Be Real

To Be Real or Not to Be Real? That is the question. All across this globe, people are hurting deeply. And I'm not talking about the kind of hurt they're experiencing because of the loss of job or hard economic times, or even the loss of a family member or friend. I'm talking about the kind of hurt and pain that can only be known by someone who feels like they have commited the unpardonable sin and feel like the weight of the world is bearing down on them. (Which it is - It's called the Holy Spirit) and so they struggle.....and they struggle. And then one day.....they show up in a worship service. One can see the Holy Spirit is all over them. One can see that freedom is just a short step away if they'll just take that step. Oh their experience is Very REAL. Authentic. It's the kind of worship experience minister's pray for. Hoping God will just show up and do a "mighty work." And then it happens. Satan begins to do his work through the High and Mighty Church Member. Condemnation begins to set in. "Why did that person go forward?" "The pastor just preached on that topic, he or she must be struggling with that" You can see the stones being throne. Judgement is being cast. Next thing you know, rumor's out. "Better watch out at that church. You can't be REAL there." And if you can't be real at church, where can you be real at. So, if you're struggling with something, just be REAL. Be REAL with yourself. Be REAL with God. And if your blessed enough to have a loving church family whose in touch with their own past faults, failures, and struggles with sin, BE REAL with them. We are the church! WE ARE THE CHURCH! Praise God!

Prayer.....

"I want a life of greater, deeper, truer, prayer." I echo these words of Archbishop Tait who lived during the 19th century. Prayer is a topic that has many questions, and probably just as many answers if not more. In no way do I claim to have an understanding of this complex topic, but I do know this, that prayer, when done right, is the most intimate, fullfilling, and satisfying time spent with our Lord.

This week I have had the desire placed on my heart to begin an in depth study of this topic. Maybe this is the point the disciples had reached in their lives when they asked Jesus himself, "Lord, teach us to pray."

And that shall be my prayer and maybe it can be yours too.

Lord teach "us" how to pray. Help us to know how to commune with you, when to be silent, when to speak, when to praise, when to adore, when to give thanks, when to confess, when to weep. Restore us all: Transform us all: For your glory!