Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. (1 Sam 12:24)
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BLOG from the desk of Rhianne Coles
Welcome to my July Blog - which is simply an online diary where I can share my heart, thoughts or views with you.
This month I have found myself being led by the Holy Spirit to look closely at what things are AUTHENTIC in my life - including the people in my life, my things, my goals and priorities but especially myself!
It may seem like a strange thing to do, but taking an inventory of ourself and our life is an absolutely necessary part of Spiritual maintenance.
I have taken this principle of re-evaluating and periodically re-ordering my life from the life of Paul:
Phil 2: 12-13 (Amp Bible)
...work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust,with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
13[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while [b]effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and [c]delight.
Now, I have known this scripture for a long, long time but it is only recently that the Lord has freshly illuminated it to me. I have been in this walk long enough to know that if God has taken the time to 'show' me a fresh revelation on something from His Word, I FIRST need to receive it, SECONDLY apply it to my life. and THIRDLY, (if directed) share it with others. And as always, Abba Father knows exactly when we need to re-learn or revisit a particular learning for our benefit! I had to lift my hand before heaven in thanks to God for the perfect timing of His help and love in keeping me firmly planted on the solid rock -(escaping the sinking sand!). This Remah Word has caused an unveiling of my eyes and an unscaling of my heart which has literally been like a spring clean for my life. The flesh inspired agenda and goals that had unwittingly crept on to my daily mission and to do lists have been removed - granting me precious 'free' time in my schedule. This has re-energised me and of course God's agenda has become refreshed and reprioritised - a true 'win/win' like only God can orchestrate!
What I have learned by my "refreshing" from the Lord:
Communion or communicating with God is a vital element in enabling one to stay the course of humble availability and servitude before God. Along with regular study of the Word, communion with God is one of the primary methods for recognizing symptoms of problems growing in our lives e.g. inward sin or carnal weakness. There are four key areas of which I have become more acutely aware of and indeed which I urge all believers and Christian leaders to regularly review:
- Over-commitment. Over-commitment, while at first appearing highly spiritual, is actually the complete opposite. When Christian believers over-commit, they not only dilute the quality of their service and work, they reveal an inability to manage their time, a fear of telling others, “no,” or the desire to compete with others who are doing more. It is often the case, when one finds over-commitment in the life of a believer, you will find a believer who derives his identity and sense of worth from his position or his possessions. This may cause him to over-value his contribution and reputation; thus he fears telling others “no” since this might cause people to regard him as weak or unhelpful or a failure. More often than not, over-commitment is also the result of trying to “keep up with the Jones.” Whatever the case, over-commitment is a potential warning sign that priorities need to be reviewed and/or the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye the pride of life has found an unlawful place in the heart of that believer.
- Grasping for Power. The ultimate essence of every believers purpose is servanthood. It seems that being washed by His Blood, made in His image and likeness, called to be His Son, Ambassadors for the Kingdom and being elevated to become joint heirs with Christ are not high enough status symbols in this current Church generation. PhD's, Doctorates, Titles, power positions and countless accolades are branded about more readily be aspiring believers, as a surefire way to seduce or gain trust into the minds and hearts of believers - INSTEAD of the plumbline of a life of Holiness, marked by signs and wonders through the power and annointing of the Holy Ghost! Acts 3:6 reads "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Paul said in Phil 3:7-9 (Amp Bible)
But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [[a]one combined] loss for Christ's sake. Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.
- High mindedness. Pride also manifests itself in a believer when he begins to expect a certain kind of gracious treatment from others in view of his position. This attitude, however, reveals this believer is thinking of himself too highly. It is the height of arrogance. When leaders are living with an attitude of expectation, they are ensnared in the grip of self-elevation which is pride.
- Increasing Independence. Christian believers who think too highly of themselves will also tend to drift away from fellowship and accountability, since they believe they are able to fight spiritual battles on their own. This attitude, however, betrays a woeful misunderstanding of one’s need for community in their perseverance as a Christian - this is even more important for leaders (see Hebrews 3:12-15; 10:24-25). This dangerous trend can be countered through regular, authentic accountability with other trusted men and women within the Body of Christ - especially one’s church or organization.
Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without a definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. But [like a skilled boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].
As usual, we really look forward to your thoughts and feedback about our blog. Let us know what is on your mind as we are here to serve: Email us: info@thecfpe.com
To your continued success and advancement in the Kingdom of God
x Rhianne Coles x
