Hi John,
I want to thank you again for your message last night; it was so good and it really touched my heart, and stirred up the holy Ghost in me. I didn’t want to forget what it was that was so good, so late last night I watched the meeting again and listened to your whole message again. I love what you said about hearing the voice of God and how that’s going to save us, and to stay right with the things we know came from Him.
Less than an hour before the meeting last night, I felt the Lord speaking to MY heart, and telling me to go grab the music for “Here Comes Jesus”, and to start with a particular verse. So, I had it ready, and when the time felt right, I sang it. I think it was appropriate for the moment, and I thanked the Lord that I was ready with it. (I had a different song in mind, and it would’ve been fine, I believe, but it would not have been as good as listening to Jesus.)
Last week, last night, and today, I keep hearing these words: “lay it down”. I don’t believe they apply just to me, (but they do apply to me.) A week or so ago, Song and I got into a sharp disagreement about something. (Our disagreements over the course of 40+ years have been few, thankfully). But I could feel this disagreement was deep. I don’t know why; it was no big deal. But I knew I was right; I had all the reasons, and I had all the explanations. That night of the disagreement, we went to bed without resolving things, which I almost never do, as that has been one of my inner rules to follow when there’s something between us.
As I tried to go to sleep that night, I ruminated over all the things I could say, and all the reasons I had to justify my position. That went on for a while, until I heard the voice of the Lord. The words were clear and short: “lay it down”. But, I started to fight with God about that a little, planning how I would try to end the disagreement, and prove my point, etc. and after that, I heard the words again: “lay it down.”
In my heart, I said, “Lord, help me lay it down.” And although I did not hear the actual words, the feeling was, to lay it down completely and remember it no more. Not every disagreement needs to resolve this way, but this one would because the Spirit said so, and I knew it. Right after that, I fell asleep.
When I woke up in the morning, I made the point to not say a word about anything, and to act normally. And when I did, I realized Song did not buck or have an attitude; it was gone, and we would not have to discuss it at all. It was over. Our hearts were one again. What a relief!
There is a spirit of strife in the world today, and without God‘s help, it’s bound to affect us. You have been saying several times now, “Are you willing to be healed?” If we have to be made “willing”, that means there’s something in the way. (And usually the thing in the way is ourselves.)
I do believe the spirit is saying to some, “Lay it down.” “Are you willing to be healed? Or are you going to hang onto how right you are, and remain in your affliction? Lay it down. Lay it DOWN!”
I just wanted to share that experience because it made a difference for us. And it had to do with what you were talking about last night. There may be strife in our world right now, but for us, there is healing right now. I pray that we will be the ones to take advantage of what Jesus offers us, and to follow his voice. It’s OK. Just go hug the person you’re in conflict with, and lay it down.
Thank you, John. Your messages are always so very timely for us. When we got home, Song told me. “John always has what we need to get excited in Jesus.” I’m paraphrasing it, but that’s what she meant! And I agreed.
Gary
Scriptures used by Pastor John during his message: