Learning!

Through devotions God has poured out such amazing revelations for me! Just like many people, God has done amazing things in our life. He also has allowed us to go through valleys. We've been so thankful to Him for these challenges because we grow through it. IF you're willing to listen, you'll be willing to see yourself and change. Some people don't and they miss out! You need to ask yourself....if your not facing a challenge or something for you to depend on God-are you following Him? Are you just idling by? It is hard at times, but He is so faithful. Learning to give up control and allow Him to move is refreshing. The truth is freeing. In times of trouble, it's hard to not just go to the person or issue and just make "amends" or have them see your point of view. I've always done this in the past. Because I want peace with everyone. BUT...God tells us to wait upon Him. He needs to prepare hearts. You need time,maturing and equipping, so that the word you've received can take root and be fulfilled in the way God wants! Look at Paul! He didn't just go out and tell everyone when God appointed him. He waited...and it took 3 years before he went and started his ministry. An effective ministry I might add! He needed time for God to work in him and prepare him for his journey.

Habakkuk 2:3 "For the Revelation awaits an appointed time."

Dave and I left our "home" church awhile back. We felt like we were being pulled in a new direction so we thought that it would be best to follow God...and not man. We didn't leave on bad terms, nor did we leave because we didn't believe the doctrine or because it was bad.
We began a search of where our next church home would be, and had the excitement of where God would lead us. Even if we were just meant to go back to the church we left. It was really hard. There are so many churches out there.
Where we ended up...Cedar Creek, has certainly raised some eyebrows. At this time in our lives, we are ok with being "lost in a crowd". Which has been a staple answer for us b/c of the reactions we have gotten! It feels good to go to church and just seek Him, not worry where to sit, what friends we can seek out in a crowd, just GO to church and listen about God without distraction.

But for some reason, it offends others. This last time when we were asked "where are you going now?", we replied and the reaction...same as the other 100 times has been "oh...cedar creek" with disappointed faces and a reaction that it's not a "real" church or legitimate.
I love how as christians we have a preconceived notion of how a church is or anything for that matter without even going there. Why does it bother you? Is it because the church has exponential growth? Is it because they have a media representation that is phenomenal? Is it because the worship is different from yours? Is it because when the pastor speaks he does so in a way that is in your face and doesn't mix the truth? Not worried about offending others? really, I'd like to know...because as Christians...we shouldn't be so concerned with where our fellow believers are going as long as they're being fed and doing the will of the Lord. We should be concerned with the non-believers of this world and get them to places where they are going to learn and grow in Him. Instead, we judge other christians, we judge non believers, we judge judge judge!!!!! So let's stop looking down our own noses at others and focus on what Christ has us to do. This life is short, we have on objective....get as many people to follow Him as possible. What are you doing about that? I ask myself the same question...because we each individually will stand before Him one day. I would like to hear "well done my good and faithful servant". Whoa-what a glorious day that will be!!!!!