February 17, 13

BE FLEXIBLE!

I'm in Frankfurt, on my way back from another trip to Zimbabwe. I've written three blog updates already… two disappeared in cyberspace during upload, the third I didn't like… so here's the latest!

I'm learning that being flexible and willing to adapt to circumstances is part and parcel of living in the Spirit. I embarked on this journey at the end of January, with a plan, and found that every step required flexibility. With the exception, I have to say, of Germany. They told me what was expected, and that remained the same… Thank you my wonderful German friends. I love you all. Actually, I love Germany! You have to visit Germany sometime if you've never been! I had the best steak, and steak-sauce, I've ever had, in Germany… I digress!

I'm not adverse to change, in fact I like change, it keeps me spiritually, mentally, and emotionally supple - so the rest of the trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe was a journey of flexibility.

My heart is to help the helpless, to give hope to people who, for whatever reason, have ended up with a bad rap. It's been pressed upon me by Holy Spirit, time and time again, that I need to keep this as the goal. What happens between where I am now, and the goal, is the flexible journey in the Spirit.

I'm finding that all I have to do is keep faithful to what I've been shown in the Spirit, and obedient, and the rest God puts together. Obedience and flexibility work well together.

Obedience; because God will not accomplish His purposes MY way. I have to be obedient to do things HIS way. Deuteronomy 28… If we hear the voice of God and obey, then…

Flexibility; because God's ways, my natural mind does not understand. 1 Corinthians 2:14… So when I think things should go one way, and God changes direction on me, I then need to have a heart to embrace the change, and be flexible.

This lifestyle is definitely easier told than lived I know, but it is possible, and it is, very rewarding.

So...
1) I kept the goal in my spiritual vision.
2) I remained flexible, willing to learn from Holy Spirit.
3) Guess what?… God Planted a church.

As Easy as 1-2-3!

Let's see what happens next… Gotta Love God, Holy Spirit, and Jesus. They have a plan which has never even entered the heart of man yet, and I'm sure it's going to be pretty wild. Fasten your seat belts Christianity, we're about to take off!

December 2011

Being Born... Again!

Mercy Mandate has been around for a few years already, in various forms, But I've never looked it this way before, I think it's worth a peek.

Mercy Mandate was born out of desire to love people, to help people, to be moved by love into the hearts and homes of the poor and needy.

In 2009, a clear command from God led me to go on this adventure of returning to my homeland, Zimbabwe, to help with the water crisis that they had there at the time. A mandate of mercy!

Many questions... why? Do you know...? What if you...? What if...? Are you sure...?

But obedience to God's voice is paramount, and off I went to Zimbabwe.

Having not been back for twenty three years, and having read and heard all the stories, most being horror stories, I really had no idea what to expect on my return to Zimbabwe. But I knew this, that what-ever happened, God would do amazing things.

In acts we read how the disciples waited for the Promise, for Holy Spirit. When Holy Spirit came upon them, they acted strangely and spoke strangely, even so others thought they were drunk.

But along with this strange behavior, Holy Spirit now in them started to perform amazing works through the hands of the disciples. So much so, and so intensely was Holy Spirit in his disciples, that many "dared not join them".

Having experienced and enjoyed Holy Spirit as they did, to some degree, I feel I can identify with the strangeness of the manifestations of His presence, but I was also desperate for the next manifestations of Him in me.

In 2009, as I read this again in Acts, something rose up inside me and as it did, so I physically rose up. Slamming my hand on the table in front of me, I made a direct, intentional statement which I hold onto, even today.

"I dare to join them!"...

This statement has taken me on many adventures. From the establishment of a water project, to healing the sick, seeing lame children walk, souls saved, and many more experiences, I see God establishing His reign in those who are intimate with Him, and who obey His command... to "Go!"

But 2010, something else began to take root in me. It's one thing to see signs and wonders, miracles and healing, these are truly amazing, but what about the big picture? What about those who are healed, who are now able to walk? What about the orphans who have fifty, sixty, seventy years of life left to live.

God was giving me a bigger dream. I released the water project to a friend, and spent many God hours searching my heart, struggling through the maze of how to go forward, and in the end, came out with what Mercy Mandate is today.

I'm excited, but it's not excitement that moves me, I'm moved by conviction.

I'm passionate, but it's not passion that compels me, I'm compelled by love.

I want orphans to dream Daddy's dreams, and grow to live them. I want widows to rest in Daddy's rest, and in His provision. I want spiritual revival, to manifest in life, abundant life, in the poor.

Now, December 2011, you see the new Mercy Mandate. I feel Mercy Mandate has been born... Again!

Be Blessed!