Some Ways that Squad Leading Changed My Life

With fire in His eyes and hair like wool,

And a voice like a torrent of water so full;

Out of His mouth comes a double-edged sword;

He’s coming in glory, He’s coming to make war.

Marantha! Come, Lord Jesus.

Return to us.

I have 8 more days on this incredible journey with Gap C. In case you forgot (since I’ve done a poor job at updating y’all,) I have been leading a group of World Racers since September of last year. We spent a few months each in Georgia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica growing in intimacy, community, and living a life of mission. It has been an absolute honor to walk alongside these men and women with fiery passions for Christ. And as a leader, it has been humbling to grow in the knowledge that God would trust me to help shepherd His beloved children. 

There is something supernatural that happens when you live in the midst of the body of Christ. As much as I give away, I receive so much. I watch them worship and evangelize, and I am blown away by the authority and boldness that they carry. I am so encouraged by the wisdom and self-discipline that they walk in. I have found myself being so convicted recently, and it has been one of the kindest gifts. When I am having a hard day, I see their joy, and the Lord reminds me that He is what gives life, not my circumstances. Maybe I find myself thinking that I’m entitled or that I am a victim, then I see their worship and the Father helps me remember how sweet it is to be in His presence. 

In the past, I would have felt so ashamed by this conviction. “Dang, Phil. You know better. You’re the leader! Pull yourself together. Discipline yourself.” However, I have allowed the Lord to give His conviction with kindness. The other day I was talking with Him about the ways that I’ve fallen short, and the Holy Spirit told me, “You’re worth the conviction. You are worth the effort of refining. You were worth the price of the cross and you are worth the price of upkeep.” 

Romans 8 says, “ We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn of the brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.”

I know that was dense but there is so much good in it. You see, we have been chosen, bought, justified, and glorified. Conviction is a gift because it is the good working of God in those who love Him and work according to His purpose. In the church, there can be no condemnation because we are in Christ and He is the One who justifies. Thank you Jesus that you call me worthy of the cross and allow me the joy of being made into your image!! Thank you for the body of Christ that reveals to me the mystery of your will through the workings of the Holy Spirit!

My life has changed through conviction, because of this one thing that I want to touch on: response. 

Early on in leading this squad, the Lord gave me eyes to see something that I had been lacking in my ministry thus far. I had been lacking in eternal purpose. I knew that I wanted myself to be made into the image of Christ. I knew that I desired to disciple people into deep, transformative intimacy with God. But why? What is the end goal? My answer was found in the word “Maranatha.” 

Maranatha means, “Come, Lord Jesus.” It is a call for King Jesus, the Redeemer of creation, to establish Himself in every aspect of reality. It is beckoning Him to come back physically and put to death sin and brokenness for all eternity. It is an anthem of victory in which we declare the promise of His return. Maranatha is the “why” of following Jesus; the climax of the story of the gospel. If the Father wants me to be built up into the image of Jesus, empowered with the Spirit, and willing to carry my cross, my response must be an emphatic: “Marantha, Jesus! Until you come again, I will go!” 

Revelation 19 portrays the wedding feast and it says that leading up to it, the Bride has been adorning herself in white linens, which is righteousness. Jesus will not come back until His Bride is ready! Not until every tribe, nation, and tongue has been clothed in righteousness. We must be taking conviction and transforming. We must be boldly going for the sake of Maranatha!

Thank you C Squad for teaching me so much. Thank you for walking in the power of the gospel. Thank you for getting SO EXCITED when you catch a glimpse of Jesus: the King of kings. Thank you for living lives laid down, for living lives worthy of martyrdom because of your not withholding “yes!” You really, really, really are world changers. I know this because the Lord has used you to help change mine. 🙂

Holy Spirit, thank you for the supernatural power that you have lavished on the church. Gracias, Dios, por Tu precioso Hijo. He alone is worthy of our all. And He is worth nothing less than that. Continue to use Gap C to bring revival to the hearts of everyone who meets them. I firmly believe that when people see them they will say, “Who can compare with their God?” Amen, Jesus. 

I believe heaven will open up

And the Son of Man will come for us.

At the end of the age, we will behold the King,

Coming on the clouds with all His glory.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.

Return to us!