Flattering God Vs Praising God
Oh Shepherds
(#203 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill. And My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them. (Ezekiel 34:6)
You build and build, seeking to expand. You have convinced yourself that the number of people (How many fill the building?) is indicative of My blessing. When did I ask you to do a census? My work is done in the wilderness; you desire plush carpets and air conditioning. Oh that I could get you to willingly focus on the power and not the position. The power I speak of is not what humans perceive. Shaul understood: “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of the Mighty One.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)
My power births forth from the valley (the place of the broken ego). “[Shaul] was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3) You seek to impress; I seek to restore. Is it you who saves? Do any of your efforts lead to salvation? No I say! You merely point to My Son, My salvation. I don’t need your agendas, your timelines, your festivals, or your traditions. I look and seek out the broken hearts (minds) (Psalm 34:18). My ministry is done in the valleys; yet you desire plush accommodation. Those I seek are in captivity, while yours dress for pomp and position.
You profess to search for the lost. Where is your prison ministry? Where are your homeless shelters? Oh Yes, I know, “I tithe to those ministries,” you tell others. Where is your pure religion, shepherds? (James 1:27)
When the buildings decay and agendas are disrupted, what is left of you? You were meant to build leaders, yet you have nothing but followers. Sheep guiding sheep; have you forgotten My decree that blind men lead blind men into pits? (Luke 6:39) Where are the real shepherds? Where are the ones who truly consider others better than themselves? Who will mimic My Son? Who will die for the benefit of others? You can barely handle doctrinal disagreements; how will you love your betrayers? How will you love those who spit upon you?
I Am looking for the shepherds, true shepherds for the Exodus to come. Who will join Me? Therefore, if there is any encouragement in the Messiah, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, one in being and of purpose, doing none at all through selfishness or self-conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each one should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4)
Oh that these words would pierce you!