-by Pastor Jill Kauffman-
I think that most of us are feeling heartbreak at the recent devastation to our nation as Hurricane Sandy swept up our coast. I was having trouble sleeping thinking that some people were in the dark, no heat, no bed, no warmth. It made me extremely grateful for what I have.
I enjoyed watching the newscast of the woman who had miraculously been overlooked by Sandy and had her home still in tact. She opened her doors to many – and the house was full! – to feed them, give them a warm place to stay. Total strangers eating at her table and filling her home. She said "I am just so grateful, how could I not open up my home to those who have nothing left."
As the body of Christ, we should be so very grateful that we have been translated out of darkness and into His glorious light. The doors of our homes, our churches, and most of all….our hearts…should be open to all to provide Light, warmth, a safe place out of the darkness of the worldly system.
I remember years ago going to a church and they were in such a little clique. They were talking about how this couple had come to their group and wanted to be a part of it. They were laughing as they said "They don't fit in here! They live in a trailer park and have no money and look how they dress….". My husband and I were shocked at their attitude. Needless to say, the poor couple no longer was a part of their group. From the outside, we fit into their group. But not from the heart! We had been asked to come and speak and when we left, we did not return. Religion can be brutal if the heart is not changed and softened by the power of the Holy Spirit!
I have a friend whose heart is wanting to shift from a religious denomination and come into the Kingdom life. She went to a church recently who is charismatic, sings the modern worship songs, prays for people, etc. She loved the church…until….one of the young women there began to criticize her relentlessly for being in her denomination. She was so turned off that she said she would never go back. I pray that I will be able to give her JESUS each time I see her. That she would see Him in my life and not just in my words. That the door of my heart, my home and my church would be open to all.
How will they ever find Jesus if we do not show them? We have been taught to stay away from the drug dealers, prostitutes, those who have tattoos (haha, that makes me laugh) and those who are "corrupted". But what if we, as the body of Christ, put away our religious garments and showed them Jesus – the Lover of their souls?
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing unto You, O God." Psalm 19:14
"And above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves; for charity (love) shall cover a multitude of sins." I Peter 4:8
That does not mean that we overlook sin. We are to love what He loves and hate what He hates. And God certainly hates sin! But He also spent time with the sinners while here. In fact, he called a corrupted tax collector to be one of His disciples. It means that the Love that we display…truly display and pour out onto creation…will show them Jesus and this agape love will change their hearts and their lives.
If the church could just quit fighting with one another long enough to show His Love to all and truly mean it, the world would be changed.
I heard someone recently say that they were asked "Why does God let things like this happen?" and he turned to them and said "No, why do YOU let things like this happen?" WE are the enchristed ones! The saying goes that "hurt people hurt people". Well… HEALED people HEAL people!! Jesus healed people everywhere He went! And so should we! "Surely goodness and mercy shall FOLLOW you all the days of your life!"
Jesus said "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." JUBILEE! Luke 4:18-19
The same Spirit that resided in Jesus, resides in every born-again, Spirit-filled believer. So, we are also anointed to do the same!
"Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them POWER and AUTHORITY over all devils, and to cure diseases." Luke 9:1
Not just anyone, but the disciples. Those who were willing to discipline themselves to the things of God and to His Kingdom. It is time for the body of Christ to quit playing games and get lined up with the Head…who is Christ Jesus. Get in order! Line yourself up with your headship…Jesus, who is your sovereign headship and your Father/Mother in the Lord, set ministry – who is your spiritual head. And ladies, if you are married, your husband who is your social head. Discipline yourself! Kingdom first! Everything else will fall into place!
Quit worrying! Quit being anxious! Keep your eyes FIXED on Jesus! Live your life for Him! Get under apostolic covering and get correct doctrine into your being. Let us mature and be His very life in the earth!
It is time! We must get serious and focused. We must have single vision in this Day. Live your life for Jesus. Live a life that is pleasing to the Father. Live a life that will draw all men unto Him.
Open up your heart and let them in! Let them see the Light that shines forth from your heart and live accordingly!
Remember the saying…"Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words."
Do not ever take what the Father did for you for granted. Always live with a grateful heart.
xoxo
