A Defining Time -- Revealing True Champions

by Bobby Conner
Nov 22, 2010

Deep within the beautiful woods of East Texas, sitting on my porch at the River House, a quaint little cottage nestled near the Angelina River, I commence to write this Shepherd's Rod 2011. Amazed at the magnificent trees, these huge oaks, soaring well over eighty to a hundred feet, are making a perfect canopy providing a shelter. It seems as if I am sitting in a Divine Sanctuary.

In the twilight moments, before sunrise, there is a stillness that is absolutely breathtaking. I've had the privilege to preach the Word of God for over four decades, yet there is deep within my soul a stirring to know God on a more personal intimate level than ever. Holy Spirit has stirred within me a holy hunger, my soul thirsts for God, for the Living God:

"O GOD, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You."—Psalm 63:1–3 AMP

Brilliantly the morning sun slowly arises, the Eastern sky responding with a warm, welcoming glow. The rising light is gently beckoning the entire atmosphere to awake and experience the joy of the dawning of a new day.

Scores of songbirds, as if directed by a master conductor, respond on cue. Their songs are magnificently clear with amazing harmony; it is certainly supernatural. Their sound of celebration ignites feelings of gratitude deep within my soul, my spirit is refreshed and stirred listening to their timbre; it is as if I am listening to a fine-tuned symphony. My heart is filled with the passage, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:6).

Far in the distance, high in the sky, I hear the unique calls of huge flocks of geese, winging their journey south, signaling the change of the season. We too must grasp the changing tide before us, preparing ourselves for swift shifts and turbulent turns.

Learning to lean upon the guidance of Holy Spirit to navigate these days, we can walk in bold confidence, knowing God is in total control.

None need to stumble about in darkness and confusion, we can walk in total confidence, directed by God and His unchanging word:

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold; yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.—Psalm 19:7–12 NKJV

This is the Season to Be Still and Know God

As the warm sunlight slowly caresses the huge trees, it reveals they are dressed in their magnificent fall leaves displaying colors so vivid and stunning no artist could paint. Each leaf is finely decorated in exquisite, vibrant color; they are extremely still, the peacefulness is truly tangible. In such an atmosphere it is easy to experience the God of the universe.

Peace can be discovered in some of the simplest settings. Christ Jesus is the Prince of Peace; He offers each of us lasting, abiding peace if we yield our life to Him.

In this fast-paced culture, it is sad to see multitudes so busy seeking to obtain happiness in every way except experiencing the pleasure of knowing God. Make up your mind right now: you are going to take time to get to know God in a deeper, more meaningful manner. It is in His presence fullness of joy is found (Psalm 16:11).

Never get so busy attempting to make a living that you forget to have a life. It is as we seek first God's Kingdom that all the other things are added to us.

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.—Matthew 6:33 AMP

In the realm of the Spirit each of us can take full advantage of the dawning of a new day; this is the season to be still and know God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah!—Psalm 46:10–11 NKJV

This Will Be a Season of Divine Light

Please hear this: This will be a season of Divine Light. Even in the midst of chaos and confusion, the peace of God will keep all hearts that are casting all their cares upon the Lord.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]

Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.—Matthew 11:28–30 AMP

Embrace Christ's promise of rest and relief from the pressures and stress of this life; cast your cares upon HIM. This occurs when we take time to be doers of the Word, not just those who hear (see James 1:22).

Peace and tranquility of soul is found when we focus our entire mind and soul upon the Lord, then His surpassing peace keeps our mind bathed in blessed peace.

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].—Isaiah 26:3–4 AMP

The battlefield is your mind, set your heart and mind upon good godly thoughts.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.—Philippians 4:6–9 AMP

Get it settled in your heart, make this decree: "I choose to live a life of peace!" For those attempting to walk by the light of their own desires, this will be a time of torrent trouble.

Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled—This you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment.—Isaiah 50:11 NKJV

The choice is ours: We can attempt to direct our own path or we can surrender to the guidance of God and let Him have His way with our life. Make the wise choice of yielding control to Christ; after all, He is the Prince of Peace. Jesus admonishes us to let His peace control our life in John 14:1, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me" (NKJV).

Swift Shifts

It is amazing how swiftly our world is changing, however in a changing world there is an anchor that is steadfast and sure: Christ Jesus. Know this change is now. Know for certain that your future will not look like your present (see Jeremiah 31:17). It is the will of God to transform each of us into a more detailed likeness of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18 and Romans 12:2).

This is a time of defining, revealing the true champions of the Cross! In this time of confusion and chaos this could well be our finest hour. All over the earth people are seeking answers groping desperately for hope. We must seize the day, let our words be filled with the wisdom of God.

[The Servant of God says] The Lord God has given Me the tongue of a disciple and of one who is taught, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He wakens Me morning by morning, He wakens My ear to hear as a disciple [as one who is taught].—Isaiah 50:4 AMP

Ask God to give you the tongue of a taught one, knowing how to answer the tough questions people are facing. Now is our time to arise and boldly reflect the radiant splendor of Christ, shine forth the Light of God's great love.

ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Lift up your eyes round about you and see! They all gather themselves together, they come to you. Your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried and nursed in the arms.

Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart shall thrill and tremble with joy [at the glorious deliverance] and be enlarged; because the abundant wealth of the [Dead] Sea shall be turned to you, unto you shall the nations come with their treasures.—Isaiah 60:1–5 AMP

It is my earnest prayer that you will be enlightened and greatly encouraged by God's truths revealed in these pages. They serve only as a catalyst to ignite a deeper desire to know more concerning the ways and works of God.

You are not alone in your quest, for the Spirit of Truth will guide you. Christ Jesus states in John 14:26, "But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you" (AMP).

The Holy Spirit will direct you as you seek to walk in the Light of God.

You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, and withheld not Your manna from them, and gave water for their thirst.—Nehemiah 9:20 AMP

Don't Draw Back, Be Bold and Very Courageous

May God bless you with courage to face the future with hope, confidence and unspeakable joy, full of His Glory and walking daily in His abundant mercies, revealing the truth if God be for us who can be against us. Even in the times of trouble, we are more than conquerors:

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.—Romans 8:37

Don't draw back, be bold and very courageous, knowing that you are not facing any situation alone, Almighty God is with you; it is His presence that guarantees your success.

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.—Joshua 1:9 AMP

The Spirit of Truth will teach us the vast difference between fleshly arrogance and true Holy Spirit confidence. In our own fleshly power we can do nothing lasting for the Kingdom of God.

Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.—John 15:4–5

Amen!

Bobby Conner
Eagle View Ministries
Email: manager@bobbyconner.org