Ramblings......

I've take the day off from work today.   As I am sitting on the coach waiting on it to be time head into the events of the day, I keep trying to occupy myself with reading and other games that I play on my phone/tablet.   I keep going in a circle - reading/playing/reading/playing - mostly trying to get away from the thoughts rambling around in my head.   I've finally decided to give in and sit down and write them out as that seem to be what I am being led to do at this moment.

The world is so overcome with struggle.   Everyone is chasing after something.   To get out of debt, a better house, an education, a better job, or just trying to pay the bills and keep food on the table.   However, if we are honest with ourselves, we are all looking and digging for something.   At the heart of what we are looking for is to be loved and accepted - not because of what we have or can do for someone else - but for what we are.   We have an internal yearning to receive exactly the type of love that Jesus provides for all of us, but when it comes to Jesus, we are too concerned about what our friends or family's reaction will be to us acknowledging Jesus that we do everything we can to run away from Him.   At the root of it, we let fear stand between us and a lasting relationship with Christ - despite God telling us repeatedly to be "strong and courageous."    Joshua 1:9 - I command you - be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

For those of us that acknowledge Jesus, we tend to do so on our own terms.   Rather than letting go and fully relying on Jesus to come into our lives and provide for us, dieing to our own desires and living for God, we tend to let our desires and cultural influences shape the truth God provides.    Instead of us allow God to refine and shape us in His perfect image - we use our desires to shape God into our image.   How much we all are missing out on because we can't let go of our own selfish wants?   How much of an impact could Christains make on the world if we let go and actually let God lead the way?   How much do we let our own insecurities and perceived weakness hold us back.   What if we followed Paul's example and let go?  What is we all let God's power work in us?   2 Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

How many Christians who have the ability to profess God's word and lead other's to Christ neglect to do so?   How many of us believe that the "Great Commission" is only for missionaries?   Matthew 28:18-20 says - Jesus came and told His disciples, "I have been given complete authority in Heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."   How many of us pray each day that the Lord would use us to lead others to Christ?   I think we have all missed out on the fact that Jesus simply directs us to "Go".  He doesn't say where or how far.  He doesn't even say that we will come back.   He simply says to "... Go and make disciples....." Yet many of us can't be bothered to get off the couch and cross the street to share the gospel with our neighbors or even take notice of someone in need of assistance as we walk down the street or shop at the grocery store or market.

There's so much more that is on my heart and in my head right now.   However, this is all I can write conherently right now, but I just have this unshakable feeling and concern that we have watered down Christianity to the point that in many ways it isn't what Jesus intended.   We have simply become too comfortable.