a new approach to AWAKE events
In a world saturated with noise and grabs for your attention and a blatant desire to make merchandise out of you, (2 Peter 2:3) we want to stand in faith that not only can God the author and sustainer of life, and all creation—calm the storm, set you free, wash and regenerate you by no other means than the power of the cross, but HE says in his word ‘come and buy without money’ Is. 55:1. ONLY BELIEVE, as did Joshua and Caleb. They had the faith to take the land. We believe and proclaim “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE” John 3:16.
Confirmation of the decision came in our daily reading plan. Jesus was provided for, and did not charge for one single gathering. And if he attended the wedding he performed a miracle, when he entered a city he healed the sick, he cast out demons, and he marveled at the centurion’s faith. WOW WOW WOW. Can we live like Jesus? Hmm, how did he have what he needed to eat, and travel with such a large band of followers? Not to mention he had enough to give to the poor. John 13:29 states, “Since Judas had charge of the money, some [of the other disciples] thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor.” Jesus received financial support from his friends. Luke reported that some women “were helping to support them out of their own means.”(Luke 8:3) And sometimes it was rough to follow Jesus, as he challenged their security.
Now when Jesus saw a large crowd around him, he gave orders to go to the other side of the lake. Then an expert in the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens, and the birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Matthew 8:18-22 NET
“Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. (take note: right after this statement he gives the parable about the sower.) But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:3, 15 NIV
In Matthew 6:19-21 NET Jesus in his own words says: “Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and devouring insect destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and devouring insect do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Perhaps we have the conditions we have in our nation are because our hearts are not right with GOD. And we can not error in teaching that we give to get, we do not give to purchase anything from GOD. EVER. Peter rebukes Simeon the Sorcerer, “you thought you could buy the gift of God.” Acts 8:20 (also see Isaiah 55:1)
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality. As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.” 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
When the manna was provided, it was enough. If you need it, you will have it. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
We long for a good harvest— the parable of the sower is right after a short and oftentimes overlooked detail. Women were supplied with seed, resources to give to sustain Christ and the gospel work.
Yes, giving is needed to take the gospel where it must go, but lack of giving doesn’t stop the gospel from going. Go and tell is a command to us all. Often when I am stepping out, it is not, do I have the money? But rather has God called me? Is there a spiritual need? God provides. Ask Abraham. And we give, like the Corinthians out of response to the greatest gift of all time. They approach Paul urgently pleading to give perhaps believing ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”
2 Corinthians 8:3-5 NIV
Leave no means untried. When a man is diligent in seek-ing some earthly thing, he leaves no means untried to get at his end. When a merchant is seeking goodly pearls, he goes from market to market. When a beggar is seeking his meat, he goes from door to door; a hundred refusals do not daunt him ; he still knocks on at the next gate. And so, if you are really in earnest, you will leave no means untried—Bible, prayer, united prayer, faithful ministers, and godly friends.
Robert Murray McCheyne
Give up all that hinders. When a man is diligent in worldly things, he gives up all that would mar his success. If a man is thoroughly set upon going a journey, he leaves his bed early in the morning. If a man is running for his life, he soon throws away every weight. So, if you are diligent in seeking Christ. If your way of business prevents you; if it brings so much care as to hinder you, so that you see it will be your ruin, you will give it up. If any company is ruinous to you, destroys your seriousness, hinders your prayers, and wastes your precious hours, you will break it off. If any idol hinders your cleaving to Christ, cast it away. Be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace. Herod would not give up his Herodias. Robert Murray McCheyne
But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.”—Numb, 14:24 KJV.
Matt 6:33 seek first. Exo 36:7 Now the materials were more than enough for them to do all the work. 2 Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.
So this year, all of our events will be free of charge. All sessions open and free of charge, beds available until they fill up. Food provided should the LORD provide, otherwise bring your lunch and like the boy with 5 loaves and 2 fish be prepared to share.
And I no longer live, but Christ lives in me, and that life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 God has provided so many times for the work he calls us into. So we are going to host the barn gathering on May 2nd. It’s in Auburn WA, and will be a family style gathering for worship from 6-8pm.
Barn Address: 19309 SE 344th St Auburn WA 98092
Shortly afterward Awake heads to the heart of the nation to pray for America in honor of America’s founding 250 years ago, praying for revival in the land.
Praying for a powerful move of God. All this is done in faith. My faith is in the faithfulness of God to call us back to him, and to heal our families and land. I, Charity Rattray commit to look to the LORD, and I pray you will do the same. Come and worship THE ALL SUFFICIENT ONE with us.
Sign up for the Selah retreat and let us know you are coming. More details will be provided as they develop.
