Godstoppedby

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Experiencing Bethel

"Go where you're celebrated, not where you're just tolerated." Bill Johnson. Bethel church truly gets this and puts it into practice. I'm spending some time re-evaluating my life and experiences in light of this truth. Adam and I have never been so loved and accepted by strangers before our trip to Redding California last week. There is truly an atmosphere of heaven released in that place. You can go there and know you're safe. And that makes it ok to be yourself and to change and grow.
I think we often spend too much time with others who merely tolerate us, and we try to get accepted by them, and that rarely happens. In order for them to accept us, we have to become like they are, and that's not good for anyone. I need to be myself, good and bad, and still be loved. When I am, I'll be safe to learn and grow and change and become all that God wants me to be. Continual disapproval does not bring positive change and growth; on the contrary, it slows growth and will kill you as you keep trying to become other than what you were created to be. In the light of God's love comes the realization of who you are. Another person's light can overshine you, but it will never penetrate your inner being and let you arise and shine. Only God's light can do that.
I recently went to a conference, and when I had signed in I went to get on line and wait for the doors to open. I saw a woman who I have met before and have had conversations with and who I was chatting with regularly on Facebook. She was at the front of the line. I started to go over to say hello to her, and she turned away from me saying "No, no, I don't..." and whatever she mumbled as she completely rejected my presence. This person is recognized as having an intercessory prayer ministry and has over 5,000 friends on Facebook. She actually covered her face with her hands as I tried to identify myself to her. I looked at the person who was with her, and he was totally embarrassed by her behavior. I smiled, shrugged, and walked away. Her behavior surprised me, but it didn't hurt. Jesus is my shield. And I don't need her acceptance.
Most of us don't do that to others so dramatically, but I bet we do it on the inside sometimes. I know I've done it. There are some times that I just don't want to deal with another person and I hide inside myself to avoid getting stuck. I'm embarrassed to admit that, but confession is good for the soul.
I share all this because in the light of the truth I've stated at the beginning of this post, such behavior so completely dims the light of Jesus in us. In some circles, well-known people are surrounded by body guards and protected from ever connecting with the people they're preaching to and trying to reach. In a completely different circle is Bill Johnson. When we visited Bethel Church, he preached on the Sunday we were there. At the end of the service he called for the ministry teams to come forward quickly so that he could go to the back. I thought he meant leaving for the day, but after I took Adam up for prayer, there he was at the back of the church, still shaking hands and greeting people just like every other pastor at every other church on the planet. Adam and I got on line and when we got up to him, he shook hands with Adam and listened attentively to him as he excitedly proclaimed, "I got healed today! I got healed today!" Bill looked at me for clarity and I told him Adam had never said that before, he usually says something like "I got prayer today." I briefly explained that he was indicating the presence of the Lord in his back and spine. Bill looked at Adam again and told him he would be getting more healing. He told Adam how happy he was to have met him, and shook his hand for a second time. Then he hugged him and blessed him. He hugged me too. He truly practices what he preaches.
So many things happened there at Bethel, and I'll share a bit from time to time. I'm grateful to the Lord for all we experienced. I'm changed by what I experienced there. Deep wounds of rejection from things long past are healed in the Presence of the One who loves me best. I'll keep you posted regarding the progression of Adam's healing. Much love to all my readers today. May God stop by your house today with His perfect love and acceptance.