Moving faster and faster and making room

When I am in an “up” cycle life seems to move faster and faster. The greatest danger facing me is that I overbook my time and my energy. When I do this things happen. I start to miss appointments and deadlines. I lock my keys in the car. I forget something important or lose my ATM card. Lately this seems to be my constant state.

I have been trying to ease off on the accelerator. I’ve got good reason to be excited, though! I’m moving my office and starting a new business. Client appointments crowd in and deadlines fast approach. No wonder I find myself awake at 4 in the morning and starting to work! Yet in the midst of all this hustle and bustle I am listening closely to the whisper of a “still, small voice.” Without the knowledge that “God is leading,” all of my fevered activity seems to be in vain.

I’ve noticed, though, that I have to be very, very careful of the “God is leading” talk. Look, I don’t hear the audible voice of God, so put down the phones you were picking up to call the funny farm. My brain is wired with a kind of running monologue, or dialogue if I am praying. I think in words. Some others think in pictures and when God “talks” to them they see a picture in their mind’s eye. Others think with “feelings.” Neurolinguists have made an entire study of the way humans think. They can use certain techniques to alter thinking. Anyway, it’s words for me, which is good for someone who spends as much time writing as I do.

I wish when I hear from God it would be of greater quality and quantity. Instead I usually get snippets and snatches, one, two or three words. I thought I got a prophetic word for a pastor and his wife a couple of Sundays ago, the message was “Make room.” Sounds kind of pathetic, right? I struggled with whether I should share it with them. The “Lord” added a bible verse to quote. So I got up my courage and went over and told them. I think it was okay, at least it might have been some encouragement.

At the beginning of 2010 I found myself walking into church buildings and thinking “Not big enough.” I kept thinking about what this meant. Surely some of these church auditoriums were the right size. A year later I have come to believe that God was speaking to me on many levels. There is no single building in any town that is big enough to hold all of the people God wants at his banquet.

Jesus told this story: …there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’

Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses.

The first said, ‘I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.’

Another said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.’

And yet another said, ‘I just got married and need to get home to my wife.’

And yet another said, ‘I just got married and need to get home to my wife.’

The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded— and there’s still room.’ The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.’ Luke 14 The Message

I think that God is saying to the churches. “I’m throwing a party, invite everyone to come!” If the kind of party that God wants to throw broke out, then there isn’t enough room for everyone that needs to be invited. Father, help us to advance your kingdom by throwing a party that honors and glorifies you! Amen