Take Me Up On It

A follow up to my last post is what you would call this, I guess.

It's been stirring in my heart, mind, and spirit lately to move forward and not continuously bog myself down in the past. I know that not everyone will agree with my point of view on the religious system and "church" of the day, but that's fine in itself. Basically it's whatever floats your boat.

I love...outright LOVE...being around other Christians. That's why any chance we get to volunteer with a ministry is something we jump at. After all, your walk should definitely include other Christians--and non-Christians for that matter.
We are not perfect, nor could we ever be.
I'm certainly nowhere near it.
I think what has saddened me the most is that I wanted change--the kind of change that shakes the world. I wanted--and STILL want--to see a movement of Christ so large that it overwhelms the gates of hell and rattles the snot out of the demons.
Even the demons know Christ--they admitted that in the Bible. Knowing the name, knowing its power, and actually allowing the Holy Spirit to give you that same power is something different though. You can know a name, but until you use it, it's useless.
Please tell me that made sense.
I am not looking for spiritual seclusion. Quite the opposite in fact. I WANT other Christians around me. I want to worship our Father with the same heart, eyes, mind, and grace that my friends possess. I just don't want any of the religious bondage that can sometimes accompany it.
It's fine not to believe me in this. After all, I was where you are about 4 months ago.
I was furious at the thought of not dressing in my finest, sporting a sweet violin, and singing some hallelujahs to the King.
Seriously, it was gut wrenching.

I can't say that I feel that way now. I aim to move forward and find a better way to glorify Him. Don't know how that's going to happen yet. I understand that not everyone is ready to make a jump like that--for it's kind of like taking a walk off of a cliff. Very scary and unpredictable.
I had to ask myself when I jumped from my cliff, "Is He going to catch me? Am I somehow going to sprout wings and fly on my own? Am I going to perish?"

Is it about titles, my friends? Must we be deacons, elders, teachers, paid ministers--to spread His Word? Must we??

Come to my home someday. And it doesn't even have to be a Sunday. Have a seat and let me pour you some hot tea and serve you a brownie or two. If you forgot your Bible, that's totally okay. You may not even need it, but if you do, I have spares. Let's laugh together, cry together, love one another. You tell me your needs, and I'll tell you mine. If you stay all day and night, that's 100% acceptable.
Call me up any time of day or night. I'm there to listen, for I care deeply about you and want only what He wants for your life. Let me whisper sweet words of the Father to your ear while you soak them up. You do the same for me if you felt led to do so. Let us, as a unified body, comfort those who mourn, feed those who are hungry, heal the sick, minister to the unsaved and forgotten, love on the children, and show them the path of righteousness.

Why put our God in a box and only allow Him out on Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights? Let Him be free to move amongst His people 24/7, 365 days a year. He's not a fast food joint, drive-thru, or an overpriced uninviting restaurant. He is 100% power 100% of the time. He hears you even when you don't speak a word. He created a God-shaped hole in your soul that only He can fill.

Let us do this T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R, my friends. I want what He wants, and I know you do too. Feel the freedom of letting go of your "norm." You might just find that it opens a whole new world up at your feet.

We all remember the story of Martha and Mary, right? Jesus came to visit, and Martha was too busy--too overwhelmed with the chores and preparing things for Him that she wouldn't take the time to sit at His feet and listen. Mary, on the other hand, basked in His glory and soaked up every single second of Jesus' time with them. She wanted more, and she was willing to give up what she was "supposed" to be doing in order to receive what He had for her.
Don't be too pre-occupied with plans, events, speeches, etc. to see what He has in store for your life. His words don't always have to come from a preacher's mouth. Instead, be on the lookout for Christ in everyday people. Don't be afraid to step away, sit down, and listen to Him.

And please take me up on the offer sometime. I'd love the company, and I KNOW God has a word for you when you are prepared to listen.