I’m in Modena, Italy, as I write this. I’ve been on the road since January 11 and have spoken in Finland, the UK, and Italy, with more to come.
I continue to learn and experience more of walking with and trusting God. When I left the States, my schedule from February 1-20 was wide open. Sometimes God doesn’t give us more than the next step, with the expectation to trust Him. He doesn’t work according to our plans, assumptions, limited knowledge, or schedule. While on the road, the conference last weekend at the military base in Italy was added, which resulted in an opportunity to share at Il Faro church in Naples last Sunday during their weekend service.
The opportunity to give the Sunday morning message at these two churches in the UK was also added after I left:
Sunday, February 9: Church of the Holy Spirit, 71 Camborne Ave, Aylesbury, UK
Sunday, February 16: Church on Berryfields, AVA Primary School Hall, John Fitzjohn Ave, Aylesbury, UK
If you’re in the Aylesbury area, stop by. Would be fun to meet you.
During this trip I have heard repeatedly that the topic of spiritual warfare is rarely touched from the pulpit. I have also heard how many of the messages that are offered in churches are shallow or don’t equip people in the battles they are facing.
During the morning service at Il Faro Church in Naples last weekend, they had time for open prayer for the entire congregation. I loved it. The women jumped in and started praying immediately. Jesus’ affirmation for the church to be a house of prayer comes to mind (Matthew 21:13).
Some talk about prayer, while others pray.
I receive news updates from the US. The ongoing flow of daily articles of church leaders who are arrested or exposed for sexual sin and sexual abuse continues. Some are nationally known pastors. The epidemic of sexual sin in the church continues to rampage, largely unchallenged. Recently, while sharing in one church I was asked what churches are doing about sexual sin. My reply was that most are doing nothing, as the recent Barna survey showed. See Pornography Use Among Christians Reaches an All Time High for the results of Barna’s survey.
While speaking at one church, I asked the audience to raise their hand if they met with another believer once a week for the purpose of support, accountability and prayer. One hand went up. This is a big reason why the modern church is so weak, and is contracting. Isolated believers are easily taken out or prone to living ineffective lives. We need more than sermon and song; God calls us to a life of connection with other believers.
“Beware of isolation; beware of the idea that you have to develop a holy life alone. It is impossible to develop a holy life alone; you will develop into an oddity and a peculiarism, into something utterly unlike what God wants you to be. The only way to develop spiritually is to go into the society of God’s own children, and you will soon find how God alters your set. God does not contradict our social instincts; He alters them.”
– Oswald Chambers
I was told by church leaders in several cities that there was resistance to me coming and speaking. Some people love their comfort bubbles.
I was reflecting earlier this week how David fell with Bathsheba after just one bad decision. While God forgave David, the fallout from David’s adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband was severe and ongoing, with profound, widespread consequences. It’s not the 95% of the right decisions we make that take us down, but the one wrong decision made in an unguarded moment. Staying strong in prayer every day and living connected to a tribe of believers is a must. The ongoing flow of church leaders who are falling reflect a church at war that is losing many battles.
I continue to be exposed to people who have opened the doors to the occult and are in bondage – including those attending church. We must talk about spiritual warfare and the occult openly and warn and equip people in this area.
I have had battles with spiritual warfare, depression, loneliness, and physical weariness while away. In every case, prayer, perseverance, having people pray for me, and recalling God’s word were key. If attacked with depression, I would say aloud “In the name of Jesus, I renounce depression.” When the fog lifted immediately I knew it had been warfare. The enemy attacks our emotions as well as our mind. In moments of loneliness, I set my mind on God’s promise that He will never leave or forsake us, saying something such as, “God, You are with me, I am not alone. The most powerful Being in the Universe is near. I will not fear. I reject discouragement. Please strengthen my emotions right now according to Your promise. You are here, now.” God always came through and with the strength to move forward.
During any trial it’s important that we stay away from the hole of discouragement or self-pity. Fall into that hole and you’ll flounder in despair and the mire of self-absorption.
“What does it matter if external circumstances are hard? Why should they not be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we banish God’s riches from our own lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it obliterates God and puts self-interest upon the throne. It opens our mouths to spit out murmurings and our lives become craving spiritual sponges, there is nothing lovely or generous about them.”
– Oswald Chambers
I continue to see positive reactions to The Rogue Christian. Many are hungry for more than what they’re getting.
My wife and I celebrated our 36th anniversary earlier this week. That feels like a major accomplishment at a time when so many marriages don’t make it.
Don’t bust my case for being out of the country during my anniversary. We’re taking a trip to celebrate after I return.
