Philippians 3:10-11
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.




Holy Spirit what does it mean to fellowship in Christ’s sufferings?

Holy Spirit asked me, “What did Jesus take on himself when he died for humanity”
My response to Him was. “Jesus took all pain, physical, emotional and mental.”
Holy Spirit replied, “Everything that happened to humanity because of the fall, Christ took on himself to redeem mankind.”

As you become more transformed into his image, the image of Christ, you begin to think his thoughts. You love more complete. What breaks the heart of the Father begins to break your heart. You fellowship in his sufferings, so that you can help mankind, through your prayers of intercession and through your physical actions. You are Jesus to them.

John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Jesus refers to us as friends, even close friends. He is intimately acquainted with our lives and we are becoming intimately acquainted with his. At least that is his desire for us. He wants us involved in what he is thinking and doing. He wants to share with us everything the Father shares with him!

We have to set a pause button on our lives. By this I mean we need to settle ourselves and center our thoughts on him. Take time, set aside time to just listen, quieting ourselves to receive a download from our Father through the Holy Spirit.

Two and a half years ago, Nate and I were taking time to listen. We were praying about going to The Netherlands for our youngest daughter’s wedding. We were planning on staying about two weeks. That was our plan! We began quieting ourselves and listening to the Holy Spirit, He asked us this question. “Would you consider staying two months?” That was how Holy Spirit phrased it to us, “Would you consider?” He is such a gentleman in the way he speaks to his children. We responded, “Of course we will.”

We had no idea how this would all play out. Where would we stay for two months? We both had fulltime jobs in the states. Were we to quit these jobs? How would we finance such a trip on our retirement salary? There was an excitement, an energy we had not felt in many years. I will not go into all the details, but needless to say, it was amazing! God orchestrated this trip. All of it was taken care of by the time we arrived in The Netherlands. It definitely stretched our faith, but oh it needed to be stretched a little! There were many ministry opportunities for Nate and myself. God ordained appointments with people from all over the world. In fact the young Indian Pastor that has invited us to India in July 2011 was one of those God appointments we encountered in The Netherlands at the YWAM base.

Wow! What if we had not taken the time to listen? I once again stand in awe of God and I am humbled by this thought. I would like to encourage you to take time to quiet yourself and listen for the voice of God. Take time to find out what is on his heart. That is a great starting place, “What is on your heart today, LORD.” I am listening and willing to do your bidding.

There are God opportunities everywhere each and every day. I am not talking about busying yourself with good things to do. That typically results in burnout and a lack of passion. It is a form of legalism that has the appearance of good works. Seeking guidance through Holy Spirit, who searches God’s heart and reveals direction to you, is a better way. This way produces lasting fruit and much joy in the giving and serving. I love this Kingdom walk so much. God’s progressive will for me keeps me full of anticipation and unspeakable joy. I have confidence that what he is leading me into is a perfect fit for my life. It will deepen my walk with him and will bless the people he leads me to.

I Chronicles 4:10b
Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me.