We're chasing after desires and following emotions. In a world where performance is everything, we've neglected morals. In a society where career ladder climbing contends with character, we find starving children and lost souls. Why have we depended on our own abilities? Why do we follow the line of blind leaders telling us who we should be, instead of leading the blind to become what we’ve already been called? A holy nation, a royal priesthood, children of light… Have we really bowed our knees to lies and accepted the false reality that there is no eternal consequence? We have become a people robbed and plundered. We tell our children they can be anything, but conceal ourselves in tiny boxes of comfort, completely opposed to making an impact. Heads down, eyes veiled behind paper work and computer screens, focused on the next due date or deadline… we forget the people we’re passing and pretend that pain doesn’t penetrate the hearts of those surrounding us. We worry about payments and future security. We store up treasures that will never last… Have we forgotten the greatness of our God? Have we let go of His promises? We take His name on Sunday mornings, bow down in holy reverence, we pray the prayers and repeat the phrases… but where is the transformation? When the love of God touches you, you cannot possibly be the same! When you wrestle with God like Jacob and battle your enemies at Jericho, something inside of you changes! When the God of the universe speaks to you, you never walk as you did before! Why have we neglected faith only to grasp religiosity? Do we really think that the law will save us? Will just “being good” bring us our salvation? Impossible! The law separated us from our Father and “good people” crucified His son! Where are his children now? Why do we lean on lies of fame and fortune and plastic surgery for our happiness? Do we really think that an Ipad or Kendall can bring us the joy that is in Christ? Why do we allow these limits? We let the world tell us what to wear, what to buy, what to eat, how to act… all the while suicide and divorce rates sore and depression is so common, it’s accepted! We have stayed here too long; we have tarried at Gilgal for too long! We should have made it to the Jordan by now and received a double portion of His spirit! Imagine the miracles we could experience if we only grasp that truth! Imagine the numbers of salvations and transformations that would be possible. Jesus said that we would be able to do anything! Why have we overlooked the fact that Peter walked on the water too? Christ has said, “Come out to me,” and we’ve stayed here in our boat, refusing to answer his call. Good people will go to hell. The Bible is clear about that. We cannot allow ourselves to be brainwashed into “safe” Christianity. The truth is it is only idolatry. If we’re not serving the true Jesus, we’re worshipping an idol of who we believe He is, a false god, one who doesn’t even exist… we will be wasting our time. We cannot seek to be comfortable. Our purpose is not to find all of our dreams coming true. We’ve been called to follow. That’s it. God is not a shooting star to be wished upon. He doesn’t give us answers: He makes US the answers! When will His people rise up and take on their calling? When will we be His hands healing and His words speaking? When will our God be more than a commitment for Sunday mornings? We must remove the blinders that keep us bound and blinded in complacency and take a look at the real world around us. It’s time we do more than exist; it’s time to love relentlessly and carry the burdens of the broken. It’s time to lose the façade of world-view compassion and let the fire of God consume those in the darkness. It’s time for His people to seek more than their own salvation, but become concerned with the eternities of others. What would God say about our selfishness if we stopped to listen? We have the hope of the world; we carry with us the answer to eternity. We carry life and power… but we haven’t used any of it. We’ve let this gift sit unopened in our spirits, afraid perhaps… but of what? Our words have the power to move mountains when combined with faith! We have the ability to raise the dead! Why do we leave it up to the “pastors” to take a stand in the face of injustice? Did God not use David? Timothy? Mary? Were they not the “smallest,” “insignificant” people of their time? God never calls those who are able. He enables those that He calls. When a group of Christians decide to walk in that promise, we will see a people healed. We will see lives touched. We will see God’s favor and watch the defeat of the enemy. When a generation finally stands up for our God, our God will show Himself strong for us! God is waiting for us, though. He is waiting for a people willing to face persecution and still worship; still walk in conviction. He’s looking for a heart SOLD OUT for Him alone. When we finally do that, a revival will come. A revival will sweep this nation and His Spirit will be poured out. God will show up… We just haven’t asked Him to yet. That’s the problem.
3/24/11
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