I was taking a shower and the Lord began talking with me. I have been concerned about our Church (not just mine, but ourchurch!). I watch so many people come to the altars and get saved, and I watch so many of them fizzle out - some with awesome calls on their lives and heavy anointings from the Lord, and they fizzle out. Why? What are we missing? We have "new convert" classes and various other classes - yet they fizzle out and we don't see them anymore. Why?

I published a word not long ago, titled "I don't hear you", and I believe the answer lies in this area. Rees Howells published a sermon titled, "Rooted and Grounded." In this sermon, he talked about an Oak tree, a huge tree with much stature, and how the survival of that tree depended on what was happening beneath the ground, as it grabbed hold of rocks and springs and other things that would hold its superstructure from falling over. The illustration was beautiful and true!

But I want to call our attention to another quality! It's superstructure REFLECTED WHAT WAS HAPPENING UNDERGROUND, IN PRIVATE! Because of the depth that tree's roots go to, what is above ground reflects in huge limbs, far-reaching branches, and beautiful leaves. It becomes a shade and covering for everything beneath it. It provides safe haven for everything that dwells in its branches. It provides safety for the soil and stops it from eroding away. All of this happens because of what takes place in private. It fairly screams of the depth of the tree's private life! If those roots did not go deep and hold on to what it needs deep under ground that tree would fail in it's calling, it would would end up being a disgrace.

Now, why does God have me talking about Oak trees when we are talking about lives? We are those Oak trees, both those of us in leadership and those in unrecognized leadership roles! We are accountable for those people around us. We are accountable for their lives, for what they become, for where they go in the ministry, for what happens in their walks and families! But Darrel, that is a pretty strong statement, you're condemning us!

No, I am not condemning you - prayerfully, convicting you yes! When people come to know the Lord (and even those who have been saved a LONG time) where do they learn how to walk with God, to be His friend, where do they learn how to pray and contend with God? Where do they learn the difference between conviction and condemnation? They learn these things by dwelling under the shade and covering of the Oak tree, of having its limbs block out the bright sun and elements. They learn by being welcomed under that tree.

We are that tree. We provide the fruit of whatever we are doing in private! Are you in to porn, fighting, and all the pleasures of this life? That is what these people will drink from. Are you a man or woman of prayer, who spends much time in God's word and contending with Him in prayer? That is what people will drink from. We produce whatever we are drinking from. When you talk are you giving out life-giving water, or are you giving out that that causes people to dry up and shrivel? We are our brother's keeper, we are the priests of our homes, neighborhoods and churches. We are that life-giving Oak tree. IF ....

There is always an "IF" clause in everything of God. E.M. Bounds said that the man or woman that did not spend the better part of each day in prayer was not worth his salt. M'Cheyne, who died at the age of 29, spent a minimum of 8 hours a day in prayer and turned Scotland on its ear. George Whitefield spent much time in prayer and affected England and America greatly. Charles Finney, who brought over 500,000 souls to the Lord, spent huge amounts of time in prayer. What was different between these men and us? Absolutely nothing! Except a hunger and passion to see God glorified and His children turned back to Him!

Folks, time is drawing short. We are about to see catastrophic events take place in this nation, lives lost and blood shed. We are about to see God move in unprecedented ways in this nation. And unless we wake up and begin crying before Lord, neither we nor those around us will know what to do when this thing hits! We cannot stop what is being poured out (there is always a crop produced from what we sow!), but if we will begin giving God time in prayer, if we will begin putting Him in His rightful place and restructuring our schedules - if we will give the throne of our hearts BACK to God, then perhaps we can lessen what is coming.

God says in Amos 7:7-9, Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord was standing by a vertical wall with a plumb line in His hand. The LORD said to me, “What do you see, Amos?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold I am about to put a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel. I will spare them no longer. “The high places of Isaac will be desolated And the sanctuaries of Israel laid waste. Then I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.”

Yet in the beginning of this chapter Amos contends with God and twice He reverses the action He was about to do - all because Amos stood between God and the people. 

Eze 22:30 says that God looked for anyone who would build up the wall, stand in the gap and contend with Him so He would not have to pour out His judgment, but He found no one!

So I ask you again, what is the priority in your lives, what do you consider important, what will I begin hearing from you? Will I hear of the things God is talking about and what is dear to His heart? Or will I continue hearing how many farm animals you have won on Facebook, will I hear about all the causes you have joined? Folks, it is time we lay aside the foolish things in this world and put our backs to the plow, to begin pressing and contending with God until we hear His voice and move His hand!

Come join me. Come link up and let's see what we can do with God. Let's lay aside the things of our childhood and join with God for souls. The only way we can do that is in prayer! There is no other way, not a small amount, but we must make prayer preeminent in our lives! Come ride with me and let's see what God will do!

Amen

Darrel Wright