Believe it or not, we are all more individual than we care to admit. But
believe it or not, we are even more alike-and we hide from admitting it. It
seems that the more that we desire to not conform with the ways of the world,
that we all become the same, just different. Not right or wrong, just
different, a concept hard to accept, and even harder to live with.
As I watched people celebrating, yes celebrating via dancing and singing,
at the Feast of Trumpets Celebration, so many from other churches were
attending. And my heart was happy to see Jew and Gentile, Baptist and Lutheran,
and those who just love Jesus together. In the spirit. But I was also
saddened, thinking ahead how when they return to their own church, and own
religious dogma, they will not be able to share about the Feast. It will fall
on deaf ears, or rather a dead spirit, because they are not in it. They are
stuck in a fellowship where the pastor, or church board, or denomination sets
the tone-not God, yet they are family in Christ. They have the same amount of
grace given to them, yet they don't accept it, and miss out on the blessings of
God.
I know certain women, Godly women, who love the Lord, but sadly have
husbands who are not saved. And go out to church or Bible study against their
will, never fully enjoying the fruit of the spirit. Who cannot go home and
share what God is doing, for it falls on deaf ears. Even worse is the husband
who is saved, yet doesn't encourage his wife. They are one, as God has made
them, yet two very individual people. And when I look at them, I wonder how the
wife would blossom with just a little encouragement from her husband, and how he
doesn't know the love he is missing from his wife.
When Paul wrote to not be unequally yoked, he meant more than just
marriage. He meant relationships at church, in business, and friends. We tend
to follow what makes us feel good, trusting our feelings. Which for me will let
me down, how many bad dates did I endure because of that? Or rides that should
have been blessed. but weren't, just because I was not equally yoked with the
group. But when I encountered another Christian, I was excited and relieved all
at once, someone to share with. Be careful-you may not fit in with your peer
group, but trust God to let Him guide you.
Is the ministry you are involved in more of a social club? Ask God to
guide you. We minister much more effectively, and joyfully when led by God.
Let the spirit guide, not rules. Is your church stuck in doctrine, wanting to
reach out more to God, but afraid of what the congregation will think? Trust
God. Is your marriage suffering because you go your way instead of God's? Turn
to Him, let Jesus be the most important part of your marriage, and watch as you
love your wife more, and she loves you more. You can become the husband she
needs, and she will become the wife you desire. When you give it to God. Ditch
the rules, and obtain morals. Only obtainable from God. They will reflect in
you, via the fruit of the spirit-and love, then joy, then peace and patience,
goodness, kindness, long suffering, meekness, and self control will dictate your
life and decisions. You will experience more of God based on Him, rather than
your emotions or feelings. Let God's grace surround you today. You set the
example.
You are not going to change anyone's heart-only Jesus can do that. But you
can be an encouragement, not a deterrent. You can show God's love freely, not
worried what anyone thinks when in the spirit. It is pride that restrains
you-worrying about what others may say about you. Maybe we should be more
concerned about what God says about us. We may not like what we hear-but God
loves us all the same, sinner and saint. His way of love, not ours. See the
difference already.
As Jesus told us, pray "thy will be done, thy kingdom come..." let the
spirit of the Lord guide you today. And watch the difference it makes. He will
send people to bless you, and you to bless others. He will change hearts, and
you will see fruit in your life that you only may have heard of. For where the
spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty... Give it up to Jesus, and tell others
by your actions and attitudes about Him. Words will be available from Him when
needed. You may be the one in your church or club that starts the change, just
by being who you are in Jesus. Be the person you can be in the Lord.
Independent on Him, accepting His grace, and seeing it reflected in His love for
others.
God will send someone your way today who needs His love. Don't step over
them like the rich man did to Lazarus. Stop, look, and listen-like we used to
do for trains. And watch as blessings appear, and others see them too. As your
spouse wants to be with you more, as your fellowship grows, and your ministry
blossoms. Not based on rules or laws, but on the spirit.
And soon you will be able to celebrate Jesus in your life, like the Feast
of Trumpets, and look forward to that day we hear the trumpet call us home. As
for now....give it over to God...
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew24biker.blogspot.com