Now’s a pretty good time…

We all have this desire in us (put there by the Holy Spirit) to adventure with God.  To lay down our lives and run to the battle and spend our time and energy making a real, eternal difference in the lives of our fellow humans, for the glory of God — to “go into all the world and make disciples.”

So here’s the deal:  It will never be easier for you to take risks for God and his Kingdom than RIGHT NOW.  This is ESPECIALLY true for single 20-somethings.  You may think that later, somehow, things in your life will be more conducive to serving and adventuring with God.  But the longer you live, the more likely it is that you will invest your heart in the things of this world.  And as you do this, you will feel like you have more and more to lose by running after Jesus.  It will seem like you have fewer and fewer options.

You will NEVER have fewer hindrances (in the natural) to adventuring with the Holy Spirit than RIGHT NOW!!!

So go for it.  When you look back from Eternity, you will be INFINITELY more happy with this choice!

“The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22-23)

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The MUSIC of HEAVEN!

Music is not something that God created.  It is not primarily a construct or experience or entity He came up with so that our lives and worship experiences would be more delightful or enhanced or anointed.

But rather, true Music is an uncreated reality that has flowed from the heart of the Trinity for itself since eternity past.  It is and always has been, first and foremost, a unique and organically Divine manifestation and passionate expression of love and adoration from the Father to the Son and to the Spirit, and from the Son to the Father and to the Spirit, and from the Spirit to the Father and to the Son.

And when God created Creation, He included aspects (shadows and types) of this original glorious music in those things He created — and most powerfully and importantly, He included it in us.  And that is why music — any kind of music — in one way or another, is so powerful.

But by far the most powerful experience is when we surrender our instruments (especially our hearts!) to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to express His Music through us.  For when we do this, it is not just a type or shadow or echo or created ability that is pouring forth worship to the Father and to the Son (although even that can be wonderful, and is truly appreciated) — but rather it is an uncreated, glorious, infinite flow of eternal adoration that flows from the very heart of God.

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever!  Amen.”   (Romans 11:36)

DIG!!!

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”  (Matthew 13:44)

My brothers and sisters — today is a day that we CANNOT settle for the easy and for that which is lying on the surface. We MUST DIG if we are going to find the treasure.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”
(Proverbs 25:2)

These things are not hidden FROM us but rather they are hidden FOR us. They are reserved for the HUNGRY ones who are willing to press past distraction and boredom and discouragement and not take no for an answer.

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
(Hebrews 6:12)

Do you love America?…

“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30-31)

Are you serious about God?  And do you love America?  Prove it.

PRAY!!!

Our response to Grace must not be passive.

Wow. Sometimes you just gotta fight and scratch and claw your way through the oppression and confusion and not take no for an answer until God shows up! Yes, we succeed and are empowered by Grace — but our relationship to His Grace is not a passive one:

“The kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” (Matthew 11:12)

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)

“Fight the good fight of the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

So fight and keep fighting!  Never give up!  If you never quit, you never lose!

And if you’ve quit already, now is a great time to repent and ask Him for forgiveness, so that you can be restored and moving forward again!  Today is the day for restoration and breakthrough! 

LIFE is supposed to stand out!

The whole thing about true, God-infused, blood-bought LIFE is that it stands out.  It’s supposed to — not in a show-off sort of way, but in a VIBRANT way.  This world is full of death and dying.  And the only hope these “living dead” have is if those who are ALIVE allow the LIFE that is in them to break out and be experienced.

Jesus said:  “You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.   Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.   In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
SHARE GOD’S LOVE WITH THOSE AROUND YOU!!
DARE TO LIVE OUT THE GLORIOUS LIFE JESUS PURCHASED FOR YOU!!!

The LION became a LAMB…

The LION became a LAMB so that lambs could become lions!