A Leadership and Intercessory Letter written to those who desire Integrity in the Inward Parts (Psalm 51:6)

Though None Go With Me!

Part 2 of 2

Written by Esther Dummer on June 1, 2003

Seventeenth Edition: June 20, 2003

“Say not thou, what is the cause that the former days were better than these? For you do not enquire wisely concerning this.”

Ecclesiastes 7:10

When this revival first started, I believe that many people were “feeling real special” to be born into the season of the “great last days harvest,” as they realized that they were “called for such a time as this.” As I reflect also upon the “call to prepare the way of the Lord,” it is evident that very few really knew the steps that they would have to take to “see this movement through to breakthrough.” Some may even be wondering about the price because they are reminded that the “first big harvest” came in the midst of great difficulties and persecution for those who were faithful to the Cross.

The earth around us is shaking already and we must ask ourselves – are we ready?

We want the signs, wonders and miracles to “follow those who believe” -in other words, we seek this for ourselves - but many have not fully understood the price of discipleship that it takes to go there and to walk daily in that level of anointing.

I know that many want to be ready for whatever God is asking of them and are praying that family and friends, God’s church and ministers be prepared and made ready.

I feel such urgency in my spirit for the church - it has been so deficit in the deeper things of God and holiness, that the transition has been long, tedious, stressful and at times, very difficult.

This Move of God has mirrored the travels of the Children of Israel as they journeyed from Egypt to Mt. Sinai. For us, it has been primarily due to the decline of the church from the Biblical principles and commandments that God gave to us, His people.

There are still many are not prepared and yet God has been saying, “Get prepared!”

Discipleship is not an easy road because so much flesh has to die and really most of us still want our own way in some areas.

We still want to be able to “look back” once in a while and not have it “count against us.”

God just keeps on digging and probing. It is His work in our lives to bring all the dross to the top, even if it means applying a greater measure of heat.

I heard the Lord say this on May 29, 2003

“Some of you are going to be making some hard decisions in the days, weeks, and months ahead of you, as to how, and possibly whether or not, you are going to “finish the race.”

I feel that God is going to be asking some things of all of us – uncomfortable things, demanding things, that will determine whether He is truly Lord and Master over ALL of our lives - or not.

Our days of just choosing - opting in and opting out of the movement of the Spirit of the Living God - as if this is some ‘multiple choice life’ that we live, are over.

I also heard the Lord say this to me on June 1, 2003 at 9:00 AM –

“Anytime an argument rises up against God’s Word and its claim upon your life, this indicates that there yet remains a debate as to Lordship.”

He is going to be telling us some things that may stretch us in the season ahead – things quite similar to things He spoke to His first disciples.

I want you to really dissect this next statement with me – in other words – really think about it, for the weight or value of this statement and your understanding of this truth, is pivotal. It causes me to ponder how much trust that Jesus is putting in each and every one of us.

Here it is:

“You may be the last generation of disciples that Jesus will ever make before He comes back.”

· Is your city in good hands or is it going to be lacking in examples of true Christianity – Jesus style?

Here we are, asking ourselves questions to provoke ourselves to prepare more thoroughly than we have ever thought about so that we will not lack in understanding of the season that we are in. We must not get sloppy in our faith. It is a pursuit that we will never cease to be upon, but hopefully we will increase in and attain unto the stature and knowledge Jesus Christ and grow up in Him – the builder and foundation of our faith.

Jesus chose the first disciples to put His church in motion.

There is also a generation that will close the church age, moving with Jesus at the head.

· The first disciples gathered in a great harvest of souls and the church grew greatly in that time.

· The last generation will also gather in a great harvest that will close out the church age.

Think about it – the first and the last – and you and me, our churches, our families, and friends, could be that last generation that will usher in the coming of the Lord.

But back to planet earth folks – there is a price to pay for this privilege.

Jesus told His first generation of disciples and “wanna-be” disciples:

· You are going to deny me. Matthew 26:34 & 75

· You are going to betray me. Matthew 26:21

· Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation. Matthew 26:41

· Satan is going to sift you. Luke 22:31

· Sell all that you have and give to the poor. Matthew 19:21

· Pick up your cross and follow me. Matthew 10:38

· Obey my Word. Matthew 7:24-27

· Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17

· Love your enemies and bless them that curse you. Matthew 5:44

· Forgive men their trespasses. Matthew 6:14

· No man can serve two masters. Matthew 6:24

· Enter in at the Strait Gate… Matthew 7:13

· I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves… Matthew 10:16

· The disciple is not above his master. Matthew 10:24

· Expect to be hated for my sake… Matthew 10:22

· Humble yourself as a little child. Matthew 18:4

Some of the things that He is going to ask of you are going to be hard on “your flesh.” It will scream out for its own way. Your mind will argue with God, but rest assured – YOUR SPIRIT WILL KNOW!

This is not about whether you are saved or not –

· It is about who is your LORD?

· Who owns you?

· The purchaser is…?

This is not Utopia – This is Revival!

I have to caution you – the breakthrough that we have all been praying for and declaring is going to bring a new level of difficulties with it - even with the Glory Cloud and Fire of God moving powerfully.

Not everyone is impressed with the move of God and some will resist it and even withstand those who are going to cross over to fulfill the promises of God.

I bet you didn’t want to hear that, did you? But, it is true that the difficulties have already been a part of this revival. Think back to the beginning of this message (Part 1) and remember the past price of seeking God. Where we are heading, it will continue to have a price that followers of Christ will pay.

Disciples always stir a city, make enemies, and win converts.

Acts 17:4-6

While the season ahead of us will be glorious, it will also be a time of testing to see how mature and how decided that we actually have become.

Breakthrough brings persecution.

Are you ready for this?

You say – “But I have already been suffering enough.”

All that has suffered so far is dying flesh.

The suffering I am talking about now is that which is counted as joy to be partakers with Christ. Philippians 3:10

Does this mean I will have to die?

Maybe not – but it means that you have to die to your will to live so that you won’t fight against any suffering if it should come.

It is a form of “selling all to follow Christ” – even to the laying down of our lives. That was the determination of the early church. They had to be that determined because the opportunities to cave into the pressure to conform abounded all around them. We too will face different kinds of pressure – some from within the walls of our churches, families and friends as well as our governments.

Some of you out there already know what I speak of, especially some of you in other nations who have seen the pressure and deep persecution already.

Take a look at each of these names.

· Jesus – His life was a series of confrontations with the religious world. Everything He did and said created ‘a stir.’

· John the Baptist – This outspoken harbinger (forerunner) lost his head because he had dared to confront sin issues.

· Paul and Silas - They were beaten and spent time in prison because of the power of God that was working in their lives to set people free as they declared the Name of Jesus.

· Stephen – He was stoned to death because of his life and message, even though he was used greatly to spread the gospel, with signs following him.

· The Martyrs of the Church, then and now – All down through history, there have been people that have been imprisoned, beaten, and killed for walking out their faith their ever day lives.

Wherever they went, full of the power of God, they shook cities and the strongholds of the enemy and whatever religious powers were in control of that area. They made many enemies that were bent on killing them and eventually did kill a good number of them.

My feeling is that most of the Christians in the modern world are not prepared to face anything other than comfort and plenty.

I do not feel that the church is prepared to face the difficult times that lay ahead for this world.

Yes, the harvest is coming in, but not without a fight for the faith and it will take those who have already decided about the possible consequences of their faith, that will stand in difficult times.

Just take a look at the disciples in the time that led up to the cross and then their own lives as they moved on into breakthrough following Pentecost.

It was no picnic, folks and it is not going to be a picnic for us.

We need to get our head out of the clouds and get prepared for this time that is probably going to stretch us further than the previous years of revival.

Take a look with me:

The Body and the Blood – These folks could not make the transition from the Law to accepting Grace. They were resistant to change. They had always taken “communion” the old way, (called Passover) and now here was Jesus making changes in the “way they had always done it,” along with “suggestions” that they should consider His Blood and Body as the elements to be taken to themselves. This demand that Jesus made narrowed the playing field tremendously. Many walked no more with Him. The cost just got higher than “they” were willing to pay. John 6:66

Gethsemane – This time of prayer that brought the deepest agony over the dedication to the lost souls of humanity, with Jesus knowing the ultimate cost was His life, was spent alone. The “disciples” slept through this level of agony. This kind of Prayer will narrow it down also – those who will go to the “garden to pray” and those who want to sleep. Luke 22:40-46

The Betrayal – Within the move of God there will always be “friends” that will walk away, turning their backs on the Son of God and you. This is a challenging time to be caught near Christ, and in this moment many will decide where they really stand – with Jesus or with themselves. Betrayal brings a response from everybody on the scene. Luke 22:47-50

The Arrest – Everything was fine until the guards came and arrested Jesus. The distance between the “disciples” and Jesus widened at this point. Some followed from a distance. Notice how difficult times will cause the faith to be challenged? Luke 22:54

The Denial and Trial– Where we sit when there is trouble near by will tell a lot about our belief in what God has said to us. Times of being surrounded by mockers, accusers and such will only intensify if we are caught standing somewhere in the middle – between what others believe and what we believe. This time really narrowed it down. Peter sat at a distance and ended up, under great pressure denying Jesus. Where were the others? Trials can be very lonely times. Luke 22:55-62 Jesus found himself alone with his accusers. Luke 22:63-71 & Luke 23:1-24

The Trade-Off – When it comes to the things of the Lord and unfairness, He understands what it means to be accused unfairly while the guilty go free. And this is not just about Barabbas – it is about us as well – for we surely have gone free while He took the punishment for our sins. This is a time where many will cry out “It’s not fair,” but Jesus went as a “Lamb unto the slaughter.” It is recorded that He opened not His mouth. Times of pressure such as this will cause us to know what we are made of – defender of ourselves or defenders of the faith? Luke 22:18-19, 25

The Crucifixion – This is where the flesh has to really die or you just run away to save the flesh the pain of death. The death of our dreams will be a challenging time, a testing of our faith – what do we believe? There was only His mother and one disciple at the cross – the one that “lay his head upon the breast of Jesus.” Only those who are intimate friends of Jesus will get this close to death. John 19:26-27; Luke 23:33, 49-50; Mark 15:39 Souls are why Jesus went to the Cross and souls are why we now take up our cross and follow Him.

The Resurrection – You would think that everyone would be overjoyed about life that comes from any grave, but needless to say – not everyone is excited when dreams rise up out of the ashes of “seeming defeat.” Many of the naysayers and “I told you so people,” will not want to say “hallelujah” when your victory comes. Jesus’ resurrection was met with unbelief and skepticism and an attempt by many to discredit Him as a hoax. Matthew 27:62-66; 28:11-15 There are those that want to shut our doors, and seal them because they have heard the rumors that “on the third day we, as Jesus did, shall arise and live in His sight” – the doors through which we will rise up and walk out of in Resurrection power. This is the cost of revival too. Believing in our hearts that Jesus is alive and walking among His candlesticks, breathing resurrection life into our hearts can be another time of decision as to where we stand. Matthew 28:16-17; Mark 16:9-14; Luke 24:10-11; John 20:24-29 Hopefully the revival centers will be so busy with the harvest that they will hardly notice the fact that they are being persecuted and discredited. The harvest of souls that come from this victory will make everything worth it! Luke 24:32-49

Pentecost – Acts 1:4-5, 13-16; 2:1-21 One of the most glorious times for the church was poorly attended, even though Jesus had told them to go to Jerusalem and tarry for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:13-15 It was to be the most impactive time in all of history upon the church – the infusion of power to continue until Jesus came back – but where were the others? People still avoid this today. This really narrows the playing field down even more as your realize that, even though multitudes will walk in the power of the Spirit of God, most of the church world will never enter this level of encounter with the Power of God. Acts 2:41; Acts 4:31; Acts 10:44-46

And now to us - the modern-day disciples - what about us?

Here we are in the year 2003, the Christians, the Pentecostals, the Independents, Mainline denominations, churches abounding on many corners of the cities, positioned right in the middle of this season of revival. Someone has to break the barriers of religion to get the gospel of Jesus Christ to the World. And here we are, asking ourselves a lot of tough questions to challenge us to go deeper than just taking a ride on someone else’s waves.

We are willing to ride the wave, but are we willing to make the wave?

Thank God that there are a group of people that know that they must stir the waters and jump in for themselves and ride the wave of the Spirit.

They will not be willing to take “second-hand encounters” but desire to go “face to face with the Power of God”, as the 120 did on the day of Pentecost.

It was in the midst of “Roman government” controlling the “move of God” following Pentecost, that the “fanatics” were born out of the fires of adversity. They stood out like a sore thumb, but they were convinced that “the enemy,” not even religion, should not control the Move of God.

Today there is a lot of pressure to conform to the religious world and be a good sport and just go along with everybody else, but then we would have to leave the Holy Spirit behind if we did that, wouldn’t we?

Is that price worth it if we go where God is not going? But the pressure is there, nonetheless to blend our faith with the world’s religion.

Please open your Bible and read and study the tenacity and faith of the early “disciples” of Hebrews 11:32-38

These were “the fanatics” of their day – sold out to the purpose for which they were called.

May I ask – “What will the church of today look like when it all said and done and our race has been run?”

What will ‘you and I’ look like?

I know that this is not a “user-friendly” message, but the church has got to get prepared for the next season.

I can’t tell you how deeply I feel that we must be prepared.

This is not to alarm anyone unduly, but it is to alarm us as to the condition of the modern church which has moved far from the original model that Jesus set in order. We, as a people, have moved far from the pattern that Jesus set up for His disciples to follow. What He asked of them required a lot of change and it will be no less demanding of us to make changes in our way of “thinking and doing church.”

We have to learn to recognize this trait that we have to lean towards the comfort zones of our lives or we will never challenge ourselves to step forward in our faith – a faith that will take us places that we have never been before and stretch us in ways that we never thought possible.

There are too many “corpses” on the side of this revival road as some have just sat down and died – “letting the fire die.” You see, at some time, the things that we believe deep inside of our hearts will tell on us as to whether we believe or not.

Do we know how to build a fire and keep it burning, even in the midst of storms, trials, abandonment, persecution and sifting?

If we can take the time to evaluate ourselves at this stage of our life, then maybe we can guard ourselves against the tragedy of “giving up.”

Why do people give up?

· There were too many tests.

· The time and distance they would have to travel was too far – too hard.

· They didn’t like being too “peculiar.”

· The scoffers and mockers were too hard to deal with.

· The change was too much – too fast.

· The demand of prayer was too overwhelming.

· The warfare was too much.

· The talk of “dying to the flesh” was a bit too much.

· The persecution was way too frightening.

· The way was too narrow-minded for an open-minded world.

Then and now – only a few were able to grip and hold fast to the concepts of the Kingdom of God.

So, I ask you more –

· Do you believe or are you just doing it because someone else is doing it?

· Did another tell you that or do you say it of yourself?

· Are you convinced that this is a true move of God?

· Have you transitioned from ‘just following’ the old way to ‘just following’ the new way – to keep up with the rest?

Once again I emphasize that God is taking away our “right to make our own decisions and cut our own paths,” if we are to follow Him. He gave each and every person a challenge to “do it His way,” and to lay down that which was “in their hands,” (abilities, plans, opinions and concepts, occupations, destiny, money, goods,) and pick up their cross. This all speaks of our own self-sufficiency. God is asking for a total sell-out to His Kingdom and trusting Him with our very lives.

The days are upon us that we have to be willing to lay aside everything for the cause of the Kingdom and its King – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It’s all a matter of Lordship.

We are God’s people for this our state and nation, our city and county. God has placed us in our “there.” This is a God-move that is taking place. We just have to plant that so deep in our hearts that nothing can steal the seed of God’s purpose and design – that means each and every one of us are an intricate part of that plan. This is about the harvest (souls are at stake) and our part in being faithful to that end.

The Lord spoke this truth into my heart today, June 5, 2003 at 9:25 A.M.:

“There is a tendency, that if we are not ‘sure’ of our ‘future,’ for us to keep looking back at our past.”

If per chance, you have recognized yourself as one of those that sat down on the side of the road, feeling like giving up or walking away, but are right now deciding that you want to get back on the right track and move on, then God will give you the helping hand up from “your slump.” He loves to watch His children get up and keep going, in spite of the difficulties and disappointments.

It is not the falling down that bothers Him, but the giving up.

I encourage you to get up, dust yourself off and simply make up your mind that you are going to come back to the place where you left your destiny, your prayer life, your devotion to the Lord, and your vision, hope, faith and trust in the One who called you. You may need to humble yourself before God and ask His forgiveness and seek strength from Him in the areas of your weaknesses and fears and doubt, but He is so faithful to strengthen us in our weaknesses and create in us an overcoming spirit if we will just agree with Him. He loves you so much and His desire towards you is greater than you can imagine. Don’t lose hope in the One who called you and placed you in your harvest field.

Some Suggestions for those who have remained, in spite of the difficulties:

Pray for those who are struggling that their faith may be strengthened.
Pray for churches that are being faced with difficult times in hard places.
Pray for intercessors that they will not lose hope in times of testing and fatigue.
Pray for those churches that are struggling financially and numerically in this season.
Pray for pastors and their wives to stand strong in their cities for the final thrust of the Sword to bring “Breakthrough to the Harvest.”
Pray that God will keep the revival pure and focused.
Pray that those who have moved into error will be brought back to the truth.
Pray that the Word of God will build an unshakeable house of those who are pressing in hard after God.
Pray that the Youth and Children of this revival will be delivered from the “pull of the world,” and that those who are struggling will be strengthened in making up their minds.
Pray that you, yourself, will endure as a Good Soldier

Here is another poem that I trust will bless you.

A SOLDIER IN THE ARMY OF GOD

Author Unknown:

(If anyone out there knows who wrote this, please let me know, so I may give credit where it is due.)

I am a soldier in the army of my God!

The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer!

The Holy Bible is my code of conduct!

Faith, prayer and the word are my weapons of warfare!

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire!

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity!

I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this Army;

But I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out!

I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable!

If my God needs me, I am there!

If He needs me in Sunday School, to teach children, work with the youth, help adults or just sit and learn, He can use me, because I am there.

I am a soldier! I am not a baby!

I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up or pepped up!

I am a soldier! No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me!

I am a soldier! I am not a wimp!

I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me handouts!

I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to!

I am committed!

I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around!

I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside!

I cannot lose enough to cause me to quite!

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing!

If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even! I will win!

My God will supply all my needs! I am more than a conqueror!

I will always triumph! I can do all things through Christ!

Devils cannot defeat me! People cannot disillusion me!

Weather cannot weary me! Sickness cannot stop me!

Battles cannot beat me! Money cannot buy me!

Governments cannot silence me and HELL CANNOT HANDLE ME!

I am a soldier! Even death cannot destroy me!

For when my commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a captain and then bring me back to rule this world with Him!

I am a soldier, in the army, and I’m marching, claiming victory!

I will not give up! I will not turn around!

I am a soldier, marching heaven bound!

Here I stand!

WILL YOU STAND WITH ME?

Very Important Note of Interest

I have added in this post comments from a letter that I received from one of the readers of the last Check Point, Part I of “Though No One Go With Me.” I had included with what I had written a declaration of faith entitled, "MY COMMITMENT AS A CHRISTIAN." I had attributed it to being "Written by a young African pastor and tacked on the wall of his house,” which is the way I received it many years ago. I believe strongly in giving honor and tribute to those to whom it is due, and, though I do not have the name of the author, I will include here the comments made by the reader:

“This particular 'saying' I came across several years ago, and at that time it had the original author's name attached. The author was a well-known evangelist (Known to my elderly father) from Washington State if my memory holds up.”

May I suggest to those of you that received the last email and may have made photo copies of the writing mentioned here…to change the tribute from “ the African Pastor” to “Author Unknown.” Thank you so much for helping me to amend this error. If anyone wants to add anything to this, let me know. Esther

God Bless the Faithful Watchman on the Walls of the Church!

This newsletter is dedicated and written as an instruction and encouragement to a powerful and focused group of people who have devoted their life to a life of prayer for the Church. It is written to incite them to move forward with decisiveness and purity. It is written to stabilize and align the errant things that are occurring in intercessory and church circles. It is written to break new ground in understanding our own hearts.

I would also like to take this time to say thank you to those who have subscribed, those who have forwarded these messages or photo copied and passed them on to others. Also, thank you to those who have written encouraging words to me. They are greatly appreciated.

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