The Backlog Part 1

This is the stuff I've been working on over the past few weeks while without internet access. I've written the same thing various ways, trying to figure out the best way to get the message across...and, to try to glean the actual message, as well! A lot of this is the same stuff over and over, so I know that is kind-of the important stuff. I'm assuming, anyway. I don't know. It'll get worked out.
Version 1:

There is no area of our lives that God should not be involved in. In fact, the time has come for Christians to truly live up to their namesake. Seeking, following, trusting Christ. Living out the will of God should be our central focus, not something on the sidelines. Not something to supplement our lives, but to BE our lives.

It is easy to begin a life with Christ, to be full-throttle for a little while, but to slide back into a regular life, separating each facet of our lives into areas where God fits in, and where He doesn’t. Today, I am telling you that it is imperative to end that kind of thinking. Scripture says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Key word: ALL.

It is time to rededicate yourself to a life led by God. Your ENTIRE life. Every single aspect, from the smallest silly detail, to the hugest problem or crisis. There is no half-way with God. It’s all or nothing. We must not be lukewarm.

Why has God placed this so heavily on my heart? I believe/feel a time is coming when life will cease to be so easy for us. This life we lead as Americans is not guaranteed. We are not invincible, we are not immune to poverty, hunger, or any kind of struggle- those things we incorrectly assume only exist in other “Third World” countries. God knows what the future holds for us as a church body. He is telling us to hunker down under His strength- to hold fast to His Word, His promises, His love. The time to do this is NOW.

I am not trying to predict the future- I don’t know what will happen. All I know is that God wants our full attention- not for His sake, but for ours. We must begin to lean on Him for all things. God cares even for the sparrows- they have food and warmth and comfort. We, too, have these things- not by our own abilities or wealth, but by the grace of God, who gives generously. It is time to trust God with all our needs, all our fear, all our problems, all our anxiety and insecurities. We are His children and He will take care of us, He loves us extravagantly- but we must seek Him, trust Him, obey and submit to Him if we are going to stand firm in times of trouble. If we are foreigners to the workings of the Spirit, how will we be able to lean on Him when all hope seems lost?

It is not the time to put this off. Cultivating a rock-solid relationship with God, trusting the Holy Spirit in all things needs to be priority #1, because nothing else will stand up to the sort of tribulation that we may have to face in the future. God is telling us to throw the meaningless details of life aside and reach for Him and Him alone. “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”

Whether or not you believe you are already putting the Lord first in your life, please take this to heart and know that I feel so strongly about this message. The Lord is calling us to attention. He is seeking out His people- people with hearts burning for Him, longing to see His will unfold. Rekindle your passion for God- let it be the desire and direction for your entire life. Ask the Spirit to sow a new enthusiasm that will not fade. Read His Word, speak to Him in prayer, fellowship with brothers and sisters, and worship the Lord who loves us so! I know that whatever the future may hold, in all things, the Lord works for the good of those who love Him. Rely on that truth, and cultivate an unwavering faith and commitment to our Savior and One True Love, Jesus.