POWER MANTLES POOR SPIRITS- A Pastoral Reflection for the Lamb's

    After much prayer and my own spiritual journey the last few weeks I have decided to share this with the Lamb's leadership family. The call on each of your lives and the corporate call on the Lamb's congregation implore us to ask, "How is it that while we have such a powerful call on our lives we at times wrestle with such poor spirits." A pastor friend of mine aptly called this, "Powerful Mantles but Poor Spirits." My prayer for you today is that you find ways to refresh your spirit and deal with the things that deplete your spiritual health. I will share some of the things God  and life have been teaching me.
   You might recall that mighty general who was highly regarded by both King and country. His claim to fame was that he had saved the nation. His was a mighty mantle and calling. Still, he wrestled with one major challenge. He was a leper. Too often this is our living paradox, we have wonderful giftings and     talents but are hampered by some internal challenges. We, like General Naaman, must learn to depend on God in both strength and weakness.
   John Wesley would often ask in his weekly small group fellowship, "How is it with your soul?" This is the query we must ask ourselves anew as we journey with God in both life and ministry.  Are we living with joy or resentment? Are we filled with gratitude or bitterness?  Do we try to control people and things but don't yield to God's control? If so, how can we better tend to our souls? How can we nourish our lives? We once again are called to the Jordan to be refreshed, renewed, and restored.
    Take this time to focus again to re-imagine your walk.  A focus on intimacy and devotion. Let God take the lead again.  Let's remove the idols of self-sufficiency. Where there is unforgiveness find grace for yourself and others. Much of this is dependent on our view of God. Remember, God is for you and wants to work in you to heal and restore you...

More to come...