It is an honor to have you as a member of our subscription service! Share today.  FEEL LIKE GIVING UP? Stay FaithfulCan you imagine A.W. Tozer giving up on his calling? I cannot! Leaders are leaving the ministry of Christ daily. I want to encourage you today - to remain faithful.
Aiden Wilson Tozer, commonly known as A.W. Tozer (1897–1963), was a prominent Christian pastor, author, and theologian. Early on in my ministry in Christ, he was a significant mentor & influencer in my thinking. His life and writings continue to inspire believers around the world. He maintained an attitude of “never giving up” in what God called him to do. I endure daily because of this servant’s focus on Christ in you. A.W. Tozer: A Life of DevotionA.W. Tozer’s unwavering commitment to Christ left an indelible mark on authentic Christian thought and practice. His life exemplified several key aspects of faithful endeavors: Passionate Pursuit of God: Tozer’s most famous work, “The Pursuit of God,” reflects his deep hunger for intimacy with the indwelling Life of Jesus. He challenged believers to seek God wholeheartedly, emphasizing that knowing Yeshua/Jesus personally was the highest pursuit of life. Prophetic Voice: Tozer fearlessly addressed spiritual complacency and lukewarm faith. His sermons and writings cut through religious formalism, urging indwelt Christians to live authentically, passionately in, and through Christ. My passion to address the lukewarm church roots itself in Aiden’s influence in my life. Prayer Warrior: Tozer believed in the power of prayer. His prayer life was marked by fervency, humility, and dependence on God through the indwelling Holy Spirit. He encouraged believers to cultivate a vibrant prayer life and commune with the Almighty in a manner the Scriptures call - pray without ceasing. Holiness and Sanctification: Tozer emphasized the call to Holiness through releasing Christ’s Holiness from within. He believed that true Christianity involved a radical transformation—a sanctification process where believers become identified in Christ. His book “The Pursuit of Holiness” underscores this theme. Simplicity and Depth: Tozer’s writing style was both simple and profound. He communicated deep theological truths in accessible language, making them relevant to everyday life. Another favored book, includes “The Knowledge of the Holy.” It continues to impact readers. Revival and Spiritual Awakening: Tozer longed for revival—a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. His prayers and sermons stirred hearts toward revival, emphasizing the need for repentance, surrender, and a renewed passion for God and His Son’s indwelling Life. A.W. Tozer’s faithful endeavors centered on knowing God & Jesus intimately, living a Holy life and calling the Church to revival. His legacy challenges us to pursue God with zeal, authenticity, and unwavering faith while remaining faithful to our calling until death parts us. FEEL LIKE GIVING UP?I hear and read that more and more leaders are leaving their calling in Christ. They claim they are exhausted and suffering too many hardships. I get it. With suffering from a degenerative nerve disease, mildly elevated bone marrow cancer, and heart failure – I have to strategically plan my rest and ministry activities. I believe the strength our Lord gives us must be dedicated to what we are called to do. In my case, it is the ministry of IOM America and assisting other ministries in being successful in their endeavors in Christ – assisting others on Substack IS one of those I am called to be a part of. All that to say - stick with your calling. If Substack is your “gig” or other ministry(s) you are active in - stay faithful. Ministers, writers, teachers - be encouraged. Endurance is a powerful concept in the indwelling Life of Jesus. As we know, it's the ability to persist, remain steadfast, and keep going even when faced with challenges, suffering, or adversity. As believers, we draw our strength from Christ from within, who endured all forms of suffering. Can you imagine if Jesus stopped or minimally slowed His ministry due to those sufferings? I cannot. We wouldn't be having this discussion if He did. We must press on! Interested reader, whatever ministry or vision God gave you, bring it to fruition. Complete it. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus in You: In Hebrews 12:2, we're reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. When we focus on Him, we find the strength to endure because He endured all things for us. When the disciples fell asleep in the garden, yes, Jesus was frustrated. However, He went right back to finish battling the enemy in prayer. Leaders, it would be best if you did the same thing. Suffering The Purpose of Your Ministry: Romans 5:3-5 tells us that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. Our trials are not in vain; they shape us and draw us closer to the indwelling Life. Let's face the facts. There IS suffering in ministry – tons of it. These sufferings should not hinder us from what He called us to do. All ministers of the Gospel should know their vision and calling and be willing to go to their grave working on completing it in Jesus' name. Believers like me will be at your side in this process. Remember the Cloud of Witnesses: Hebrews 12:1 speaks of a "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. Their stories of faith and endurance encourage us to press on. I work to remember this single factor: a great cloud of witnesses is watching every keystroke, media production, and my efforts in Christ to assist others. I'm sure they're taking notes. LOL. My point is, we are not in this alone. Pray for Perseverance: James 1:12 reminds us that those who endure trials will receive the crown of Life. So, pray for Jesus in you to release perseverance and trust that God's grace sustains you. Outside of fixing our eyes on Jesus, fix your eyes on that Crown of Life. I do! Lean on God's Promises: Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles." God's promises give us hope and strength. I encourage you to spend some time reviewing your calling and developing strategies and methods to deliver the messages the Lord gives you to advance His mission. Then, stay faithful! Never toss your calling aside over the misnomer of “feelings.” NEVER! Leadership Support Matters: Surround yourself with fellow leaders, believers who can encourage you, pray for you, and walk alongside you during difficult times - for all of us WILL suffer such times. Remember, endurance isn't about our own strength—it's about relying on Christ's strength within us. In saying that, ask others on Substack, or on your ministry’s website to pray for you. This way, you can send them prayer requests, while developing a support group. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22) This verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance and steadfastness in the face of challenges. As leaders, we are called to endure faithfully, trusting that God’s promises remain true. Just as Abraham patiently endured and obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:15), we too can find strength in our endurance. Remember that enduring to the end is not about our own strength but about relying on God’s grace that lives within us via the Holy Spirit. May this truth inspire and encourage you as a leader, knowing that the ultimate reward awaits those who remain steadfast in their faith until the end. The End Times Chronicles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thanks for subscribing to The End Times Chronicles. Your paid subscription helps us advance our non-profit’s mission. Dr. Stephen R. Phinney is dedicated to providing quality media and publications that advance the Life of Christ. Paid subscribers receive free eBooks, media content, and other free stuff.Hey, fellow writers/readers, would you be open to buying me a cup of coffee? Check out this fun way of supporting my writing: https://bmc.link/drphinney
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