What is going to be our defining moment?
The definition of the word defining is as follows:
1 a : to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of *whatever defines us as human* b : to discover and set forth the meaning of (as a word) c : to create on a computer *define a window* *define a procedure*
2 a : to fix or mark the limits of : DEMARCATE *rigidly defined property lines* b : to make distinct, clear, or detailed especially in outline *the issues aren’t too well defined*
3 : CHARACTERIZE, DISTINGUISH *you define yourself by the choices you make
A moment can simply be defined as a spot or second or day…a sliver of time.
As we subconsciously pass through the mid point of 2007, what will be our defining moment of this year? What will characterize or distinguish us from the rest of the year as well as the rest of the world?
For some it’s how you dress…for others it’s the school you graduated from; for others it’s the denominational tag you chose to wear (if any).
Our defining moment involves a decision. Are we going to follow Jesus with all our heart soul and strength, or will we cave in to the demands of an unregenerate society that is hell bent on silencing our voice and our influence in society?
Are we going to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, even when it doesn’t make sense, or will we cave into the demands of a backslidden religious system that only wants the applause and approval of men, and doesn’t want to win souls and build the Kingdom of God?
I am not trying to be divisive or contentious, but I am weary of churches and church boards who in the words of Chet Swearingen have developed an retirement mentality: they’ve paid their dues to God and the world and now are content to enjoy the years of work and toil in building the church and the church bank accounts…only to save all that money and church building for the anti-christ to seize and spend and use on his kingdom. While pastors are doing all they can to reach their communities with a move of the Spirit, people set idly by giggly bragging about “their little preacher” and his performance week after week, never seeing nor fully capturing his or her heart for God and for the lost! Like the Philistines with Samson, we cheer, “Bring out Samson and let him make sport for us!
What will be our defining moment?
Adam and Eve had a defining moment, and got kicked out of the Garden.
Samson had a defining moment, and chose to keep his head in Delilah’s lap, one day too long.
David had a defining moment; when he should have been with Joab fighting the Lord’s battles, he chose to stay home and ended up with an illegitimate child.
But there are those who had different defining moments! When Peter said yes to Jesus, his defining moment lead to two stints of walking on the water!
The woman with the issue of blood’s defining moment came when she decided to push through the crowd to touch the helm of Jesus’ garment.
Elisha’s defining moment came when he decided to tell Elijah, you are not going anywhere without me!
120 disciples defining moment was when they decided to go back to Jerusalem, even with the Jews of that day threatening them with death to wait on the Promise of the Father.
One women’s defining moment brought healing; Peter’s defining moment produced a miracle of water walking; Elisha’s defining moment produced a double portion anointing; 120 people’s defining moment brought forth the greatest move of the Spirit in their generation, the Day of Pentecost!
What will our defining moment produce?
This IS our defining moment!
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[...] David – Sure to be something firey. Michael – Sure to be something well thought out and doctrinally sound with that Vineyard flair. Chet – Can you say graphics? Rich – If he completes it, (remember that “imminent” post on Ted Haggard back in November of last year?) it will be in several months and contain thousands of words. Some pro-gay group will surely comment on it and tell how Carlton Pearson is the greatest man since Moses. slw – I know, that is six but I doubt Rich will ever post. so slw will pinch hit. Don’t ask. I have no idea what slw stands for. [...]
How often are defining moments hid in rather mundane choices: to stay with Elijah, to go with Joab and the armies, to press through the crowd to get close, not to eat that apple? Not at all attended with lightning bolts or overwhelming forces arrayed against us. Still small voices and choices easily overlooked are often the ones that determine and define our destinies.
SLW stole my thunder (hope you see the funny side in that!)
Thanks for the post David. It’s all about choices. Was Paul’s defining moment his Damascus Road experience – or was that one of God’s defining moments? Paul’s defining moments came from his choices thereafter.
We cannot assume that those who are having defining moments are doing so without having CHOSEN to be convicted and to act. I’m a God-encounter chaser, but God’s sovereignty gets a bum rap by those who CHOOSE to be spectators.
Mark, I’m also annoyed by the spectators in church services…they are the ones who seem to be real quick to “judge” what is real and what is fake…yet never seem to lift their hands to produce the real…
slw, I totally agree…it’s the mundane, everyday, simple choices…choices many times made without “feeling the Spirit” that lead us into a defining moment
I dont know if this is inline with your post David but here it goes…
Its when you realize that a Jehovahs witness has knocked on your door to present the “good news” and knowing that he has left with the GOOD NEWS presented to him.
It these times David that I cherish because I know that I have been in the presence of God and I know that I have “preached the gospel” to someone in need.
get em Rodney!!!!!!!!!!
My defining moment will be when I am face to face with my Lord . Standing on Holy ground shouting with every hair on my body lifted to rise for the king as he strectches his arms out to me and says enter in my good and faithful servant. Thank you Lord for the promise of something so big that it makes it worth the trails down here.
In the words of Rita Springer…
It’s gonna be worth it!!!!!