The Christians of the first century, attending "The First Church of Jerusalem" did not wait for an announcement on Face book or church stage. They witnessed on the job or considered their lifestyle a ministry to the circle of life God had planted them in. The church came together to pray, hear the Word, even eat a meal or two.
In our Christian walk or ministries we can become cold and indifferent (of whom I am chief).
We find we are cold and indifferent, even leaving our relationship and disciplines behind. Where did you stop. Prayer? Begin to pray. Bible reading/study? go back and start there, Worship? Go back, draw near to God, He will draw near to you.
We find we have been going through the motions. Keep on truckin', keep reading, etc. praying for God's grace, forgiveness and Holy Spirit love and empowerment.
Whether it's a single worshipper or a local body of believers called a church. (It doesn't matter the size of a church). What is required is effort, investing time etc. We are to grow Spiritually and that doesn't happen willy nilly (by accident). we draw close to God, He will draw close to us.
When you find yourself in the muddy clay of the steep path of life, you need concrete steps;
- Intentionality I believe God desires us to walk with Him on purpose. This is not legalism. Try that legalism talk when you tell your spouse or person you're dating or friend; "Whatever." or "I might make it, I don't want to be bogged down with a lot of rules." Pray on purpose, read/study His Word on purpose and consistently. Be prepared for the love and grace of God to shine in your intentionality and provide Divine direction. God sees your love when you act intentionally!
- Faithfulness Throughout God's Word He calls for faithfulness. The list is long that contain Biblical examples of faithful men and women as in Hebrews 11. You might not hear or learn anything new every time you are at church or in a Bible study etc. The cool thing is when someone sees you, in your mess, show up. Many people like you have been a great picture of God's faithfulness. Faithful Available Teachable.
- Communication God calls us to prayer. The book of Psalm is filled with conversations with God. This walk is a relationship not a world religion. Relationship requires communicating. How often I go to Him with my Santa Clause list. You know it yourself, when we spend that time with God; meditating, praising, interceding for others, while listening for that Divine direction, there is life! Talking with other believers, even non believers will again require, intentionality and faithfulness. You will be making a great impact on the lives of others.
Luke 18:1 and the letter to the Philippians!
