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Busy, Busy, Busy.....
Busy, busy, busy…..
By Lahry Sibley
Rev 2:1 TO THE angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him Who holds the seven stars [which are the messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, Who goes about among the seven golden lampstands [which are the seven churches]:
Rev 2:2 I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.
Rev 2:3 I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary.
Rev 2:4 But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].
Rev 2:5 Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.
The church of Ephesus by the description was a very impressive church, even compared to this hour.
Let's look at some of its attributes, things that some folks would no doubt take bragging rights too, maybe some in leadership here. This is not make believe, this is true strengths and values that are important in church. Verse 2 says:
Rev 2:2 I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.
This is not a lazy church, but industrious and active. They are busy folks. They are patient and enduring. They cannot tolerate wickedness. Sound familiar? They are discerning of spirits and have no tolerance for imposters.
Verse 3 would indicate that among other things they have endured some persecution for the sake of the Master and His Body. Very noble indeed. Remember, this is not pretend; this is truth as appraised by God.
With all these good works and activity, and all of this endurance, God still has a problem with this assembly. They have forgotten the most important part. Worship.
Now I'm certain that if these things said above in scripture were said about a church in this hour, surely this church would have a "praise team", great musicians, singing all the latest choruses and songs. In fact, I know of a church just like this in our area. I've attended church there. It's an awesome place. If you want to be involved in meaningful ministry, it's the place to be in town. They are doing a lot of good things, outside the box. But I have difficulty finding a tender heart.
It's not that they intend to do God any dis-service. Not at all. They want to serve the Lord. They put their activity where their mouth is and their finances as well. There are many young people in this church who are expending their energy in service to the Lord. So what's missing? Worship, from a humble and contrite spirit.
I guess I've always had a tender heart. I don't apologize for it. I did not design it or pick it out. It's just me, so there is nothing to boast of. But I've observed church folks for a long time. And I find that those who seem to be worshipping God the most lose sight of what's going on around them. I find that even the thickest skin is pricked in the presence of the Lord. I have seen the toughest of men fall on their face before Him and weep. In fact, I've seen over 500 pastors on their faces before God repenting. It was the most powerful service I've ever attended. The result? Worship.
See folks, if you get close to God, worship just happens. You cannot wait for Sunday or Wednesday. Its part of everything we do. The church of Ephesus was doing allot of great things. Their reputation in their community must have been outstanding. But what happened in the process was that they had left their first love, the love of God that results in worship.
If we are too busy to worship God....we are too busy. Now I'm not attempting to judge you, I don’t' even know who will read this. So how could I judge you? But we all know that we have time for what is important to us. We have this priority list of activities that must get done, and then some things that we "want" to happen. We often invest large sums of money in these pursuits, many of which are outside what would be called church activity. Not bad, just not bible. Examples would be a "bass boat" or a "wardrobe". How about a "race car", or "decorating"? These are not bad things. We make time for them, and we often invest large sums of money in them. You don’t' have lots of money? Ok. What about TV? Most people have a TV. So we sit and partake of others who invest large sums of money in their pursuits. Lifestyles of the rich and famous. Life styles of the not so rich and famous. Everything from "COPS" to "Baseball". It's all there. Americans, even Christians spend many hours a week before a TV set observing the activities of others doing things. Busy.
So you are really active in your church and don’t' spend allot of time with things I mentioned above or something like them? Most of those things mentioned above were not around in the church of Ephesus. So it sounds like your are doing well. You are very active in your church? They were really active in their church too. There are people in this hour who are missing from their family almost every night of the week, doing church stuff. Very noble. God even approves, to a point. But where is the first love? Where are the worshippers?
In the temple of God built by Solomon, there were hundreds of worshippers. Worship was happening all the time. Is there worship happening all the time in God's temple today? Before you answer, be sure to remember that we are God's temple, not a building made by hands.
I have often thought how wonderful it would have been to approach Jerusalem in Solomon's day, perhaps late in the day. Most of the commercial activity has faded. Folks are home having supper. The city is quiet expect for the temple. Choirs were singing praises unto God. Worship. Day and night, night and day. Worship. First love. Holy God. Worthy of worship.
Do you know that God looks for worshippers? In fact, it is our created purpose in life, worship. Yet we are so busy, we have little or no time to worship. There is just too much to "do". "Sorry God, but I have taken on too many assignments." I don't even have time for myself anymore". "I do want to spend time with You Lord, but I just can't find the time". Beloved, we have time for what we want to do.
So where do we go from here? The messenger to the church of Ephesus gave a simple instruction to this wonderful church. Repent. Return to your first love.
Why am I writing this? If there was ever a man who had an indescribable and close encounter with our Holy God, it is me. I was so different; people could look at me and see it on my face. I was so different, so clean, and so pure inside, it showed on the outside without me uttering a word. But with tears in my eyes, I tell you that it somehow faded.
Yes I love God so much. But there's something missing in me that longs for that time of my "first love". I want to go back to that place where my God so consumed my whole being that I was immersed in God. It's a place that I cannot take myself. Only God can take me there. I've asked Him too over and over again. I've had some experiences from time to time. But not equaling or exceeding my "first love". God is searching for worshippers, those who worship in spirit and in truth. With my mind, I want to worship God. It's on my mind day and night. But what is lacking is a manifestation of His presence, like the first time. I know by faith He is here, in me. But I want to experience Him. He knows I do. I want to get direction for my life, know His will and purpose. So I patiently wait. No, I don't. I occupy myself with other things while I wait. I'm busy.
By Lahry Sibley
Rev 2:1 TO THE angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him Who holds the seven stars [which are the messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, Who goes about among the seven golden lampstands [which are the seven churches]:
Rev 2:2 I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.
Rev 2:3 I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary.
Rev 2:4 But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].
Rev 2:5 Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.
The church of Ephesus by the description was a very impressive church, even compared to this hour.
Let's look at some of its attributes, things that some folks would no doubt take bragging rights too, maybe some in leadership here. This is not make believe, this is true strengths and values that are important in church. Verse 2 says:
Rev 2:2 I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.
This is not a lazy church, but industrious and active. They are busy folks. They are patient and enduring. They cannot tolerate wickedness. Sound familiar? They are discerning of spirits and have no tolerance for imposters.
Verse 3 would indicate that among other things they have endured some persecution for the sake of the Master and His Body. Very noble indeed. Remember, this is not pretend; this is truth as appraised by God.
With all these good works and activity, and all of this endurance, God still has a problem with this assembly. They have forgotten the most important part. Worship.
Now I'm certain that if these things said above in scripture were said about a church in this hour, surely this church would have a "praise team", great musicians, singing all the latest choruses and songs. In fact, I know of a church just like this in our area. I've attended church there. It's an awesome place. If you want to be involved in meaningful ministry, it's the place to be in town. They are doing a lot of good things, outside the box. But I have difficulty finding a tender heart.
It's not that they intend to do God any dis-service. Not at all. They want to serve the Lord. They put their activity where their mouth is and their finances as well. There are many young people in this church who are expending their energy in service to the Lord. So what's missing? Worship, from a humble and contrite spirit.
I guess I've always had a tender heart. I don't apologize for it. I did not design it or pick it out. It's just me, so there is nothing to boast of. But I've observed church folks for a long time. And I find that those who seem to be worshipping God the most lose sight of what's going on around them. I find that even the thickest skin is pricked in the presence of the Lord. I have seen the toughest of men fall on their face before Him and weep. In fact, I've seen over 500 pastors on their faces before God repenting. It was the most powerful service I've ever attended. The result? Worship.
See folks, if you get close to God, worship just happens. You cannot wait for Sunday or Wednesday. Its part of everything we do. The church of Ephesus was doing allot of great things. Their reputation in their community must have been outstanding. But what happened in the process was that they had left their first love, the love of God that results in worship.
If we are too busy to worship God....we are too busy. Now I'm not attempting to judge you, I don’t' even know who will read this. So how could I judge you? But we all know that we have time for what is important to us. We have this priority list of activities that must get done, and then some things that we "want" to happen. We often invest large sums of money in these pursuits, many of which are outside what would be called church activity. Not bad, just not bible. Examples would be a "bass boat" or a "wardrobe". How about a "race car", or "decorating"? These are not bad things. We make time for them, and we often invest large sums of money in them. You don’t' have lots of money? Ok. What about TV? Most people have a TV. So we sit and partake of others who invest large sums of money in their pursuits. Lifestyles of the rich and famous. Life styles of the not so rich and famous. Everything from "COPS" to "Baseball". It's all there. Americans, even Christians spend many hours a week before a TV set observing the activities of others doing things. Busy.
So you are really active in your church and don’t' spend allot of time with things I mentioned above or something like them? Most of those things mentioned above were not around in the church of Ephesus. So it sounds like your are doing well. You are very active in your church? They were really active in their church too. There are people in this hour who are missing from their family almost every night of the week, doing church stuff. Very noble. God even approves, to a point. But where is the first love? Where are the worshippers?
In the temple of God built by Solomon, there were hundreds of worshippers. Worship was happening all the time. Is there worship happening all the time in God's temple today? Before you answer, be sure to remember that we are God's temple, not a building made by hands.
I have often thought how wonderful it would have been to approach Jerusalem in Solomon's day, perhaps late in the day. Most of the commercial activity has faded. Folks are home having supper. The city is quiet expect for the temple. Choirs were singing praises unto God. Worship. Day and night, night and day. Worship. First love. Holy God. Worthy of worship.
Do you know that God looks for worshippers? In fact, it is our created purpose in life, worship. Yet we are so busy, we have little or no time to worship. There is just too much to "do". "Sorry God, but I have taken on too many assignments." I don't even have time for myself anymore". "I do want to spend time with You Lord, but I just can't find the time". Beloved, we have time for what we want to do.
So where do we go from here? The messenger to the church of Ephesus gave a simple instruction to this wonderful church. Repent. Return to your first love.
Why am I writing this? If there was ever a man who had an indescribable and close encounter with our Holy God, it is me. I was so different; people could look at me and see it on my face. I was so different, so clean, and so pure inside, it showed on the outside without me uttering a word. But with tears in my eyes, I tell you that it somehow faded.
Yes I love God so much. But there's something missing in me that longs for that time of my "first love". I want to go back to that place where my God so consumed my whole being that I was immersed in God. It's a place that I cannot take myself. Only God can take me there. I've asked Him too over and over again. I've had some experiences from time to time. But not equaling or exceeding my "first love". God is searching for worshippers, those who worship in spirit and in truth. With my mind, I want to worship God. It's on my mind day and night. But what is lacking is a manifestation of His presence, like the first time. I know by faith He is here, in me. But I want to experience Him. He knows I do. I want to get direction for my life, know His will and purpose. So I patiently wait. No, I don't. I occupy myself with other things while I wait. I'm busy.
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Comment by Lahry Sibley on September 7, 2009 at 10:56pm
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Thank you for all the warm exhortation. I assure you, I just operate the keyboard here. I'm just grateful that you are blessed and encouraged. If you want to be successful in your life and in your ministry, LOVE. Love never fails! It works between us and our Master, and it works with whosoeverwill. It never fails. I have a little message about that I'll put up shortly. God bless you each and every one.
Lahry
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Oh dear saints. The call of the Holy Spirit is come home, come back, to your first Love. Come back to the bible. Come back to obedience.
You make the decision, He supplies the ability. That said, you simply cannot compromise. If you do, self will come roaring up out of the grave.
Father, I pray for mercy and grace for all these posters here, and the ones who didn't write too, Lord. Oh Yahweh, let Your Word and Your Love shine in their hearts. Give them the courage and the will to do Your good pleasure. Make us a people who give You all the glory, honor, and praise, in Yeshua's Holy Name. Amen and amen.
Let us continue to encourage one another. If you need mentoring and encouragement in your walk, please feel free to email me. I'd love to hear from you at: lahry4u@yahoo.com. God bless you one and all.
In Him,
Lahry
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Comment by Tonya Hill on September 2, 2009 at 1:57am
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Love this site so much-you go!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Comment by DUNCAN on September 1, 2009 at 11:09pm
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am so blessed, actually this confirm that this is the lords message at this season to me coz last prayer meeting these were exact words. am falling in love with my lord.
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Comment by Masaaki.T on September 1, 2009 at 7:56pm
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Dear Lahry, thank you for your message. It is so good for me to know there is a man who seeks the Lord wholeheartedly, putting aside everything else. I feel how spirtually immature and unfaithful I am while reading your message. I am not zealous and passionate for Him and lost soul. I always am full of myself. And Whenever I do His works, I can't help doing it for my satisfaction, not for pleasing Him. I have been proud of what I do for Him, not of what He has done for me, what He has done through me. I am the one Paul warned in the Galatian, who is proud of circumicision, that is "deed", paying no heed to Redemption of cross, that is, righteousness by faith. No wonder if I have no deed, I feel no joy. So recently I try to be grateful that He forgives me with my repentance even though I don't do anything for Him when I don't work for Him or I sin against Him, rather than to be proud of what I do. God bless you!! "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. " Galatian 6:14 "Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. " Romans 3:27-28
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Thank you Charles,
Naturally, I'm so blessed that you are blessed. Brother, I can only tell you what I have done. I'm 66 years old. Last February, I made up my mind, I was going to obey God even if it killed me. I through everything out of my life that is toxic to my relationship with God, anything that in the least may quench the work of the Holy Spirit. Yes, that even includes keeping the 7th day Sabbath rest with God. I can tell you of a certainty, I have been nothing but blessed since then. I'm not perfect, nor shall my flesh ever be. But Charles, I actually have power of the sin nature. In fact, after I did this, God let me see how I had crucified my flesh. Guess what, that war within has subsided. One side was put to death, no more war. Alleluia.
Now, before you go off thinking I walk on water, I don't. But I'm closer to God than I've ever been. He is on my concious mind every awakened minute I live. I have no interest in what I have become dead too. I keep anything toxic away from my eyes and ears. Jesus said if they offend, gouge them out, cut them off. I've done that figuratively.
See, I don't want what God has, beloved. I want God. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm taking the promised land by force. I've finally crossed Jordan and guess what. The giants are near as big as they appeared to be from the other side. I'm never going back, I can't go back. I'm His child and He loves me. I am totally at His disposal to do with as He chooses.
Now, let me share something with you that I did with my kids years ago. One night I was ministering to them, and I told my youngest son to go into the kitchen and get me a clear glass half full of water. So he did. He returned and gave me the glass. The glass was clean, the water was clean, but the glass was not full. Ok?
So I told him to bump into my shoulder. He did, but I did not move and I didn't spill a drop. So I told him to bump into me hard enough that I would have to take a step or two in order to keep my balance. So he did. I did not spill a drop.
Then I told him to go back to the kitchen and put all the water he possibly could into the glass. When he returned, he carefully gave me the glass. I told him to bump me like he did the first time. So he did. The water spilled out everywhere.
That is what your comment reminded me of, Charles. When we are so filled with God and nothing else, when our vessel is nice and clean, whatever we bump into, God just spills out everywhere. Oh alleluia.
I'm glad to see you are a Tozer reader. Here is a free gift for you, 39 articles from Tozer:
http://www.worldinvisible.com/library/tozer/5j00.0010/5j00.0010.c.htm
Read the last one first. And then # 26. You are right,there are not many of the remnant left. So we have to encourage one another. Oh how I do thank and praise our God for the gift of the internet. What a communication tool. He has made us missionaries to the whole world. Bless His Holy Name.
Thank you again for the kind exhortation, beloved. I'm just a keyboard operator for God. I go back and read some of the things I've written and I can't believe it. There is no way I could come close to duplicating what was done the first time. So if I boast, I have to boast in my God Who loves me so much and He even took my just punishment for all my sins upon Himself. Better yet, He gave me the ability, the will and desire to love Him and do His good pleasure. Oh happy day, when He washed my sins away.
You hang in there. Together, we are going to make, beloved. Christian brotherly hugs to you and yours. God bless you real good.
In His mercy and grace,
Lahry
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Well, now. You have blessed me so much today. Thank you. I'm available for fellowship anytime, sir. You can reach me at lahry4u@yahoo.com. It does sound like we are on the same page of our lives. I'm sure we have much to talk about. God bless you real good. Remember, our confidence is not in ourselves, or our understanding, but in our Holy God. Be ye holy for I am Holy. That is our commandment. We can only do that with His power working in us. We get that power when we go to the cross....and die.
Shalom,
Lahry
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Comment by PJ Serrano on September 1, 2009 at 10:53am
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That first love, yea I feel what you are saying. I once was on fire for our Lord. I couldn't wait to be in church. I was consumed with reading His Word. I was just simply engulfed by His Spirit at all times. Every thing that was not of God fell to the wayside. Then I became the prodical son and things are not the same. I have always wondered if I was truly saved when I have fallen. Yet because of the night I asked God to live in me via His Spirit. I wanted to dance in the street, I wasn't fearful anymore. I wanted to have every one feel what I felt. I was on fire. And now I am at a place where I can't wait to go to church and worship God and I seek His face daily, and I am more grounded with my feelings and don't let them get the best of me. Though I have matured in progressing into a man of God, it seems the things I am disciplining my self with are the very same things that just happened to me when I was first born again of His Spirit. Maybe it was just a taste of what is to come for those of us who are chosen. All I can say from that first fire to now, I am conscience of my decision to follow the Lord regardless of my feelings. I don't know if I am trying to force myself to love God, I don't think so. I know that my carnal mind is at war with the Word of God that is the Holy Spirit in me. I want to please our Father just for the sake of pleasing Him. I love Him, yet its not the same as it was at first.
Interesting stuff. Just keep on keeping on is what I say to myself. And like you, I wait for that over flow of His Spirit.
Fight the good fight my brother.
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