As I pray to be closer to the Lord, He shakes my core even more. As I pray for my territory to be expanded in the Spiritual realm, the more He shows me the depths of His love and purpose. As if my life wasn't drastically changed enough, He continues to strengthen the reality of His kingdom through His presence.
The concepts of a Spiritual walk can seem to work in paradoxes. For example:
There is infinite wonder and depth to His love, yet our lifestyle in His love is very simple. We are tapping into God's complex and unexplainable orchestration, but giving ourselves up to receive the Spirit comes down to a simple yes or no. It only seems complex because it's hard to break the ways of the world at first, and/or because we're not willing. (we become comfortable).
This society demands so much. The expectations in our lives are man-made. There are many facets to this worldly lifestyle. There is so much junk we are raised to believe, that in the end, contradicts the beautiful lifestyle of following the Holy Spirit. We are raised to be part of a pride-centered lifestyle, but when that is abolished and we follow Jesus, there is simplicity in being content with just God. With simplicity of heart comes a true peace and a true joy.
Matthew 10:39
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."
This concept is not only the source of a Christian walk, but it continues until this flesh perishes. I hear this preached over and over again, but I feel the power and depth behind this concept is not sought after. If we are willing to experience life in Jesus - we must deny this flesh. As Spiritual eyes are opened, our identities become ones of Spirit. Suddenly the labels attached with this world become insignificant. Your name, birthplace, location, culture, possessions, family, career, have all become insignificant compared to the powerful and deep Spiritual reality of living by the Holy Spirit. As we seek the depths of God, He establishes us as a Spiritual being. Our identities are not found on a birth certificate, but are found in connection with the Holy Spirit.
Since God's realm is an infinite and wondrous Spiritual reality, how much of Him are we willing to receive? The depths of His realm can be a Spiritual reality in this life; yet do we still hold onto our earthly identities? The truth is that we should never stop seeking the depths of His love. We have to seek more of His reality, and not our reality or this world's reality. What is really fulfilling? What is more valuable? It is not a burden, but a joy to explore the depths of Him.
God can spark passion in us to explore Him - but we have to seek Him first. We have to pray for Him to shake us. We have to pray for the dirt to fall. It can be scary - but He is pleased when we are willing to go all the way.
Surely taking up the cross and following Jesus can be more than going to bible studies and events. It can be more than some prayer time. It is more than just saying I live a Christ-centered lifestyle. A lifestyle for Jesus is finding life in Him and only Him. It is found in raw and authentic connection with God. What needs to be valued, and what needs to be devalued? We cannot do this, but God does these things for us personally when we pray for them. He prunes us when we press into His Spirit - and not this world.
I want to be content with simple things, not distracted by this multi-faceted society that deters us from the Lord. I want to live with my brothers and sisters, giving to each other and loving each other. I want the source of our time spent to be filled with the Spirit - which unifies us in unbreakable love. I want to meet everyday and pray. I want to eat with simple hearts, being content with little. I want to praise God and be right in His sight. I want this to multiply.
Acts 2:42
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
This beautiful image is found in a Spiritual reality. It is not something we can mimic or produce. It is not based around a building, money, or events. It is based around the love of God, that dwells in us and unites us. Come, receive the Love, and let's be unified under the umbrella of His love.
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