THE HUNGER OF OUR HEART

We live in a time in which the “spirits of the age” has spiritually made inroads upon us. The influence of this world colors our spirituality and leaves its mark even upon our soul. We seem to be very slow to learn even the simplest lessons in the school of the Spirit about God and His ways. My love for this world and the things in it ever puzzles me and I like Paul, "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do.16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good." (Romans 7:15-16) Now I do not know about you, but there is a hunger in my heart to do right yet I find myself doing wrong. This struggle is not isolated to just Paul and I, but to all mankind. Again Paul talks (he has a lot to say about these emotions) about this struggle in his life, "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:19-24) Paul here answers his own question in verse 24, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." (Romans 7:25) Now do not think you are a super holy Christian and above this struggle if you do you are worse off then you know. This struggle even extends into the spiritual world. We should never become involved in doctrinal issues, arguing, or splitting hairs over minor points of no real spiritual significance. Rather, we are to respond and move in a spiritual quickening and in revelation heeding the words of Christ, “But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does. That your alms may be in secret; and your Father which sees in secret Himself shall reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:3-4) The "Church" is obsessed with doctrinal issues that divide and fracture the Body of Christ. The number one and two dividing topics fought over in the "Church" are having to speak in tongues when filled with the Holy Spirit and ladies in leadership as pastors, Deacons, Elders, teachers, evangelist. And oh the lust for money and power some "Churches" and denominations have. This is why I tell my friends you DO NOT have to go to a "Church" instead go and spend some time talking with the LORD. Now the writer of Hebrews (I believe to be Paul) tells us, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25) It does not say go to "Church" after all we are the "Church" and not all of the denominations and religions that destroy the heart and lives of men and woman around the world. But it does say we must "assemble ourselves together" while "exhorting one another:" The early "Church" in the Book of Acts started in home groups then tried to copy the religious system of the day and I believe got off track, but I will save this discussion for another day. This concept of secrecy in Matthew 6:3-4 should not to be limited to the act of giving as the principle holds true in all areas of Christian witness and ministry. It is a fundamental fact that man seeks expression; all like to be heard, seen, and loved. We all should do so to develop a normal personality and character. This places a responsibility upon us as the flesh nature has become so dominant in man’s methods that we may unconsciously allow its ways to sweep in and rule even in our spiritual life's experiences. John tells, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:15-17) Our flesh gets it's expression from the spirit of this world and the things in this world that project it's influence and control, and authority our man. We must remember this clear-cut and poignant truth: “Than which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). This is a truth upon which all real Christian life and spirituality is built. It is basic and fundamental. We should not restrict the meaning of this phrase, “that which is born of the flesh is flesh,” as referring merely to a function of our physical body. Now this is a true concept, but far too limited. Whatever has its inception and is birthed from a fleshly origin forever remains in the realm of the earthly and flesh. These cannot under any circumstances become spiritual or bear spiritual fruitage. On the other hand whatever is “born of the Spirit” (whatever has its inception from and is birthed through the Spirit) is always spiritual in issue and fruition. All the service and work of man (though they may be considered as being “spiritual” by some) are merely a natural and religious expression. They have their origin from within the good, religious nature of man’s being, and he gives it free expression in the form of service and works. Not being born of the Spirit, however, they can never be Spiritual, nor can they ever merit a spiritual reward. The “ways” and “methods” of man by nature are diametrically opposed to the “ways” and “laws” of the Spirit. The question in the last analysis is not, “is this a true ministry?” It is, rather, a question of motives and the birthplace of its manifestation – is it of the “spirit,” or of the “flesh?” This is the day of exhibition and exploitation. Many struggle to be seen, heard, and known. This is what man does, but not the Spirit. Speaking of the Holy Spirit Jesus said, “He shall not speak of (or from) Himself (that is on his own initiative) but He shall glorify Me, for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it to you.” (John 16:13-14) The Spirit does not detract from, but rather, focuses the attention where it belongs – upon the Lord Jesus. This is the "true" test of ministry (and all who say they are ministering) what do they say and do with Jesus Christ. Signs and wonders do not matter, amounts of money raised, and numbers of crowds drawn, but what do you say about Jesus Christ is the litmus test of "true ministry." If the ministry is truly of the Spirit of God the instrument will be hidden. Self-effacement will be the atmosphere. How awkward and reluctant the Adamic nature is in getting out of hearing, and out of sight. In these days of man’s exhibition we often have become suspicious of his motives. In some cases one hardly dares to be kind or courteous for he will be misunderstood. Someone might think we are attempting to put something over if we are polite and kind. This world loves and even pushes an out spoken and in your face Christianity. The disciples, on their way to Emmaus, were courteous enough to invite the stranger to walk with them and to enter with them into their destination. As the result of a simple act of kindness a revelation came to hungry hearts. So much of value and real worth often hinges upon a seeming trifle little is much, if God is in it. Do not fear to obey His commands they are not grievous. God is seeking refreshment today. Can you not spread before Him a humble meal in the quiet, hidden place of your heart? But remember, He may not wear the form you are expecting. He often “hungers” in the form of broken humanity. Most "Churches" today do not want to feed the broken and poor of humanity. I have seen it in the "Churches" of Sneads Ferry. Oh they say come to our "Church" you are welcome, but when you do (I have talked to many people who have made this mistake) you are made to feel like an outsider, different, a real sinner who needs to clean up their lives before they can come and really be welcomed. Take heed my friends the forms God wears are many. So serve the deep hunger of the needy one and satisfy their need. In so doing you may open the door to a deeper revelation of who He really is. Written by David Stahl