Our Defining Moment

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!