Shhh...I'm not done talking yet...

Two days ago, I got a call from a man named Eli Martinez.  He said that he had an event going on that he would like to inform me on and also sit down and chat - just to have some one on one conversation.  I obliged him and said excitedly that I would like to meet him as soon as possible; which turned out to be the following day. 

My wife, Liz, informed me later that I had double booked myself.  I had forgotten that we were going to go to a spaghetti feed at Wapato High School for the benefit of those who had lost their homes in White Swan (to the fire).  But, as you will see...it all worked out.

The next day rolled around and before I knew it, it was about that time.  So, we went to the spaghetti feed...their were tons of people there!  A large part of the community came to support the families - it was quite moving!  However, (here's where is it worked out) because so many in the community were there, the line was Gigantour! So, we stood around for a bit, talked to a few people, gave a donation and left to go to our meeting (in 30 mins).  PS - this worked out because our meeting was at Miner's. 

Skipping to the good part:  Eli and his wife Sara, and his three handsome boys were there when we got there.  We say down and he began to share his vision and how it is coming to be.  I watched and listened and became even filled myself he poured out his passion to see the body of Christ unified and united on one front...all denominations and all races together!!


Well, if you don't know me (and you probably don't) - one of my biggest passions and I believe callings is to see the body of Christ united!  So, you can imagine as I am sitting there, listening to my Hispanic brother enunciate eloquently his elaborate vision - I became elated to the max (nice alliteration, huh?)!! 

It seemed like God was saying "Hey, you asked to be a part of this movement.  Well, here's your chance!" He totally was, by the way.  For after we left the meeting, we were driving home and Liz and I began to sing praises in the car.  Then, all of the sudden I felt kind of strange.  I noticed this kind of feeling of blockage, I guess you would say, over top my chest.  Not like a physical blockage, it seemed emotional or spiritual.  I was thinking about that and what God was doing...and Liz said "The Lord wants you to open your heart, He has something to tell you".  Or something to that effect.

So, I focused, I prayed forgiveness of my sins and then said "Lord, now I am blameless.  Speak to your servant." Boy did He.  He spoke to me about things on my mind; things that were holding me back.  Things that I worried about that I needed not worry about.

Then...I got excited...and I started thinking on my own....I stopped listening.  I caught myself though...and God said "Hey!  Shhhhh!  I'm not done talking yet!" So, I promptly shut the heck up and let Him continue.  He continued on and even gave me visions of some in my youth group  - the least and the smallest all filled with the Holy Spirit and changing their generation.  I asked Him if certain people would be a part of this...and the answer was yes and no. 

I realize on a deeper understanding now - how we can even block out God when our intentions are pure.  I sensed God earlier - before the conversation took place and I didn't recognize it fast enough.  He had to speak to another servant, luckily more sensitive than I, to get my attention.  Then, in the midst of hearing from the CREATOR, I began to blabber in my head excitedly, effectively not listening.

Even those more spiritual or righteous than myself I'm sure find themselves cutting God off.  Samuel answered God "Speak, for your servant hears" (1 Sam. 3:10).  You know when the Jesus says "You have not because you ask not"?  Well, congruently, you hear not because you listen not. 

How will I be unified with my people if I am not even unified with my Creator?  Unity comes through communication...learn to communicate with God first...then your people. 

Speak and then listen
But listen more than speak
An arrogant mouth is rotten
But the Voice of God in one's ears makes one meek.