Amen is not Good Bye

           When I am walking with my wife, I do not have a designated phrase to begin and end each conversation. In fact, no matter where we are or what we are doing, the conversation is always open. We do not need a prescribed beginning and end to each thought we share, because we are with each other. We are ever walking and talking with each other – enjoying each other’s company and presence. We have a relationship that is based on more than just conversation.

Should not our relationship with the Lord be similar? So often we think the phrases, “In the Name of Jesus” and “amen,” should begin and end our conversations with God. But why is this? Have we limited a relationship with the Savior to the few moments of prayer each day? Sometimes it feels as though we are “hanging up” or saying “good bye” when we attach an “amen” to the end of our prayers. This does not need to be the case. Since we have the very great and precious promises of God, we know that the Almighty “will never leave us or forsake us” (Josh. 1:5; 1 Sam. 12:22; 2 Peter 1:4). The Lord walks with us by His Spirit EVERY moment of the day (John 14:16-17).

Perhaps, then, every waking moment we should be sensitive and aware of the Presence of God. Yes, we will pray “In the Name of Jesus” and agree by faith with a holy “Amen,” but we should not let prayer be the only time we are attentive to God (Eph. 2:18). As a husband walks and talks with his wife, let us walk with God – aware and sensitive to the Presence of our Beloved. Let us always listen for the voice of God, no matter where we are – whether in prayer or not.

-Dusty

"The Cult of Comfort"

          Let us open the eyes of faith that we may awaken to the Kingdom of God! Let us stir from the slumber of apathy, remove the covers of ignorance, and arise from the bed of laziness. It is time to place our feet upon the floor of this age and walk toward the Door. With a sense of calling and purpose, let us grab a hold of the door of life, by the handle of faith. The time has come to throw open the doors, upon the hinges of prayer, and let the light of God’s glory illuminate that which has kept us sleeping.

          The light reveals that the house we have built is no more than the cult of comfort. The rooms were designed with only ourselves in mind. Within our slumbering state, within our house of comfort and straw, we crafted the dreams of self-gain. We have rested comfortably in our house, constructed by the hands of selfishness.

          The whole time we saw the light through the windows. We heard wind of God’s Word against our walls. Only by indifference has it been possible to ignore the breeze of the Spirit. Rather, we slept. All we wanted was comfort.

          It is a new day. It is the time for action – for charity, hospitality, love, and power. The son has risen to reveal what we created. The light has crept through the windows of hope. It is now time to arise! Where the cult of comfort has kept us asleep, it is time to awaken and make a difference. While it is still daylight, it is time live for God. We do not know when the Lord will return, but the night quickly approaches. It is time live for that which we have been made – to glorify God and to let the light shine through the door of life and action.

- Dusty D.