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“I’m embarrassed to be a member of the Church today, because it’s
an embarrassment to God. Where is the supernatural? The Church isn’t stamped with supernatural, it’s stamped with the superficial.” —Leonard Ravenhill
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Friday, April 25, 2020: I want to share a testimony that happened when Whit and I were called to go out into some of the tornado damage neighborhoods in South Monroe. As we went through; we were searching for people that truly needed our help and some of the items that we had to give through Convoy of Hope. As we rounded one corner we came to an extremely damaged area and we saw some middle-aged man sitting out cooking food on old worn out grill. They were cooking all the food they could to keep it from ruining due to no electricity for the past 4 days. As we stopped to talk to the man; we notice there was a lady there taking pictures of a very damaged house. As I walked up to her the Lord spoke to me and said this is the needle in the high stack that you've been looking for. As I begin to talk to this lady, I could look in her face and tell that she was a woman of faith Even though faith was never mentioned. As I begin to speak to her about the things that the Lord was show when me she lit up so bright that there was no doubt, she had the Holy Spirit in her heart. She told me; I know that you've been sent by God here with a message for me. I asked her to tell me her story about this tornado. She told me that prior to the tornado hitting she was in her living Room on Sunday morning with her 2 children. She said she seemed to have something come over her and she knew this was from the Holy Spirit. She told her children we need to pray and we need to pray right now something's wrong. She said within a couple of minutes of us starting to pray the tornado hit us. She said there was a tree outside of her house that was leaning over her living room extremely bad and she knew one day she was going to have to deal with this tree. As soon as the tornado hit the winds pulled the tree up by its roots and instead of laying it into the living room of her house the way it was leaning it threw the tree in the opposit direction and completely missed her house. She said if this tree would have come through the living room it would have surely killed them all as it was a fairly large tree. She knew then this was nothing but God warning her giving her a heads up to pray and he would protect her. She began to tell us about her children and how they were both filled with the spirit and they were all prayer Warriors. She told me several stories about how the children learned to pray and they would go around the city praying for various things causing God to see them through some difficult times. I knew when this lady started talking that this was what the Lord meant by needle in a high stack. She was one of those few people that you find that completely lay her faith in the power of Jesus Christ. She didn't seem to care about much anything else but what was going on in the Kingdom around her. As we blessed her that day with a few of the things that she needed from the storm damage I felt led to give her my phone number so she could keep in touch in case there were more needs that arose. She texts me later on to tell me thank you so much and she knew that this was God that led us to her. The following day we went out and to a different neighborhood to do ministry work with a massive load of goods. I call her to see if she would come by and see if there were some things there that would help her. When she arrived, we loaded her car with goods and she spent the rest of the day dropping off items throughout her neighborhood blessing and praying for her neighbors just as God ask us all to do this lady stepped up. This was truly one of those remarkable times that I believe will continue to pay off in the Kingdom. Thank you, Lord, for all that you do and our lives every day. We are grateful!
Michael Clark Friday, April 24, 2020; In the fall of 2019 Whit Bass and I joined Convoy of Hope for a day of outreach in a community. In South Monroe. That event drew 594 people to get blessed in various ways. Here is one of many stories:
As I was for a lady who was having bad headaches the was an elderly lady who walked up to see what was happening. As I looked at her over my shoulder; I heard Holy Spirit say "ask her to join you in prayer". She was so excited with the invitation. After prayer time I asked her how I could help her. She told me that she needed a new Bible, one with large print as she was having trouble with seeing the small letters. I assured her that I would personally make sure she got a new Bible. She wrote her name and address down for me and I placed it in my shirt pocket. Well later the next morning my amazing wife washed my shirt and YES, I forgot to remove the paper with this lady I formation. I went and bought a new giant print Bible the following day only to realize what I had done! Now I had no way to find this lady. I cannot even remember her name. So, I took The Bible and placed it under the seat of my truck and for the next 6 months I had been praying for the Lord to somehow re unite me with this lady so I could fulfill my commitment to her. Fast forwarding to around 6 months later here I was back in this neighborhood working tornado relief. Whit Bass and I were together again along with convoy of hope trying to help the needy. With a pandemic going on we could not get close to people so we created a drive thru where people could get items that help them in their time of need. When the folks would come through, we would stop them asking if the needed prayer. I could not believe it. We had 147 vehicles come through this line in about 3 hours. Out of all of these vehicles one of the ones I stopped to pray for was an elderly lady in a pick-up truck. When she rolled down her window; I looked at her face and immediately was struck by the fact that I somehow knew this lady. It took me a few seconds to realize what was going on. I kept shouting "I know you; I know you; how do I know you? All the sudden it hit me. This was the lady I have been looking for for 6 months. I was so excited. I asked her if she remembered me and she said she did. I asked her if she remembered what she asked me for. She said she did not remember. Then I said do you remember asking me for a Bible with large print. I bought the Bible but I could not find your information. I've been praying for 6 months and now that Lord has brought you back to me. I ran to my truck, pulled The Bible from under my seat and presented her this brand-new Bible, leather bound, all the tabs and giant print Bible. The lady was so overwhelmed with joy she began to hug this Bible as if it was her child she was shouting with joy as both of our eyes were filled with tears. What a joyful time the Lord brought to both of us and all of his goodness during his is restoration. Michael Clark Day 5 (14 Salvations – Souls came into the Kingdom by Michael Clark and I)
On this particular day, we changed how we were giving out the product and prayed with folks as they remained in their cars. Some wept under conviction in their cars. Some didn’t want to leave, but traffic had to keep moving. Cars were lined up for blocks to received product. Couples living together came to Christ – One of these couples had lived together for 40 years – James and Guinevere - (3 couples in total this week were led to Christ that were living together and then ADMONISHED TO GET MARRIED). I offered to officiate their weddings if they could not find a minister to do so. One young lady named Ashley – One of the first I led to Christ on this day – was on the phone with what sounded like a boyfriend. I asked her if she could to get off the phone so that I could speak with her. As soon as I began to speak to her concerning spiritual matters - tears started rolling down her cheek. This continued the entire time I spoke to her and prayed with her. I was able to share the gospel with her and lead her to Christ. Looking back on each person I led to Christ on Saturday – I can’t always remember the name – but what I can remember is their eyes looking into mine after I would ask them – What good answer can you give Jesus – If you were standing before him and he were to say to you, “Why should I let you into Heaven”? Many had Godly sorrow and were ready to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. THE HARVEST IS WHITE UNTO HARVEST. Let’s get ready to build BARNS. Whether a physical structure to house this great harvest or to DISCIPLE mankind to become a barn to hold 10, 30, 50 or more new converts to disciple and help grow in the Lord. Day 4. (1 Salvation)
We went back to this area of chaos to hand out product. BUT… this day would be different. I was awakened by the Lord at 5 A.M. the next morning and began interceding. Michael Clark was awakened early as well, and drove by the location and prayed. I also brought the book “Angel Armies” to the distribution site and I read and made about 25 declaration prayers with Michael, Curtis Wilson, and Councilman Kenny. Curtis then began to shout out proclamations over the site and then we began to pray over councilman Kenny. As we prayed over Kenny, I began to receive lightning strikes from Heaven – as if I had my hand in an electrical current. I began to shake violently and this power /movement of Holy Spirit began to move into Kenny. Kenny seemed to receive some great outpouring, impartation of boldness. This was a beautiful moment. Michael Clark moved Kenny forward as people began picking up much needed items. Michael encouraged Kenny to pray with those who would receive product. As Kenny kept praying for those walking by to pick up items, he prayed with such fervency it was a beautiful thing to behold. The citizens in line in Monroe stood back in awe saying, “That’s councilman Kenny!” We could see the shock on their faces. Michael, Curtis and I all felt like God was doing much more in this moment than us just handing out product, but that MAYBE JUST MAYBE GOD was BIRTHING a new WINE SKIN CHURCH. Here is a quote by John G. Lake that Curtis Wilson mentioned to me after we were each debriefing about the week: “The lightnings of God went through me…” This is how John G. Lake almost always described the power of God that lived in him, moved through him, and utterly possessed him. https://themannapost.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/the-lightnings-thinking-like-john-g-lake/ We each prayed with many this day. I led one young lady to receive Christ and afterward was able to bless her with a $20.00 bill given to me by Robert Lindsay to distribute to any I felt led to do so – Robert felt led to do this as a THANKSGIVING OFFERING to the Lord – Robert said, I nor any of my children were affected by the tornados. I want to give a Thanksgiving offering unto the Lord. I had given money from Robert to two other individuals. One man in his 60’s said he had not been able to work since the Coronavirus and I felt led to give him $40.00 provided by pastor Robert. He was very grateful to receive this blessing. The other amount I gave was sown into Brandi – a young lady that Michael Clark met and I will allow him to share about her and why we felt led to sow generously into her. Day 3
I was standing in the parking lot of our distribution point in the neighborhood near Home Depot. A man probably in his 60’s drove into the parking lot to inquire about product. I told him to arrive the next day and then proceeded to share Christ with him. As I was going through the plan of Salvation – the part where Romans 10:13 says “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” – the profession portion – the man said I feel CHILLS – as I had begun speaking fervently to him about proclaiming Jesus as his Savior. He then said I feel HEAT. These responses let me know this man was being rocked by the HOLY SPIRIT. Councilman Kenny invited us over to a neighborhood near Wossman High School. The first time we went to the distribution point we stumbled into a hornet’s nest. There were about ten men drinking alcohol and just sitting around loitering by the area we would set up for a distribution point. We had a few items to hand out but we were over run by men and women that were nearby. We felt like those coming to get the product were just getting what they could get in order to maybe sell later. We left discouraged from this encounter, but we each pressed in for prayer the next day. April 13-18
Convoy of Hope afforded Michael Clark and I to minister this week. Below is a report of our happenings. HIGHLIGHTS OF SERVICE THIS WEEK – We had three large 18 wheeler truckloads of items delivered from Missouri to Louisiana. - DAY 1 Michael Clark and I led a young man to Christ standing outside of his own house in the Monroe area near Home Depot. He was standing outside and as I rolled up near his home, I called him over to the truck and began a conversation with him. I felt compelled to witness the Hope we have in Christ to him. After leading him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, we looked to the right of us and there was a sign on the church that said “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand’ in brief. Later this same day as I was the leaving our distribution point a man and woman walking across the parking lot with a stroller stopped me as I was walking to my car. I led them both to Christ. Then I asked them if they were married and they said they weren’t. The man was the father of the toddler in the cart and was also the father of the baby in the womb of the mother. I told them they should get married since they had now come to know Christ. At BYERS APARTMENTS Michael Clark and I ministered to a lady who had been crying outside of her apartment each day after the tornado. The apartment complex executive team member – Mandy – asked if we would pray with her. Michael and I met with her outside her home which had been destroyed by the storm and began to pray healing for her wounded/traumatized soul. She was very receptive to our ministry of inner-healing. (3 came to Christ on Day 1) Day 2 (Michael and I) met a lady named Brandi over near the City of Faith area on Jackson Street. I will let him share his story of all the Lord has done in our involvement with her. Rethinking Community: From Casual to Covenant
Why does my growth as a Christian seem so slow? Why does it seem that there are so many Christians struggling with immaturity and lack in certain areas of their lives? I asked myself these questions recently and I believe that God pointed something out to me: The answer, at least in part, has to do with our lack of covenant community in the Body of Christ and our lack of submitting to each other in the fear of Christ. Too often, we are prone to isolationism in the body of Christ. “I did my time on Sunday.” Too often, we are prone to hide ourselves out of fear and pride. “What would they say if they knew?” or “I pretty much have it all together, so why should I play in the dirt with those little people? They just need to grow up, like me!” Too often, we create a culture where people do not embrace wise instruction through intimate relationships nor do they feel free to give wise instruction. (Criticism, yes, but not loving instruction.) Covenant relationships are greatly lacking in the Body of Christ. For men, this is too so tragically true. God is calling out to us! We need to commit to sacrificial, covenant relationships in the Body of Christ! Not long ago, I got back from being with my beautiful Mother as she passed into heaven. It was a beautiful, godly experience! One that I will forever cherish! But, one of the biggest impacts was that of the covenant, community of God at work there in north Louisiana. No, never perfect, but to see the body of Christ come together in its imperfection to love my father, my mother and we, their family, was beautiful as well! I was impressed by the body of Christ there and as a result, I was stirred with hunger for so much more! There is a well known verse in the Bible that states, “Wisdom is found with those who take advice.” (Proverbs 13:10) So true! What a great and powerful verse! But the problem is that this idea only works within the context of godly, covenant community. This is because, often, when we hear people tell us things that we don’t want to hear, we are guilty of dropping those relationships and finding new friends who, “Tickle our ears.” (2 Timothy 4:3) Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The tendency of our heart is to flee pain and when people rub us in such a way as to make evident our weaknesses, we often want to flee. As a result, we may never reach a fullness of maturity that God so desires because we are always running from those “Iron Men” in our lives. The real IRON MAN is the one who will rub you the wrong way for your good to help bring out God’s best in you! Judges 17:6 says, “Every man did what was right in his own eyes.” The implication of this statement is that that was not good. The Bible declares that, “Every man is right in his own eyes.” (Proverbs 21:2) It is so easy to run away when we don’t like what is being said. It is so easy to walk away when people don’t agree with our point of view because, we are always right in our own eyes! That is one reason why God puts us into families. Families were designed to be forever. Families were designed to hurt us for our good. Families were designed to champion us forward! The Bible teaches that we should submit to each other in the fear of Christ. (Ephesians 5:21) The book of Ephesians also instructs us to learn what is pleasing to the Lord and to be careful then how we walk or live in this life. (Ephesians 5:10&15) The implication is that these things happen best within the context of covenant community. So, how does this work in the church? 1 Peter 5:2 gives instructions to the elders in the church by saying, “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness.” What are the implications of all of this: God has designed for growth to happen as we submit to each other in the fear of Christ. Submission should be taking place within a godly, covenant community. RELATIONSHIP! All submission must be done with a willing spirit from those in oversight and from those who submit. If your walk with God does not include long-term relationships in which men/women of God are kicking your butt and holding you responsible to righteousness, then YOU ARE DECEIVING YOURSELF AND NEED TO REEVALUATE YOUR WALK WITH GOD! “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) If you are not living under submission to God and to godly, covenant, long-term relationships, the GOD MIGHT JUST BE STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR ROAD!! We often treat our relationship with the body of Christ the same way we treat our fast-food eating habits. We take the drive through and get what we want and then drive away. We only go when we want to and if we are in the mood, we might just go somewhere else. Or, if they stop selling our favorite menu item… Let’s stop it! Let’s be the church! Let’s learn the art and skill of submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. Let's lay down our pride, make the sacrifice and resubmit ourselves to developing covenant relationships within the church. I am not sure that I know exactly what that looks like, but I am hungry for it! Thursday, April 16, 2020: Testimony by Trace Mayo: I have a praise!
My cousin Quint Deason was allowed to go to a hospital and had a successful surgery! No nerve damage or paralyzation praise the Lord! Tuesday, April 14, 2020: Gene Norman's granddaughter Rebekah & husband
Willy Mota are doing Missions in Guatamala. They have been working under Inn Ministries. This ministry is having financial difficulties and is no longer able to support the work in Guatamala. Rebekah & Willy Mota has requested that Covenant Life Fellowship become their sending agency. This has been approved by the board. They have their financeal base; it is a matter of moving that to CLF. |
AuthorRobert Lindsay Archives
November 2021
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