Tag Archives: obedience

Walking alone and other observations

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Yesterday Mike and I were meeting together for our weekly prayer and accountability time.  As we were talking something struck me.  The people we see walking the streets in front of the church never walk in groups, but instead they are always walking alone.   The Lord helped me see again the isolation of this neighborhood.   Everyone walks alone, because they do not allow themselves to get close to others, for fear that something will be taken from them.

The same spirit is evident in the houses.  Each house has a high fence surrounding it, some even have barbed wire on the top.   No trespassing signs and vicious Pit Bull’s are a common site.   Again, it is driven by a fear of having something taken away.

Last week one of my intercessors had given me a proclamation to make over this neighborhood and the people of the neighborhood.  The proclamation is a declaration that “the enemy has nothing to offer you, nor can he take anything away from you.”   This declaration is critical, as we have had at least two people make this statement to us:  “No one will ever take anything from me again.”

The other observation that we have made is that everyone passing by is carrying a bag.  Plastic bags, backpacks, shoulder bags…most filled with their worldly possessions.   The Lord again gave me greater clarity.  Not only are the people of this neighborhood walking alone, but they are walking alone with the baggage of their life.   The Lord has led us to begin praying for the release of the bondage created by the baggage.

This has been my first week of working from the Simplicity building in Corpus Christi.  There has not been much foot traffic during the day, and the heavy equipment and big dirt piles out front haven’t helped that situation either.

This week I have been presented with several needs from some of my dear African pastors, in addition to our own family needs.   The Lord continues to reassure us through His words to us in scripture and in prayer.  I am not sure how it will all settle out, or even how all of these needs will be met, but I know I am confident in the Lord’s provision in His perfect timing.

Testimonies, tempering and trust

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I want to start this round of rambling and mental sponge squeezing with the following set of emails from Africa.  These emails came in over the past 3 days from Bishop Cleophas Makona, Rev. Sabila Adams (who leads the East Africa ministries for Simplicity) and John Juma (my driver in Uganda).  These emails give a brief glimpse in the rear view mirror and also point to the destination for my work, they are filled with prayers, promises, passion and prompting:

Our beloved  friend  willis,

In II Corinthians 11:23-29, Paul the apostle demonstrated his  commitment to Jesus  Christ by  listing   a  number  of the hardships he have suffered . If  nothing else, such  ongoing  mistreatment  and deprivation revealed   Paul’s  perseverance. Let us  seek to imitate Paul  and  his faithful  commitment to Christ.

Jesus   Christ  in (John 7:2-9) experienced  ridicule and rejection from his family . His brothers did not  understand   what God  was doing in or through him.  Therefore  Jesus  obeyed  the will of his father in heaven  instead  of bowing to the pressure  of those in his  family. Like  Jesus, we need  to make sure  that we are following God’s  plan for our lives rather than following  the dictates of people who do not  know that God  has planned  for us. We must know  God’s  word and have a close  relationship with God, nurtured by prayer and Bible study. Staying lose to God and remaining  focused on his purpose for our lives will help us make good decisions and preserve our spiritual growth.

The enemy  knows what you are doing for God, so stay  focused on your calling , Jesus will never forsake you. Even at times your really own can not understand what calling  you  have.

God knows  it, persevere dear, remember Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego  and finally Daniel. They risked their lives in obedience to God’s will to them to die was better than to live with the quilt and shame of disobeying  God. Like these three friends, we must  determine   to stand up against  those who tempt us to turn  from God’s  will. To them to die was  better than to live with the quilt  and shame of disobeying  God.  Like  these three friends , we must determine  to stand up against  those who tempt us to turn  from  God’s plan. We must follow God – no matter what  cost.

In (Daniel  3:1-30) , we  face situations in which we are tempted to do things that are wrong . Sometimes there are consequences for not going along with the  crowd. This fact is clearly illustrated in the story of the fiery finance. The  penalty for not following   the crowd  was death – a horrible death of being burned alive. When we stand for what is right  and refuse to  yield to peer pressure , we may suffer persecution, but  we must  stand firm in our faith. God will  reward those who remain  faithful to Him.

The enemy is after you,  many  in east Africa are being saved and rejoining  the kingdom of  God,AS YOU SAID THE WISE WINS SOULS. Many unreached souls have been reached and the neglected and unloved in the community have hope now through  your regular support you are sowing  to this mission . God is about opening bigger doors of provision through you for His work in Africa, just wait upon His timing and be sensitive in hearing His small voice and obeying every direction He leads  you, He has a PURPOSE AND PLAN  for your life on earth.

This can be one of the church’s   finest  hours in  all history if we respond correctly. The Bible tells us that “ all things  work together for good to them that love God  (Romans 8:28)”

That includes uncertain times like these. Christians simply must not miss this opportunity to tell those  who are looking for answers that JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

In fact, if we falter, I believe God will hold us responsible.

This is divine moment. Today , we can reach multitudes that we could only  dream about a few years ago.As a mission we are intensifying our efforts to reach as many souls  for the Lord as possible. I have asked our staff to pray more than they have ever prayed before,  and I am asking  you to join us and do the same. Through you, I’am asking you to sow the best seed you can to help us reach these multitudes who are looking for the Lord. You are the  backbone  of this mission and millions of lives are depending on your continued obedience during  these great days of opportunity.

Every gift you sow into this mission is used carefully has stewards of God and wisely to help reach a growing multitude of souls  all over the globe. Thank you for making a difference.

This are August prayer requests:-

i) Pray  that God will provide for this two meetings to hire PA system and transport . August 13th to 17th ,09 – Kisumu and August 19th to 23rd ,09 – Kuria on the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

ii) Pray for the feeding programme for orphans  and widows that  God will provide  , for us to buy beans.Psalms 145;1-21,146:5-9. Thank you for now till next , God bless you dear servant of the most  high God.

You are loved and appreciated.

All the Best.

Brother Cleophas

Dear Rev Carl and Simplicity Church

Greetings in the name of our lord Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful bright day here in Africa and the lord has wakened us up again well.

We bless the lord for what He is doing and what is a bout to do. We had a wonderful church service yesterday at our church in Kitale and the lord did move in a mighty way. The lord led me to share a bout healing the wounded spirit; I was so moved when I saw people moving a head to the altar in tears seeking God to heal their hurts. I saw this woman rolling down in tears and her mouth moving up and down but she could not speak out. When she spoke she said loudly I forgive you JOHN for hurting me and breaking my heart!

I called her latter to see me before she goes to her home. In our face to face talk she told me that she had been separated with her husband for four years a go and she left with two Sons which she is taking care. She had loved her husband so much and when the incident happened she could not believe. She was also rejected by her relatives and she decided to move to town to work as a maid.

She told me that as I was ministering it was like I knew everything which she had gone through in life. She said a heavy load was lifted out from her chest and she felt free and light than never before.

I saw such a radiance of Gods Glory in her face as she shouted a gain Hallelujah to God and saying I have forgiven you JOHN my husband, I don’t hold you any more in my heart. I let go of the past hurts and receive Gods healing Oil on my wounds.

Rev Carl, I thank God for allowing us to touch lives here. My prayer has been to God to do things that are beyond humanity and beyond Imaginations of men so that men may see it and says this is the lord!

Pray for me, I am on fire than never before, I have a heart to disciple nations and share my live testimony to the nations of the world. I believe God to pave and provide ways for me to contact leadership conferences, seminars and crusades for God and Simplicity starting next year 2010 across East and central Africa. I have already set up plans and many pastors are waiting for my first move to step out in the name of the lord. We want to plan churches as the lord leads ALL FOR HIS GLORY.

I feel the wave of Gods revival in my heart. Last night I was before the lord seeking His face over the work he has placed under my care and the Simplicity Church Network.

In my personal devotions in the book of Mathew and the feeding of the four and five thousands (chapter 14&15), I heard Holy Spirit say this to me: “Place a supernatural demand on Jesus”

We all know the story of Jesus feeding the thousands in Mathew 14:13-21 and Mathew 15:32-39.

This seems to be God’s perfect timing to send His word out, to all who are moving forth in kingdom advancement in these days and our team at Simplicity. The need is plentiful and our God has storehouses to fund His work through His people, through supernatural means, etc. in other words, He is the God who meets all our needs that we need to prosper and do the work of the kingdom. So all we need to do is to listen to our Lord and obediently follow in faith. When He leads us out, as He did to the thousands who came to hear His voice, He will not fail to supply our needs. When evening came, the disciples and Jesus came to a deserted place, without adequate supply to meet the natural demand for food. The disciples answers was to look at the natural supply and simply acknowledge that the need was too great and the people should simply be sent away to go into the villages to buy the necessary food. But our answer is found in Christ Jesus so when He talks, we  immediately listen and obey. Jesus is quick to say in Mathew 14; 16: “They do not go away. You give them something to eat”. Again in Mathew 15, Jesus commands the multitudes to sit down on the ground, and proceeded to seek heaven to multiply a natural supply with a supernatural demand of faith and obedience by the one in need. There was a divine connection of multiplication when earth aligned with heaven’s supply through faith and obedience. For many this will be a test of faith, for we are looking at a natural lack and can’t see beyond it to see that God will take what is lacking in the natural and multiply it with a supernatural anointing from heaven. How else did they receive all that needed to eat? Mathew 15:37 says: “So they all ate and were filled and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left.” Mathew 14:20 says:

“So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained”.

I heard the lord peak to me loudly, Adams my Son! Heaven is ready to supply through supernatural means adequately and to satisfy your natural need. Now please understand my son, when I say ‘demand’ that surely implies that the desire has been initiated in my heart to supply what I desire to activate here on earth.

Thank you father I have heard you.

Stepping out in extraordinary ways in advancing my kingdom requires faith to see me work miracles to supply all that I am requiring all of you to do in these kingdom days. As you follow me obediently, expect heaven to back up what I have initiated in the heavenly realm for you. My son, fear not I love you so much that is why I chose you from your tribe (Sebei Tribe) to serve me. Before you were born, you were in my mind. Trust me Son, I will not fail you.

Thank you dad! I am ready to obey you are hear your voice. Amen

Simplicity, Let us wait on God, He is faithful He will perfect what He has began in us.

God bless you all.

Your humble servant and Son

Apostle Adams Sabila

For

Simplicity Church Network

Dear Rev,

Greetings once more.

I am glad to inform you that the lord has expanded our ministry greatly.We have planted three churches in My Elgon last three weeks.

I wanted to confirm first before letting you know a bout this move.I recieved a call from Pastor Charles from Elgon who informed me that they successful planted three churches in three weeks.

Every church has 50 church members and a bove.

I have been invitated to go on 15th August 2009.Please pray for the provissions of this trip.

I also wanted to ask you if there is a way we can get funds to help us here in Africa,God is opening great doors and weed funds.Like if I can get proposal asking grands in your nation.Can it be possible.if have friends or ministries that can help.

We need to meet the need of our colleges both in kenya and Uganda.

God bless,

Hope to hear from you soon.

Apostel adams

Pastor Carl,

I am so happy again for this open hearted email you have sent.It makes me encouraged and strong and strong in faith,it has encouraged me to be sure that once our plans and imaginations have been committed to God through prayer,He is faithful to grant us the desires of our heart.

I want you to know that your last email really pushed me to seek the lord,because of you and the Simplicity ministry,I joined our church intercessors to fast and pray and we have heard the lord confirming to us that the plans and vision He has for you concerning many Nations Africa being one of them,he will protect and provide for you.Place be sure that you have dear once in Kenya Kitale.

The anointing service you held in Uganda,renewed my spiritual life,our church is now over three hundred members and we give all the glory back to God.

Yours faithfully in Christ,

John.

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I have been wrestling with the challenges of what seems prudent and what is beyond the wisdom of man.   God has been using emails like these to continue to relay a message of “trust Me” that has been spoken into my life for sometime now.   I take great comfort in emails like these, because they remind me that my work is not in vain.   They also give me hope for my work going forward.   The waiting and trusting in my case are in the realms of finances.   Many who could choose to walk beside me in a financial sense, simply have not felt God’s prompting to do so.  Carol and I become more and more convinced each day that the Lord’s direction for me is not to spend my time and energies in corporate America as I have been seeking, but that shortly we will see the Divine enter into the dimension of mortality, creating unseen pathways of provision.   I truly believe the Lord has already put the ingredients in hand (5 loaves and 2 fish), it is now the time when Jesus does His work and multiplies that which is already present.

The second point of expectation is here in Corpus Christi, Texas and the nation.   I have been to India and Africa and seen the types of things these men describe in their emails.  I believe in the not to distant future we will see God moving in the hearts of people here in a similar way.  A prime example occurred yesteray during our worship time.  I was teaching and a watched a man walking by outside.  He continued to gaze at the building, smiled, looked up at the sign and passed by.   Within a few moments, he had turned around, made the sign of the cross and entered the door.   His name is Charlie, he wanted us to pray for his mother Sue, she had nearly died yesterday morning.   As we prayed, Kim and I placed our hands on Charlie, he had already gone to his knees.   In the name of Jesus we prayed for his mom, his pain and his trust.   Just as quickly as he entered, he left, smiling and saying “God bless you” as he exited.

Trust is an interesting concept.   The Lord has been showing me lately that He is faithful, but not according to our time table.  This week, He placed two passages of Scripture before me, to remind me of what He is doing in my life:

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NASB)
2 Then the LORD answered me and said, “Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.
3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

Psalm 145:15 (NASB)
15 The eyes of all look to Thee, And Thou dost give them their food in due time.

Time alone with God

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Last September I started a retreat series called “Longing for His Presence.”  The purpose of this series is to help a person build solid spiritual formation disciplines into their lives.  Each retreat is 2 1/2 days in length and focuses on a few key disciplines.  In the first retreat about 30% of the time is spent in silence and the remaining 70% is content.  The second retreat is about 60% silence and solitude and 40% content.   The third retreat is 90% silence and solitude and 10% content.

Today I completed the third retreat.  My time in silence and solitude before the Lord was very refreshing.  I found that my soul had grown somewhat parched and I needed a refreshing flood of the Lord’s presence.   The theme for this retreat was John 15 and for me the key thought was “Abide in My rest.”

Over the past 2 1/2 days the Lord has reminded me of His great love, His all sufficient grace and His constant presence.   He also helped me to see some things about myself more clearly.   The greatest illumination came in the area of my expectancy.   Over the past few years, the Lord has been preparing my heart for some exciting things.   With these preparations came a sense of expectancy; however, over time I have allowed that sense of expectancy in some ways to become an expectation of how God should be moving and at what speed.   This subtle shift creates an undesirable quality in my character…impatience.   I found myself today asking the Lord to give me a new found joy in times of waiting.

The Lord also showed me that I struggle with wanting to see stability and structure in my circumstances, because I often view myself as unworthy to fulfill the call on my life.   Humbling revelations about myself, yet they are very accurate.   A fellow brother helped me to see this reality more clearly…he chuckled, because I was already doing the things I felt unworthy to be doing.

Tomorrow it will be one week until I leave for Kenya and Uganda.   I still lack about $2,000 of covering my ground transportation, lodging and meals.   I know the Lord will provide, even though those provisions are not realized yet.  Living on the edge in faith and walking in complete trust are all apart of the journey He has me on.

Hearing God’s Voice

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Today started out as a bit of an emotional/spiritual crash day. I received an email this morning that twisted the things God has placed upon my heart and took dead aim at my obedience to His leading. Being misunderstood is never easy and Satan doesn’t miss the opportunity to exploit these occasions either.

I was reminded of an event early on in Jesus’ ministry that seemed to mirror my experience this morning:

Mark 3:21 (NASB)
And when His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, “He has lost His senses.”

God is good, He doesn’t let me wallow in self-doubt very long. This afternoon I had lunch with a close friend who allowed himself to be God’s vessel. As He spoke God reminded me that my life is lived out for an audience of One. The understanding, support or approval of anyone else must come a distant second. Later this afternoon, I prayed with a group that I meet with on Thursdays and the conversation turned to our ability to hear God’s voice. One of the men in our group made this statement that I found to be very dead on: “Our ability to hear God’s voice becomes much sharper, the further out on the limb of faith we go.”

On a different note, I finally got the lease to look over and will be formalizing it tomorrow or Monday.

This weekend I will also be putting up some additional pages on the website for both the Simplicity Network and Simplicity Church – Corpus Christi. My wife will be out of town this weekend, so I will be PTA dad tomorrow.