Post by Edith Ferguson on Oct 14, 2008 9:20:46 GMT -5
Treading New Territory
By Dr. Diane Clark
Kingdom Life Ministries Int’l
.
As one faces a new adventure the unknown can sometimes present feelings of fear, dread or anxiety. Recently our ministry took a trip to the smoky mountains outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. We were informed that we would be living in beautiful cabins of various sizes. We were able to go on the internet and take a virtual tour. Quite naturally, we pictured a small community of cabins sitting side by side with a view of the mountains as our backdrop. We were so excited!
Upon entering the cabin community, we realized that we literally had to drive in the mountains around narrow curves and up extremely steep driveways. There were times when we could not see how deep the drop was or where the curves would be taking us. It was scary. We were treading new territory and the fear of the unknown was overwhelming at times.
Days later however, we were driving like natives and the mountains became beautiful to us rather than mountains of terror. Our spiritual walk can seem much like this trip to the mountains. You are on your way with destiny in view. You have read the map and study guide and you have it all figured out in your mind what the journey must be like. After all, God is on your side what could go wrong.
The excitement balloons as you make sure to pack everything needed for the trip. You bring an extra dose of praise and worship to keep warm on those cool nights of fear, loneliness and depression: a hat of course to protect your head from the fierceness of the mountain breeze. Oh yes, the proper shoes so that your feet are prepared with good news of peace. Conflict is inevitable and may range from a bee to a bear; therefore, we must have the sword of the Spirit and a shield to quench the swarms of undesirable attacks from insects and menace unknown to us. Your hearts must be prepared with right thoughts to produce right behavior, and truth instead of old wives tales regarding the journey.
The Father is calling the Body of Christ to tread the new territory of following in obedience to its “Head”. For some I call it new territory because for too long we have followed every other voice except the voice of our Head, Christ Jesus the Lord. We have followed religion, social programming, lust for other things, customs and traditions, leaving off the simple obedience to the Word of God laid out for us in scripture. This journey will require ultimate trust in the PILOT.
As we choose to follow, we may climb higher, only to discover that the way is steep and there are some sharp turns of change and sudden drops from what we had imagined or hoped; not to mention having to abide in the unfamiliar and make lodging there; not just for a day, but also for a length of time. Often, we arrive in places of seeming isolation with the nearest neighbor on the next mountain or too far away spiritually, mentally or emotionally for productive conversation or interaction. The road is so narrow that it often requires you to stop for an oncoming traveler to pass safely before you can proceed to the clearly defined destination.
If the road is busy, frequent delays, may be experienced, but never lose heart and do not turn back. Drained and exasperated with where you find yourself, you may be in a spiritual place of yearning and seeking after new territory. Always remember, something new has no precedence or primacy. Become skilled at expecting the unexpected and ultimately, no matter the obstacles, you will victoriously reach your destination.
(Source: IMPACT NATIONS newsletter)
****************************************************
Kingdom Life Ministry Int’l Inc
An Apostolic-prophetic Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ
2004 Benedict Road
Jacksonville, Fl 32208
Dr.Diane Clark,Apostolic Leader
Ph:904-765-8488 Fax 765-8480
Website:www.drdianeclark.org
Website:www.kingdomlifejax.org
“We are impacting the world
with present truth through
education training and
reigning.”
By Dr. Diane Clark
Kingdom Life Ministries Int’l
.
As one faces a new adventure the unknown can sometimes present feelings of fear, dread or anxiety. Recently our ministry took a trip to the smoky mountains outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. We were informed that we would be living in beautiful cabins of various sizes. We were able to go on the internet and take a virtual tour. Quite naturally, we pictured a small community of cabins sitting side by side with a view of the mountains as our backdrop. We were so excited!
Upon entering the cabin community, we realized that we literally had to drive in the mountains around narrow curves and up extremely steep driveways. There were times when we could not see how deep the drop was or where the curves would be taking us. It was scary. We were treading new territory and the fear of the unknown was overwhelming at times.
Days later however, we were driving like natives and the mountains became beautiful to us rather than mountains of terror. Our spiritual walk can seem much like this trip to the mountains. You are on your way with destiny in view. You have read the map and study guide and you have it all figured out in your mind what the journey must be like. After all, God is on your side what could go wrong.
The excitement balloons as you make sure to pack everything needed for the trip. You bring an extra dose of praise and worship to keep warm on those cool nights of fear, loneliness and depression: a hat of course to protect your head from the fierceness of the mountain breeze. Oh yes, the proper shoes so that your feet are prepared with good news of peace. Conflict is inevitable and may range from a bee to a bear; therefore, we must have the sword of the Spirit and a shield to quench the swarms of undesirable attacks from insects and menace unknown to us. Your hearts must be prepared with right thoughts to produce right behavior, and truth instead of old wives tales regarding the journey.
The Father is calling the Body of Christ to tread the new territory of following in obedience to its “Head”. For some I call it new territory because for too long we have followed every other voice except the voice of our Head, Christ Jesus the Lord. We have followed religion, social programming, lust for other things, customs and traditions, leaving off the simple obedience to the Word of God laid out for us in scripture. This journey will require ultimate trust in the PILOT.
As we choose to follow, we may climb higher, only to discover that the way is steep and there are some sharp turns of change and sudden drops from what we had imagined or hoped; not to mention having to abide in the unfamiliar and make lodging there; not just for a day, but also for a length of time. Often, we arrive in places of seeming isolation with the nearest neighbor on the next mountain or too far away spiritually, mentally or emotionally for productive conversation or interaction. The road is so narrow that it often requires you to stop for an oncoming traveler to pass safely before you can proceed to the clearly defined destination.
If the road is busy, frequent delays, may be experienced, but never lose heart and do not turn back. Drained and exasperated with where you find yourself, you may be in a spiritual place of yearning and seeking after new territory. Always remember, something new has no precedence or primacy. Become skilled at expecting the unexpected and ultimately, no matter the obstacles, you will victoriously reach your destination.
(Source: IMPACT NATIONS newsletter)
****************************************************
Kingdom Life Ministry Int’l Inc
An Apostolic-prophetic Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ
2004 Benedict Road
Jacksonville, Fl 32208
Dr.Diane Clark,Apostolic Leader
Ph:904-765-8488 Fax 765-8480
Website:www.drdianeclark.org
Website:www.kingdomlifejax.org
“We are impacting the world
with present truth through
education training and
reigning.”