We need a GREAT Awakening!

God is trying to tell our culture something today. We are sleeping when it comes to Him and all that He has for us.

Sure, we're busy. We work, play, and watch too much Netflix. 

But that's the problem. We aren't spending the time with Him that we should be. We are TOO busy!

Awakening wonder takes paying attention and rest. You can't hear God's voice if you always have noise in the back ground.

I want to share a few points from Andy Stanley's last talk at Catalyst and part of my devotional today from Christine Caine's devotional "Living Life Undaunted".

"To awaken the wonder of the world to the wonder of the church, we should take our cues from: 

1. Something said about Jesus: He embodied grace and truth. John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace & truth."

2. Something Jesus said without saying it: Distinguish theology from ministry. In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus called Matthew into ministry with Him. He said, "Follow me". Everyone can follow Jesus. Don't let theology (what we believe), get in the way of ministry (what we do for others).

3. Something Jesus didn't say: Never give up influence unnecessarily.  In Luke 20: 1-8, Jesus was asked by the elders what authority He had to do the things He was doing. Never make a point at the expense of making a difference. Think twice before answering a question that has the potential to burn a bridge or close a door.

4. Something Jesus actually said: Love your enemies. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5: 43-45 to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Don't be concerned if people don't always speak well of you."

We need to point people to Jesus and all that He has for them. We need to show His grace and truth in love, do things for others through ministry, don't shut people out just because they don't believe/look/act like you, and love our enemies.

This will awaken their wonder to the truth of who Jesus is. When they see how we treat them, they will be in awe. 

This paragraph from Christine Caine's devotional fits perfectly:

"Ultimately, choosing to awaken means that we have to turn the lights on so that we can dispel the world's darkness. We must be alert, responsible, and engaged in the world in the unique and creative way that God has called us to. So many of us are sleepwalking through our days, getting through our to-do lists, and not even realizing there is a bigger purpose God is outworking around us. Waking up does not mean that we all need to make a geographical shift, but to wake up in our own communities, workplaces, schools, and lives. Instead of focusing only on OUR small world, OUR needs, OUR families, and OUR friends, we need to see what God sees, feel what God feels, and hear what God hears in the cries of people everywhere."

If we've lost our wonder, we need to get it back so we can show it to the world! God has so much planned for us and He loves us so much! Are you awake?? 

I took this the other night, it awakens my wonder of God.

God bless you today and always.