I have been studying much of the work and ministry of old time evangelists. Times in their lives of great difficulty and sorrow as well as great turning points when God began to use them in mightier ways. I have noticed a definite commonality in their stories and it’s something worth pondering. After looking also at the scriptures, certainly it was common in the lives of the disciples.

It is a yielding to the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is a dying to self and allowing Him to work through us. God has shown me recently how little this actually occurs….for we really do not know as much as we ought about the person of the Holy Spirit. For He does that which the Father does… He prays on our behalf when we “know not what to pray..”

A thousand deaths will have to occur every time I step out to minister in music, worship with my sisters and brothers, and to share testimonials and His word. I..we..will have to yield the floor. So many years ago this thought would have made me sick to my stomach. Each concert maticulously mapped out song by song..word by word. Certainly God does this at times but I noticed something later in ministry that as I prepared my notes, He would always scrap them at the last minute. This was so frustrating for an OCD girl:) Yet soon I saw how freeing it actually was. He promises in His Word if we open our mouths He will give us what to say. Sometimes, yes, I know what He desires ahead of time..but sometimes I honestly do not.  My job is simply to be bathed in prayer and His presence. He will do the rest. It’s these times I have seen Him do the most amazing work.

In this season, I have fervently prayed for Him to crucify my flesh. That the Holy Spirit would dwell so intimately within me that I would yield in a moment to His movement and what He wants to do. You see..the Holy Spirit is not just a “Feeling” but the 3rd person of the Trinity. He has a personality and is here to help us fulfill the Father’s heart and plan in any given moment. I have asked Him to fill me with all His love for His people and for humanity. That my will would become His will. That there would no longer be 2 wills but only 1 will.

I have found myself surrendering to still yet a higher calling. As He makes His way through my life He continues to put away things of this world that distract me from His plan. For I live for Him…and to please Him..in all things. The Holy Spirit can not dwell readily and fully in an unyielded vessel…….yet He desires to bathe us in the Father’s love and heart.

Maybe today…it’s time to die a thousand deaths….for our lives must testify to this… “not my will, but thine…”

 

A Thousand Deaths

 There shant not be one death at all

If thou has heard thy Master’s call.

For as each platform neareth thee

A thousand deaths must precede.

For glory calls a nail at each

To crucify our fleshly need

For we will have to put away

More and more to walk His way.

If thou be honest, confess, we’ll see

Thy knowledge lacks His power indeed

For death has failed to deep occur

And vision has become but blurred.

Raising dead and loving full

Carrying wounded to healing pools

Praying for heaven’s heavenly tools

That break off chains and darks that rule

For assignments wait with open doors

But as you grasp that knob once more

Remember you must die again

For Power on High to swell in men.

Worship with His melodies

Anointed as Thy Father breathes

Holy Spirit …yes…you will need

To join Him setting captives free.

Yield thyself to sweetness most

Thy Holy Spirit will hover close

A faithful friend that only does

That which Father wills to be done.

But if thy vessel chooses life

When death is what Christ does require

Oh, the blessings stocked as gifts

That never go unwrapped from Him.

Yield! Yield! Yield, my friends!

Greater works He has for men!

But death must come authentically

A Thousand deaths you must die for Thee.

˜Shelly Wilson