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| Local Time: 8:00 AM September 9, 2010 |
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| Local Time: 8:00 AM September 9, 2010 |
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Take The Best and Go! Monday, December 28, 2009
I have grown up in the church. In fact, I grew up in a church movement called the Vineyard, However the Vineyard came from Quaker roots. I still hold fondly many of the Quaker roots we came from. I remembered these roots again this past week when I attended a Christmas Eve service at one of the local Quaker churches where I live. I love tradition, and I love remembering why we celebrate not only Christmas time, but taking the time to honor those that gathered before us as well as remembering some of those same reasons as to why we still gather today. Being in the Quaker church again reminds me of why heritage and being grateful for those that have gone before us is so very important. In the Vineyard Movement I have loved and feel quite privileged to have seen and been a part of all that’s happened in our short history. It really is amazing! I have seen amazing miracles, since I was around 9 years old. Some of the best traditions in the Vineyard came n those early days back in the early 1980’s. As hot as it was in there--- those were some of the best times I can remember as a kid---no one wanted to miss night church- that was the best part! It’s so funny, but when I look back I remember every Sunday night I would wear my yellow shirt that said, “Rock a belly” on it. It’s funny what reminds you of your past and those things that trigger those memories. Rock a belly was really popular at the time. The music, the excitement, all those feelings come rushing back. And most of all I loved going to night church in my yellow shirt- waiting to see what God was about to do! But I also remember John [Wimber- founder of the Vineyard] saying often, “Take the best and go.” Meaning we must take the best of what we have seen; what we have learned and been a part of, but we continue to look forward. We must also have ‘fresh bread.’ We must have fresh revelation. If the church is a living organism, than of course His living words of life must be new--- there must be ongoing, constant conversations. He is the Bread of Life… he gives us fresh bread.. Have you ever eaten 10 year old bread? Too many Christians live off of what was, or what did happen, but we need fresh bread from the source…. from the supplier of it all! Revelation means the ‘unveiling’ of something new. We need God to unveil those things to us that He desires to release into the Body of Christ. Revelation isn’t just a side dish, that’s the main course. His words are better than life! I really believe those things God is and will be revealing to those willing to listen are so far beyond what we could have ever imagined in the church and I don’t want to miss out. But more than that, I want to be one that paves the way to allow those that follow me don’t have to start where I started, but know that what they may be hearing, although unheard of and seemingly unfathomable that they know as their pastor I want them to go for it. What doe’s Corinthians encourage us to do? We are called to “make every opportunity!” Honestly, our life is so short and we waste so much time worrying about doing things ‘wrong’ for God. I was one of those people that believed people really had to ‘pay their dues’ in order to serve. When I think of how ridiculous that is; I mean really who am I? If my kids are able to tell me things that shape my life, and they’re not quite to full maturity, then I honestly believe we miss out on those new to Christ because we feel like what they have to offer isn’t ready for us yet. Honestly, I feel that approach can be a bit arrogant? It makes all the sense in the world to me, in fact it shows us all through the Bible how God chose to speak to people no one would have ever picked. Should be a lesson for us to learn. John [Wimber] had a saying of ‘lets allow the bush to grow, and then we’ll trim it back when necessary.” We must have the freedom to fail. And likewise we must allow others to fail around us. We all fail at different points, its just that I think the longer you spend in leadership, the better you get at not revealing all you did wrong along the way. Trying is not failure to me. Someone not trying at all is failure. I think God loves it when we try and hear him, and go for the things we believe he put in our hearts to do. I am convinced God sees that stuff, and loves it! I will miss hearing God at times, and so will you, but that shouldn’t stop us from taking risk in what we believe God may be asking of us. Our step into his step, can you imagine what that can accomplish? As you look back on this next year we have to remember it’s not just where we’ve come from, but also taking what we’ve learned and choosing to go forward. Look around you and the people that are already in your life. I’ve always believed ministry is where God has placed you. Whatever job you have; who you’re family is; who your friends are—this is your stage for ministry. Life isn’t just about what we ourselves accomplish, but more so taking others alongside. Our legacy is often written on the hearts of those we choose to take the time and believe in. In the upcoming year be encouraged to take a look at your life. And Take the best and go! Christy Wimber has been a part of the Vineyard Movement since it started. She worked at Vineyard Ministries International for several years until Vineyard Music was formed.Christy currently works with CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) hosting the television show “700 Club Interactive” as well as the web-based show “Spiritual Gifts Webcast” alongside Gordon Robertson.In 2006, Christy and her husband, Sean, began the Yorba Linda Vineyard church in which Christy is the Senior Pastor.
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