Memoirs from Malawi – 3

11.06.10 – 11:43pm – Blantyre, Malawi

 

 

 

The flight from JOH to Blantyre was uneventful, although I was amazed at the number of Europeans and Americans on the flight. It appeared to me that there were more westerners than Africans. I could not help but reflect on the perceptions that have been propagated about Africans. This perception probably accounts for why there are so few many “African-American” missionaries in Africa. While Blacks have, in many cases, written Africa off, others have seized the opportunities found there.

Lord open our eyes.

As we got to the immigration control line, a guard decided to not let Kevin inside the country. It was clear that he was under some sort of demonic influence. We prayed. We negotiated. We prayed. After intense prayer and conversation, and something Chico said to them in private, they let Kevin in. Phew! Jesus prevails!

No luggage. Wait, we see one of Kevin’s bags. There’s hope. But, that’s the only piece that comes through. We get a call later during the day that Pastor Joseph picked up the luggage in Lilongwe – where our original flight was scheduled – and will bring them to Blantyre tomorrow. Praise God!

After an exhausting couple of days of travel, we head straight to the place where Chico – the son of Advance who is planting the Church – and his leaders are awaiting the first session. We presented the Word of God from Philippians 3, speaking to them about forgetting the past and advancing towards the call of God.  We encourage them to stand with the pastor, shoulder some of the work, and know that they are needed in the Kingdom. We also spend some time sharing with a young business owner about how God wants to bless the righteous, so He can bless the city through them – Proverbs 11:11.

We spent some time in fellowship, and around 7:30pm, check into the Malawi Suns Hotel, a Muslim-owned hotel with a terrific view of African plains and mountains. We wait to see what God does here, while praying in the Holy Spirit.  LOL!

I sit now and ask God to speak to me about what to share with Chico at his ordination.  (Interestingly, God has not said anything to me at this point about what to share at any of the services.) So, I stand upon my watch and wait to see what He will say!

Ahhh… I hear His voice. Preach I Thessalonians 2:4.

Then He shares with me words for Chico. As it were, these are words for any person called to the ministry:

♦ Lay all of your ambition at the feet of Jesus

♦ It is important, especially while you are in the marketplace, to schedule times to pull away with God.

♦ Nothing is more valuable than your personal time with God.

♦ After the mountain has been experienced, the valley awaits change.  Worship on the mountain, and then serve in the valley where the needs are.

♦ Because of the abundance of needs, there will be an abundance of grace and miracles, but grace is given on the mountain where the revelation of Jesus is.

♦ Listen to your wife.

♦ Ministry is giving.

♦ Make the Holy Spirit your best friend.

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Stay tuned for “Memoirs fro Malawi – 4″.

- Pastor B

www.advancechurch.org

 

Memoirs from Malawi – 2

11.06.10 – 5:56am – Johannesburg (JOH)

JOH was originally a layover spot, but now we have to stay the night and get a hotel room somewhere.

When we arrived at the airport last evening, a very nice lady named Eunice was waiting for us. We were not expecting her, but when I noticed the name card she flashed, “Pastor Bruce Clark”, I recognized that God had been working behind the scenes. Eunice greeted us and helped us around the airport.

As Eunice gives us a ride to our lodge, we begin to minister to her in the car. It was blessed. I meditate on Romans 8:28. If we had made our original flight we would not have had an opportunity to preach a message of hope and faith to Eunice.

The lodge is a nice place and someone covered the cost. Praise God!

As I arose this morning, there was no hot water. Here we go. Welcome to missions; keep it moving!  My devotional time this morning is blessed. I look over the scenery and listen to the African sounds, while listening to God.

God is speaking from Isaiah 65. He is saying that He is ready to respond. He is ready to be found. He loves His people. Pursue Him, not fortune or destiny. He’ll rejoice over us. He’ll bless His children. Invaders will not take the land again. He’ll answer before we call. But the key is to serve Him. Hallelujah! Only God can tell you how to serve Him. So, spend the time with Him. He is ready to respond.

There are so many sounds of life in Africa. I notice that birds sing with so much rhythm. I can’t but wonder if this is a source of inspiration for African drummer rhythms. Truly amazing.

 

 

Memoirs from Malawi

11.04.10 – 11:57pm – South African Airways Flight

On a plane ride to Dakar, Senegal in route to Johannesburg (JOH), South Africa, with an overnight stay before flying into Blantyre, it did not worked as planned. We hustle and scramble to get on a flight that will get us to Blantyre in time for the ordination service. This is, as a friend of mine would say, “a character building exercise.”

Originally scheduled to fly earlier this morning, we missed our flight. We left my house about 30 minutes late, for reasons that I will not discuss. I’ll just say that I took the opportunity to talk to the team about the true cost of time.

30 minutes costs a lot in international travel and missions. It will cost more money, it will require an overnight stay in Blantyre, and it will require that we make at least 20 phone calls, it will cost “spiritual energy”, and it will have an impact on reputation. Not to mention all of the folks who have planned and prayed for those 30 minutes. And all of the people that have been waiting in expectation for us to get there. And what about the folks who have to fight to get a ride to the meeting we were supposed to have, but now can’t because we won’t make it there in time. And the hourly costs of the business persons sitting in the room, waiting for us. The cost of gas of all of the people getting to the meeting. The cost of the room rental. Yes, 30 minutes is very, very expensive.

Commit to being early, not just on time.

We got to the airport in enough time to check in our bags, so our bags are on a different plane. No one could tell us whether they will be in JFK, in JOH, or in Malawi. So, we are on this flight and will figure it out when we get there.

To further our character building, we are tired and challenged, so we get the distinct pleasure of riding behind two crying babies on a seven-hour flight, while sitting next to ladies who talk for seven straight hours.

Faith. Perseverance. Faithfulness. Gentleness.

Romans 8:28 is my meditation.

 

It’s Me, It’s Me, It’s Me Oh Lord

On more than one occasion in these 18 years of marriage, I have prayed: “Lord, help my wife to see.” Only to realize that I’m the one who needs to see.

God is using people to help us see ourselves. Shift your focus. Say to the Lord the words of the old song: “It’s Me, It’s Me, It’s Me Oh Lord, Standing in the Need of Prayer.”

Let God transform you and you will see people differently. More importantly, you will see yourself differently. You will move from the position of a consumer to a producer. There, you will find what you are looking for.

Lord give me eyes to see.

 

Why Do People Settle?

“…now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” – I Samuel 8:5

When you settle for less, it costs more.

Israel asked for a king and got Saul.  He started out great, but he lost his life, the life of his son, the life of many sons and daughters in Israel, and He lost the kingdom.  Was it worth it?  Israel settled for less.

I’m thinking of a time when I could not wait for God and settled for these mediocre relationships.  Been there?  It seemed that each of these young ladies had something to offer, but none of them had the main thing I needed.  It cost time, energy, money, and most of all, consecration.  I settled for less.   (I eventually waited on the Lord and got the best woman in the world!!!)

Why do people settle for less?

In, I Samuel 8 there are three things that are happening in the nation of Israel that may help us answer that question.

1) Samuel was old.

Sometimes people settle for less because they are no longer satisfied with the old gift of God that is still in operation.   Samuel, you’re too old.  “God, I’m tired of this process I’m in, I want something new God.”  “I’m tired of this church, I want something different.”   “God why do I have to continue to work in this place that you’ve given me?  I thought this was but a stepping stone to something bigger.”   Samuel, you’re too old.

An old move of God is better than a new move of carnality.

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart!

2. Samuel sons were evil.

There is an expectation that the next generation of leaders should be godly.  There is a desire for the folks that have the mantle of God on their lives to walk in integrity and live consecrated lives.  Yet, there at times when they don’t.  While that may affect us, it is no excuse for us to settle for something less than God’s best in our lives.

Israel, in saying that Samuel’s sons were evil, was passing their responsibility onto someone else’s failure.   Like the little kid said:  “that’s a no-no”.

The old song says:  “Nobody’s fault but mine…if I die and my soul be lost, it’s nobody’s fault but mine.”  Take responsibility.  Man up.

3.  They wanted to be like other nations.

Lastly, Israel wanted to be like other nations who had kings.  They observed what others were doing and thought God’s way was not as good or cool as the world’s way.

You say, ”Lord the world seems to have a better time”.   “Serving God seems a little too boring.”  That’s a sign of a person or nation who lost their first love.   It’s time for you to “remember, repent, and repeat your first works.”  (Read Revelations 2:1-7)

When we look at what others are doing long enough, it may become appealing.    Israel is looking another nations and is finding their way of life attractive.  They are comparing.  Oh that they would have received the revelation in II Corinthians 10:12.

When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.(NIV)

When you compare yourself with something other than the standard of God, you depreciate your own value. (Read Jonah 2:8)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

When you truly see Jesus and see what God has for you, you will settle for nothing less than God’s best.  AND it will save you from a lot of pain, and give you a victorious life!

 

Four Powerful Words

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.” – Philemon 1:4

I dropped off my son to a prospective high school for a day of “shadowing”.  Grabbed a cup of coffee and came home.  As I get out of the car, I see one of the neighbors I’ve been praying for.  He is on my “twelve most wanted” list.  (http://advancechurch.org/wanted.jpg)

I walk towards my front door and whisper another prayer for him.  Then, that little bookmark in my heart surfaces.  You know, it’s that sense that God is getting ready to tell me to do something that will interrupt my current agenda.   I hear the still small voice, “tell him that you are praying for him.”   I call his name, “Johnny!” (Not his real name; a name used for dramatic effect.)  He does not hear hear me.  “Ok”, I say  silently in my heart, but not consciously, “Well I tried to call him.  He did not answer, so I’ll just go inside.”

But, I hear the still small voice again, this time a little louder: “tell him that you are praying for him.”  At this point it clearly is God talking, and to negotiate for my agenda is rebellion.   (Wow!  Did you catch that?)   So, I call him again.  “Johnny!”  He hears and I walk over to greet him.   The sun is shining directly in his face, so I can see him very clearly and see the emotion in his eyes.   I say, ” I have been praying for you …”  And, it was as if someone gave him some great news.  He eyes lit up with the zeal of a child who has been accepted by his peers, and he said: “thank you.”

For the rest of the day, this man will have the reality of God’s Spirit at work in his heart, not only because someone is praying for him, but also because he is now aware that God is mindful of him.  There is something about praying for people.  And, there is something about listening to the Holy Spirit when He tells you to let someone know that you are praying for them.

Paul reminded others that he was praying for them.   (Ephesians 1:16; Philemon 1:4)   There is a sense that you are not alone, that God is at work in your life, when you know that others are praying for you.

Let us not only pray for others, but also let them know we are doing it.  There is a light in their eyes that God wants to bring forth so that they can see the glorious gospel and unconditional love of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
As you pray for others today, use these four powerful words:  “I’m praying for you!”

 

AdvanceChurch.org

Hello Great People,

You can now read my blogs at advancechurch.org.

Grace and peace,

BHC

 

Your Hat and Your Keys

A month or so ago, I went to a restaurant to order food to go. I sat at the bar, ordered a glass of water, and placed my food order. After taking off my hat, I placed the keys in my hat and placed my hat on the counter. I chatted with the bartender while waiting. (Please pray for this gentleman as I am working to help him know Jesus.)

Many people were at the bar, drinking and having a great time. The smell of great food was in the air and I was on a dual mission: water the seeds of the gospel in the bartender and get the good food for my wife and me. So far, so good. It’s a great time at the bar. (Oh that God would raise up some believers who are passionate about Jesus who will go to places like bars, full of the Holy Spirit, order a glass of the finest ginger ale, and reach out to people who go to bars simply to talk.)

Well, my food comes out, I tip the waiter, put on my hat and leave the bar. When I get to the car, whistling and content, I cannot find my keys. I search around the car and under the car. No keys. I trace my steps from the parking lot to the bar. No keys. I look around the bar, on the bar, at the bar. No keys. I ask the host and the bartender, “Have you seen my keys? Has anyone turned in keys?” No keys. At this point the bartender goes outside to help me look. No keys.

Now, I’m asking the ageless question of Nicodemus: “how can these things be?” LOL!

Then, I have a great idea: Pray! (Pray first, that’s always the best strategy.) “Lord, help me find my keys.”

Suddenly, out of know where, I feel a little pinch on the right side of my head. “Could it be? No, I wouldn’t have. This is embarrassing. Come on!” Yes, my friends, the keys were in my hat, which was on my head.

Have you stopped laughing at me yet? LOL!

I repeat, the keys were in my hat on my head.

What are you searching for? God says, Take Off Your Hat! Everything you need, God has given you and put on the inside of you. The solution is not outside, it is within. Christ in you is the hope of glory!

Let’s not waste time and energy trying to find keys to life, keys to marriage, keys to business, keys to church growth, keys to health, etc. etc. in external things. Jesus said He give us the keys to the Kingdom.

We don’t have to look far. Just Take Off Your Hat. Get in the secret place with God and discover the keys.

Take Off Your Hat.

 

It Started OK, But How Will It End?

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. – Proverbs 20:17

Sad story, but too often true. A man (or woman) of great influence gets caught in the mousetrap of infidelity. Drawn away by some bad smelling cheese that only looks good. It is the ultimate “okey-doke”, the ultimate farce, one of the greater lies ever told: “you’re not hurting anyone, no one else has to know, just do it for a little while and get out.”

That’s like saying, “try a little crack.” Don’t believe the hype.

The Bible calls it the “bread of deceit”.

In New Orleans, we have “po-boy” sandwiches. Man, I could use an oyster po-boy right now. (Lord have mercy.) The oysters are seasoned really well. The lettuce and tomatoes add texture and helps you fell like you are eating something healthy. The hot sauce with a little mayonnaise is a requirement. But, none of those things are what really make the po-boy. It’s the bread.

That bread, that bread, that bread! Can’t find it in any other city in America. It invites you to come back for more and more. It says, just eat one more. You don’t realize that every day you are adding a pound or two. You don’t realize that your cholesterol is shooting through the roof, because that bread is so good. Until you visit the doctor and realize, “man I’m in trouble.”

We don’t have to give into the deceitful bread of infidelity! Jesus gives us the power to resist the bread of deceit. He is that Bread from Heaven that satisfies our longing souls. Yes sir! Jesus satisfies. Worship Him while you are waiting for your deliverance and watch the power that is released in your life!

Let me tell you a true story – something that happened to me about two years ago. At the time, I was providing consulting services to a government agency. Walking down the hall, headed to the rest room, I encountered a rather attractive young woman. She smiled at me as our eyes crossed when we walked down the hall. I gave a slight smile and moved on. I read her smile, however. It was one of those smiles, you know? (Flattery is dangerous. I recommend that you don’t give it, and don’t receive it.)

As I arrived at my destination, the Holy Spirit spoke to me very clearly and said: “Everything starts as a seed.” (Wow! Did you feel the weight of that?)

I knew at that moment, that I had to be vigilant. I told my wife about that smile and continued to advance by the power of the Holy Spirit.   A few weeks later I encountered that young woman again, and the Lord gave me a Word of Knowledge for her and I spoke it to her. From then on, it was clear to her that, by God’s grace, this guy is not the one.

What’s my point?

1) Worship
2) Know that everything starts as a seed
3) Yield to the Holy Spirit
4) Speak the Word

Do these and you will not fall. Come on, too much is on the line. You are needed. You can do it, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Speak the Word! You are an overcomer!

Remember: Everything starts as a seed.

 

Let Jesus Serve You

“If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” – John 13:8

It is very clear to me according to the Word of God, that we are servants of God. This is our most noble work. Equally true is that God wants to serve us.

Jesus demonstrates to the disciples what it means to lead: serve. He takes the time to remove His outer garments, takes a towel, girds Himself with the towel, and washes their path-worn, dirty, dusty feet.

Use your sanctified imagination with me. Jesus goes to James and John, and they are a bit confused, thinking: “This is not what we signed up for. We want to be great!” He goes to Matthew who is trying to figure out how to market this “foot-washing” service. Jesus then serves Judas. Judas, having already betrayed Jesus in his heart, is full of shame at this point. He must have asked, “how can Jesus wash my feet, knowing that I have betrayed Him?” Finally, Jesus prepares to wash Peter’s feet and meets resistance. Everyone else had thoughts about the foot washing, but did not express their ideas. Not Peter. Never one who lacks words, he tells Jesus, flat out, “You will NEVER wash my feet!” Peter had the right concept, but the wrong response. It is good to not think too highly of your self and to acknowledge Jesus’ superiority. However, it is not good to reject Jesus’ goodness, mercy and grace because of your religious ideas of what Jesus should or should not do.

Jesus is Lord! If He wants to wash your feet, don’t resist. Receive! It is never spiritual to reject the gifts of God or to accept them with false humility.

Jesus tells Peter, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Peter then goes to the other extreme and says wash my hands and my head too. LOL! Well, Peter, you are almost there. Just let Jesus wash your feet “bruh”.

Lord helps us to learn to let You love/serve us like You want to, and to get out of Your way.

To what extent will you let Jesus serve you? Receive.