A sort of 'restlessness' is occurring in people today, where routine things, mundane activities, and the 'norm' are simply not cutting it anymore! We want more! More from ourselves, more from each other! The Apostle Paul called it 'provoking to good works' (Hebrews 10:24). We want the best for each other, and for ourselves. We know the potential is there, and has been, but now we want to see more than just the potential, we want to see the fruit!, the evidence; the proof!
That's what happens when Jesus is on the scene! He just seems to bring out the best in people. At times, His presence brings out our tears, often for being overwhelmed at His love for us; that He would even consider walking among us, laying His hands on us, holding us, comforting us, looking our way. His presence brings out the joy in us, as we find ourselves overwhelmed with happiness. I have heard of others getting upset because the people in church services are 'too' happy. I cannot imagine what else we are supposed to be!
Are we supposed to go to a church where everyone is sad? I have walked into churches where a sad 'covering' looms in the atmosphere. Or a church where everyone is mad? How about a church where almost everyone is in a daze, bored or asleep? There are enough of those around already, with people leaving the way they arrived. Where is the change? I believe when the presence of God is in the room, PEOPLE CHANGE! The presence of love, the presence of hope; that's the Lord.
We are not necessarily trouble free... but happy despite our troubles. How about a church where genuine love abounds? Where people are genuinely concerned and caring for each other. There are enough churches that are indifferent, even selfish and callous to hurting people around them. I don't understand it, but it's like that in some instances, nonetheless. In spite of that the Spirit of the Lord in you can make the difference in someone's life. YOU are the church! Jesus is coming for a Church; not a building. You can be the expression of Christ's love to a lost and hurting, sighing, dying and tired of trying people.
Jesus walks among us, daily! What does He find when He looks your way? How do we leave others, after we've spent time with them; hungry and thirsty for more of Christ? I want to leave people considering Jesus; desiring change, growth and maturity that comes from the LORD! I want to see the fullness of God's joy, love and peace radiating through the lives of His people, more and more!
Ask Yourself: What are my thoughts as He nears me? Am i too casual in my relation to God? Do I bring out the best or worst in others?
WORDS TO LIVE BY: And let us consider one another in order to stir up (provoke) love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:24,25
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