you Jesus.
When we reach the finish line or in this case the ending of a season. He is faithful to instruct us when one ends another begins. He will not abandon us or leave us orphans. He will not leave us to our own devices, schemes or plans providing we are not trying to do things our own way. Do not do this!!! Anything of the flesh is not God anyways.
Now mind you, God does acknowledge when we have come to the end of our own ability in working with Him. Our ability to do all and be all was once applauded by Him but when He whispers, Times are changing, Seasons are changing and old things, old ways have passed away. Behold all things have become brand new. When we hear this we must pay attention. We must listen. We must get ready. We must prepare ourselves to obey no matter what we hear or how foolish it sounds. Stripping myself, downsizing and creating a partner program did not actually get me excited. I had the opposite reaction but as I submitted myself to Him, listened and obeyed. I was able to respond appropriately.
A reaction carries fear, a response carries faith.
I can accurately describe the last season we were in. I struggle to articulate this new one with the exception that He is calling all of us up to higher faith, greater participation and deeper consecration. We are looking for deeper more meaningful relationships. We are calling unto the deep. Deep is calling out to deep in the next season.
As we enter in this new place we are looking for covenant partners not fair weather friends. They will not stand the test of time. We are looking for fair and balanced people who know how to give as well as receive. The Lord is in both. All relationships flourish when you do this. You will deplete others when you constantly take. You must know how to give back in their time of need. Every relationship natural and spiritual has needs. We must remember, if it is within our power to do good and we do it not. It is a sin. Proverbs 3:27
In times past we have never created a partner program like this. The Lord said it will surely separate the wheat from the chaff concerning relationships. Those who are with us in this next season will make a conscious prayerful choice to do so. God knows who is with us. I do not. I will not know who is with us until you become a partner. I am telling you now for those who consider being with us... You will have an internal struggle, a mental battle, a fight and a wrestling match will ensue until your final agreement is made with God. Your only two options are yes or no. You will walk with us or you will not. It's that simple.
My heart has been grieving for those who will not continue on with us but this is to be expected when change happens. Yet with each fallout God renews the ranks, strengthens our posture and prepares us for the next set of battles. I like my old friends but I can get used to new ones as well. The Lord knows what He is doing and I trust Him with my life and this ministry.
For what is ministry? It is nothing more than relationships working together to accomplish a common good for the king and His kingdom. We are citizens of His kingdom.
Let me close with this...over the years you have become friends and family to me. I'd hate to lose you...But this next move is not about past friendships. It is about those of us who are workers for and in the kingdom of God. Let me admonish you, if you want to continue with us... pray, talk to the Lord about becoming a partner.
Take a walk with us as we travel into the future. You are loved always, prayed for often and thought of daily. If possible let's keep it this way.