MISSING IN ACTION
"For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his dwelling place be obsolete, and let no one live in it', and 'Let another take his office.'" - Acts 1:20
The duties of heaven does not permit undue absenteeism, if you have not been called home to heaven, then there is no reason why you shouldn't be at your duty post or even in fellowship. The matter here is not just attendance, but that of fellowship and responsibility. When a man who is suppose to be active for God is suddenly missing in action; then something is wrong.
I used to know that brother, who was an inspiration to many upcoming youths at a certain time; and I knew how he led prayers and inspired the move of the spirit in no small measure...suddenly, we heard news that during his service year he got married to one lady in the fellowship. We were suppose to rejoice over this, but it turned out that the brother fell by the sin of fornication and we now know the true reason he is missing in action.
I know this is not your case, but it is not too far from your story. Though it looked as if you have moved on with life as we don't see you in Bible study anymore; but the truth is that something has marked you absent in heaven.
It is possible that a sister is playing church activity yet missing in action as regards spiritual matters. You who once flowed in virtues and spiritual depth have now resulted to mechanical and methodological measures to stay in the faith. Dear friend, you are missing in action and heaven sees it so.
The kingdom of God is filled with many who can take your office, we understand that, like Judas you have obtained a ministry with us, but at this time, we cannot for sure vouch for your faith anymore..you have betrayed the master with a kiss and guilt have kept you missing in action. Heaven is calling for a replacement this very moment; and I feel sorry as this is the case of a person reading this now.
This piece is to point to you where you might have slipped and before your candle is taken away from its place, to draw you unto repentance. I pray that when heaven consider you in this matter; they will not be looking for your replacement.
The man who is replaced is dead already. Saul was still referred to as king, yet he was already replaced - David had taken his office. Every other thing done by Saul was just plain vanity. Consider these things I say and I know God will give you understanding.
MISSING FROM THE PRESENCE
"And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden." - Gen 3:8
Guilt disqualifies a man from the presence of God; this couple who were not ashamed before now, suddenly saw their nakedness and refused to fellowship with the Lord. They dreaded the presence they once embraced with all their hearts. They fell and they couldn't withstand the Holy presence of God.
The reason why many people who have once been fervent suddenly starts withdrawing from the presence is as a result of guilt. Except a person's conscience is dead or the salvation was never genuine, then the person will not feel guilty after falling for sin. In fact, the accuser of brethren is ever ready to accuse the person before God.
Please do not mistake the presence of God with your presence in church; you could be in church yet not in touch with the presence of God. You have all methods but still the presence of God is far from you. I know God is omnipresence but this same God can exclude a person from experiencing His presence.
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." - Prov 28:1
When a man begins to dread his quiet time of fellowship, something has happened. In fact, I have discovered that such people know where the presence is real and where the presence is faked. They clamour and long to attend services of 'varieties' and 'side attractions', other than services where God is worshipped in Spirit and in truth. They also even avoid men who carry the presence of God.
Suddenly, we no longer see the hunger and thirst in you, we have started seeking you who was once living, among the dead. There is no life inside of you, there is no depth from your knowledge of God, something has kept you missing in action and this is sin!
At this moment, this word is God, calling in the midst of the garden as He did for Adam 'where are you?', at this point when you have just fallen and you are still sorry, but guilty, the Lord is searching for you. He is watching for you before you start excusing them as mere weakness, He is calling out to you before you start condemning yourself. He is concerned about you. Don't be afraid of the consequences, they can never be compared to the love He bestows.
MISSING IN FELLOWSHIP
"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Heb 10:25
While a person may be missing from the presence of God due to guilt, many who are 'spiritually proud' are neglecting the gathering of the brethren. They have intentionally decided to say that 'church is in the heart'; and that they don't need to go to any place to gather with people.
They often forget that where two or three are gathered, He is there, they don't see the need of corporate fellowship, they don't want to be in one accord, they don't know that iron sharpens iron. These set of people are unteachable and deceiving themselves to be skilled when they don't know nothing.
If these 'spiritually proud' people don't get leadership positions in church, they think the pastors are not getting it right, they become critical and avoid the gathering of the brethren. It is a dangerous trend that is going round in the kingdom today. We seek independence at the slightest rift and don't value the place of gathering of the saints. It will be good for you to also know, just in case you have such weird 'anointing', that you are missing in action!
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1
I have observed that there is so much strife in church today. Because that sister offended you, we no longer see you in church. You have not thought about what happens to your responsibility, did you give yourself the responsibility? You go ahead saying that there is no love in the church and that everyone is a pretender. You are missing in action and heaven records it that way.
You are no longer faithful in that assignment because you have become distracted by the affairs of this world. You distant yourself from some people and say that they will hinder your blessing. These spiritual babes abound in church today and I am indeed afraid that heaven is calling for their replacement.
I know that church attendance will not take anyone to heaven, but I am also sure that church absence will not take you to heaven either, it is safe to be in action and be committed to your work among the brethren than to be missing in action. Don't be fooled that internet church will replace the place of fellowshipping in the tent. The internet church has its place, but please, let it be in its place. In fact, the internet church is suppose to draw you closer to the gathering.
MISSING IN HEAVEN
"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." - Rev 20:15
This is the most painful part and consequence of missing in action. Let no one who thinks that if he or she is missing in the presence of God or in the gathering of the saints, that such a person would be found in heaven. That would be the greatest of all deception. You can't miss the requirements here on earth and expect that your place is secured in heaven.
Dear friend, it is impossible to assume fellowship, it is impossible to be present in the gatherings by proxy, it is either you are there in the presence or you are missing entirely. It is risky to take this matter with levity as it determines your stay in heaven. I know for a fact that surprises will come on that day, when people do not find their place.
Dearly beloved, there is no reward here compared to our home in heaven; the blessings of this present world cannot even be compared to the bliss of heaven, if you are missing here, you will certainly be missing in heaven also. The man who absconds from his duty post here will not receive any benefit from the father. In fact before you leave the earth, there's already a replacement.
"And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." - Matt 25:30
This is the lot of those who have neglected their duty post and also missing in action as regards the presence of the Lord. I also honestly think and know that one cannot be missing in action and not know it, but many prefer to live in denial. If you deny this truth and you're guilty of it, you may be denied your place in heaven.
Sometimes we are not so concerned about this heaven matter because the reality has not dawned on us; and the irony of it is that, a person missing in action will most likely never know the reality of heaven while on earth. People who are active in His presence and gathering may have that privilege as the Lord deems fit.
COME BACK!
"What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?" - Matt 18:12
God did not abandon Adam and Eve because they were hiding, no! He, speaking to him in that guilt, was a form of mercy already at work. And you will do well to see this piece as a form of mercy being extended to you this moment, so that you can return back into the fold.
Sometimes, heaven will not quickly find a replacement just yet, too much investment had gone into you and heaven will not want that to be a wasted investment for that matter. He doesn't desire that anyone should perish. If Judas had not killed himself out of guilt; I am sure he would have obtained mercy. Don't take a drastic action just yet, mercy is available.
Just before you give up on yourself, or allow the devil put pride inside of you - would you at this moment reconsider your stand and take stock of where you are right now. Have you been missing for a long time now and you seem not to know where you are? Don't worry, the first step in reporting back, is admitting that you are lost.
"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have enough bread and to spare, and I perish with hunger!" - Luke 15:17
When that guy came to his senses, when he came to himself, he said... Dear friend, this is the time you need to come to yourself and begin to have that honest conversation as to how you need to be back. When the prodigal son came back, he was given back his position, when Peter was restored, he was still given his place. But when will you be restored?
You have stayed too long outside, it has not been profitable, you have tried to cover your guilt and look for legitimate reasons for your pride, yet you know that you are missing and that you are far from action. Would you come to yourself now.
The reason why heaven wants you back is not because there are no replacements, of course you have heard of Elijah's case - but, heaven gains nothing if you fall or if you're cast away and heaven wants you safe, back in the presence and back in the fold.
CONCLUSION
Don't let anyone deceive you by telling you that the grave is the richest place on earth, that's not scripturally correct. When a man misuses his gifts, it is given to someone else. There is no knowledge in the grave.
If a man is missing, he is replaced. Don't be missing in action.
God bless you and I love you
Akinsuroju Femi
© The Fundamentals
The duties of heaven does not permit undue absenteeism, if you have not been called home to heaven, then there is no reason why you shouldn't be at your duty post or even in fellowship. The matter here is not just attendance, but that of fellowship and responsibility. When a man who is suppose to be active for God is suddenly missing in action; then something is wrong.
I used to know that brother, who was an inspiration to many upcoming youths at a certain time; and I knew how he led prayers and inspired the move of the spirit in no small measure...suddenly, we heard news that during his service year he got married to one lady in the fellowship. We were suppose to rejoice over this, but it turned out that the brother fell by the sin of fornication and we now know the true reason he is missing in action.
I know this is not your case, but it is not too far from your story. Though it looked as if you have moved on with life as we don't see you in Bible study anymore; but the truth is that something has marked you absent in heaven.
It is possible that a sister is playing church activity yet missing in action as regards spiritual matters. You who once flowed in virtues and spiritual depth have now resulted to mechanical and methodological measures to stay in the faith. Dear friend, you are missing in action and heaven sees it so.
The kingdom of God is filled with many who can take your office, we understand that, like Judas you have obtained a ministry with us, but at this time, we cannot for sure vouch for your faith anymore..you have betrayed the master with a kiss and guilt have kept you missing in action. Heaven is calling for a replacement this very moment; and I feel sorry as this is the case of a person reading this now.
This piece is to point to you where you might have slipped and before your candle is taken away from its place, to draw you unto repentance. I pray that when heaven consider you in this matter; they will not be looking for your replacement.
The man who is replaced is dead already. Saul was still referred to as king, yet he was already replaced - David had taken his office. Every other thing done by Saul was just plain vanity. Consider these things I say and I know God will give you understanding.
MISSING FROM THE PRESENCE
"And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden." - Gen 3:8
Guilt disqualifies a man from the presence of God; this couple who were not ashamed before now, suddenly saw their nakedness and refused to fellowship with the Lord. They dreaded the presence they once embraced with all their hearts. They fell and they couldn't withstand the Holy presence of God.
The reason why many people who have once been fervent suddenly starts withdrawing from the presence is as a result of guilt. Except a person's conscience is dead or the salvation was never genuine, then the person will not feel guilty after falling for sin. In fact, the accuser of brethren is ever ready to accuse the person before God.
Please do not mistake the presence of God with your presence in church; you could be in church yet not in touch with the presence of God. You have all methods but still the presence of God is far from you. I know God is omnipresence but this same God can exclude a person from experiencing His presence.
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." - Prov 28:1
When a man begins to dread his quiet time of fellowship, something has happened. In fact, I have discovered that such people know where the presence is real and where the presence is faked. They clamour and long to attend services of 'varieties' and 'side attractions', other than services where God is worshipped in Spirit and in truth. They also even avoid men who carry the presence of God.
Suddenly, we no longer see the hunger and thirst in you, we have started seeking you who was once living, among the dead. There is no life inside of you, there is no depth from your knowledge of God, something has kept you missing in action and this is sin!
At this moment, this word is God, calling in the midst of the garden as He did for Adam 'where are you?', at this point when you have just fallen and you are still sorry, but guilty, the Lord is searching for you. He is watching for you before you start excusing them as mere weakness, He is calling out to you before you start condemning yourself. He is concerned about you. Don't be afraid of the consequences, they can never be compared to the love He bestows.
MISSING IN FELLOWSHIP
"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Heb 10:25
While a person may be missing from the presence of God due to guilt, many who are 'spiritually proud' are neglecting the gathering of the brethren. They have intentionally decided to say that 'church is in the heart'; and that they don't need to go to any place to gather with people.
They often forget that where two or three are gathered, He is there, they don't see the need of corporate fellowship, they don't want to be in one accord, they don't know that iron sharpens iron. These set of people are unteachable and deceiving themselves to be skilled when they don't know nothing.
If these 'spiritually proud' people don't get leadership positions in church, they think the pastors are not getting it right, they become critical and avoid the gathering of the brethren. It is a dangerous trend that is going round in the kingdom today. We seek independence at the slightest rift and don't value the place of gathering of the saints. It will be good for you to also know, just in case you have such weird 'anointing', that you are missing in action!
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1
I have observed that there is so much strife in church today. Because that sister offended you, we no longer see you in church. You have not thought about what happens to your responsibility, did you give yourself the responsibility? You go ahead saying that there is no love in the church and that everyone is a pretender. You are missing in action and heaven records it that way.
You are no longer faithful in that assignment because you have become distracted by the affairs of this world. You distant yourself from some people and say that they will hinder your blessing. These spiritual babes abound in church today and I am indeed afraid that heaven is calling for their replacement.
I know that church attendance will not take anyone to heaven, but I am also sure that church absence will not take you to heaven either, it is safe to be in action and be committed to your work among the brethren than to be missing in action. Don't be fooled that internet church will replace the place of fellowshipping in the tent. The internet church has its place, but please, let it be in its place. In fact, the internet church is suppose to draw you closer to the gathering.
MISSING IN HEAVEN
"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." - Rev 20:15
This is the most painful part and consequence of missing in action. Let no one who thinks that if he or she is missing in the presence of God or in the gathering of the saints, that such a person would be found in heaven. That would be the greatest of all deception. You can't miss the requirements here on earth and expect that your place is secured in heaven.
Dear friend, it is impossible to assume fellowship, it is impossible to be present in the gatherings by proxy, it is either you are there in the presence or you are missing entirely. It is risky to take this matter with levity as it determines your stay in heaven. I know for a fact that surprises will come on that day, when people do not find their place.
Dearly beloved, there is no reward here compared to our home in heaven; the blessings of this present world cannot even be compared to the bliss of heaven, if you are missing here, you will certainly be missing in heaven also. The man who absconds from his duty post here will not receive any benefit from the father. In fact before you leave the earth, there's already a replacement.
"And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." - Matt 25:30
This is the lot of those who have neglected their duty post and also missing in action as regards the presence of the Lord. I also honestly think and know that one cannot be missing in action and not know it, but many prefer to live in denial. If you deny this truth and you're guilty of it, you may be denied your place in heaven.
Sometimes we are not so concerned about this heaven matter because the reality has not dawned on us; and the irony of it is that, a person missing in action will most likely never know the reality of heaven while on earth. People who are active in His presence and gathering may have that privilege as the Lord deems fit.
COME BACK!
"What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?" - Matt 18:12
God did not abandon Adam and Eve because they were hiding, no! He, speaking to him in that guilt, was a form of mercy already at work. And you will do well to see this piece as a form of mercy being extended to you this moment, so that you can return back into the fold.
Sometimes, heaven will not quickly find a replacement just yet, too much investment had gone into you and heaven will not want that to be a wasted investment for that matter. He doesn't desire that anyone should perish. If Judas had not killed himself out of guilt; I am sure he would have obtained mercy. Don't take a drastic action just yet, mercy is available.
Just before you give up on yourself, or allow the devil put pride inside of you - would you at this moment reconsider your stand and take stock of where you are right now. Have you been missing for a long time now and you seem not to know where you are? Don't worry, the first step in reporting back, is admitting that you are lost.
"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have enough bread and to spare, and I perish with hunger!" - Luke 15:17
When that guy came to his senses, when he came to himself, he said... Dear friend, this is the time you need to come to yourself and begin to have that honest conversation as to how you need to be back. When the prodigal son came back, he was given back his position, when Peter was restored, he was still given his place. But when will you be restored?
You have stayed too long outside, it has not been profitable, you have tried to cover your guilt and look for legitimate reasons for your pride, yet you know that you are missing and that you are far from action. Would you come to yourself now.
The reason why heaven wants you back is not because there are no replacements, of course you have heard of Elijah's case - but, heaven gains nothing if you fall or if you're cast away and heaven wants you safe, back in the presence and back in the fold.
CONCLUSION
Don't let anyone deceive you by telling you that the grave is the richest place on earth, that's not scripturally correct. When a man misuses his gifts, it is given to someone else. There is no knowledge in the grave.
If a man is missing, he is replaced. Don't be missing in action.
God bless you and I love you
Akinsuroju Femi
© The Fundamentals
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