Gold in the River

CLOSING COLD CASES

2019-11-20T15:27:00.005-06:00

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I sent topics to Rivergate’s Conquering Prayer Team this week and, as I typed, the image of an old cardboard evidence box popped into my mind. It was taped shut, and tired hands were slowly forcing the lid off, in spite of the tape’s protests. Across the lid was written in black marker: “Cold Case.” I knew (as one knows things in visions and dreams without specific communication) that the boxes (there were multiples) contained old issues and attacks against God’s children, and that the hands opening the boxes belonged to the enemy’s harassment staff. I sensed this indicated a fresh wave of internal accusation coming against some of us. “Internal,” meaning the battle will likely be private, mental, and emotional, rather than public, legal, and relational. Now, I’ll be honest. When I got this, I was annoyed. I’m really not in the mood for harassment. It’s bad timing and an overall pain in the neck. Besides, I know the end of the story and we win! So, if you’re feeling the same, please keep reading. There’s good news, I promise!

I asked Papa, “How can the enemy do this?” He replied: “Well, son, the nature of a “cold case” is that it was never really settled in the first place. The truth didn’t fully come out. Final judgment wasn’t applied.” The words hit their mark. Sometimes, our issues go dormant without ever truly being dealt with. Imagine having an issue with a co-worker who gets transferred before you address it. True, you avoid confrontation, but you also avoid the growth it could have produced. Parts of you that God wanted to mature through the confrontation remain untouched. Our King is too committed to our Christlikeness to let pieces of our soul remain underdeveloped. A “cold case” in God’s eyes, is one where the sacrifice of Christ (judgment) has yet to be fully applied.

And that good news? What the Father said next was critical and beautiful: “I want to beat the enemy to the punch! If you’ll trust Me, I’ll drag those issues into the light before the harassers start pounding you in the dark. I’ll help you dig down to whatever guilt or weakness contributed to the issues and together, we’ll apply the Blood of Jesus. It’s gonna be great! The case will be closed. You’ll be free from this issue and ready to bear more fruit.” It’s exciting when God warns us about things He’s also committed to helping us overcome. Rather than groan at the prospect, I’m choosing to glory in the promise!

So, if some old issue resurfaces in your soul, dismiss the condemnation and let God expand the Lordship of Christ to the space. Let Him confront within you whatever He wants to strengthen and mature. Not only will it change your life, but the lives of everyone you touch as well!

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@Rivergate.org

© 2019 Chris Liotta

THE "GO YE" CALL

2017-10-09T08:25:00.001-05:00

"Go ye into all the world...." Famous words familiar to just about every church-goer out there. Let's set the stage. Jesus has lived, loved, and lifted the hearts of humanity. There have been countless challenges and transformations. The drafting of disciples and the drama of detractors. Miracles, messages, and multitudes. Rest for the weary, and then, boom! A RESURRECTION! [mic drop...pause for effect] Now, on the heels of all this excitement, we are given - wait for it...The Great Commission. Go, ye - everywhere. Wow. Tall order. When we here those words, we can be understandably intimidated. Especially in our modern world, with trains, planes, and automobiles all primed and poised to take us anywhere on the planet we could possibly desire to go, and probably in less than a day.

Keep in mind, though, when Jesus spoke these words, that wasn't the case. Sandals, camels, ships, and carts were the mode of the day. I can imagine what I may have been thinking in their place. What? The whole world? What is this guy talking about? How are we supposed to do that? Why would we want to? I mean, I believe and all, and I'm sure grateful for the stuff, but 'go into the world?' That's a bit over the top, don't you think? He knew this. Jesus knew how they'd hear this word. The impossible absurdity of it in their ears. But He wasn't trying to break the backs of their faith with a ridiculous task. He was inspiring a "think outside the box of yourself" perspective of His Kingdom.

Much like today's society, most of the people to whom Christ spoke were pretty wrapped up in their own survival. They were beggars, bakers, builders, and businessmen. They were teachers and tax collectors, farmers and fishermen. And they were looking for a better life for themselves and their families. Jesus offered hope, healing, and happiness. In His face were freedom and forgiveness. That's all they wanted. All anyone wants, right? As true as that may be, there's more. You see, as He addressed the crowd that day, Jesus wasn't a supernatural Santa, throwing trinkets and baubles from an ascending sleigh. He was (and is) the King of Kings, calling forth family members into His cause. "Go ye into all the world" wasn't so much a command to get our passports updated, as it was a call to think outside of our own needs. To stop fighting for our swing at God's impersonal piñata of provision and recognize our opportunity to actually partner with Papa Almighty in His blessing business. Answering the "go ye" call is about trusting Him enough to know that He cares for and will take care of us, and then loving Him enough to go and care for others. It's not as much about venturing out to the faceless foreigner as it is visiting your nearest neighbor. "Go ye" is our chance to traffick in the goodness of God - to be carriers and not just consumers. To advance even more than we absorb.

So, shrug off the intimidation and isolation. Trust, love, reach, and bless. And "go ye" into all the world right there where you are. Partner with Papa to live, love, and lift your neighborhood. That's all He wants. All He's ever wanted, right?

GULLIVER'S YEAR

2017-01-05T12:44:00.001-06:00

Gold in the River

CLOSING COLD CASES

THE "GO YE" CALL

GULLIVER'S YEAR

HIS HOME

SUFFERING

TRUE DOMINION

POWERED UP!

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (NLT)

LOWEST PLACE

HIS DELIGHT

WE'RE IN!

SOUL PLUNDER

COMMANDING SABBATH

LION TRUTH

THE CIRCUMCISED HEART

TIME FOR FAVOR

BEAST MODE

THE JUSTICE BUZZ

BELIEVE AND REST

PRODIGAL PAY-OFFS

ALIGN TO FIGHT

BE A COMPASS

LIGHTNING IN THE RAIN

LONG TERM HEART

KEEP IT QUARRY

HARDER 'n' GOODER