Unavailable
It is our determination to be independent by being in control that makes us unavailable to God.
-- Richard Neuhaus
-- Richard Neuhaus
If This Is Not A Place. . .
If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
I believe this quote to be very accurate. I see it everyday, everywhere, and the church is not exempt. It seems that everyone focuses solely on themselves and what is happening with them. Many people can't even be concerned with their own families, they are too busy with their careers, their wants, their needs. As far as their concern for God and what He wants and needs from them... it isn't a thought in their heads. My fear is that, in trying not to offend the world and trying not to appear as being too "different", we have lost our focus, our "salt". We are the frogs in the pot and the temperature is being increased beneath us and before we know it, we will be boiling away wondering what happened and where did it all go wrong. I believe that we, as pastors and teachers need to return to an emphasis on Holiness. We are to be different, set apart, sanctified and we can not reach that level of discipleship without placing God's desires before our own.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to tell you on the prior message that I attended your Evangelism FLAME class in Sophia NC. That class honestly changed my view of evangelism forever. God has been really working with me in this area since that class.
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