Community

Below is a great illustration I read recently in an article written by John Ortberg. Just thought I’d share.

"Years ago, while on vacation, I was going to fix something on the grill. I made a pile of charcoal, I poured a few gallons of lighter fluid over them, and I started the fire. My son was just fascinated by fire, as most young boys are. He asked what I was doing, and I told him.

"There's something about the way these little briquettes are constructed that when you put them together, the fire glows and they get real hot. And if you isolate one it cools off quickly. It loses the fire. But when they stick together, there's fire, because they feed off each other. God designed them to work that way."

This fits what Dallas Willard has said about the Christian life: "Personalities united can contain more of God and sustain the force of his greater presence better than scattered individuals." Think about that. Personalities united—people in community—contain more of God and his transforming power than isolated individuals. We should not be surprised that transformation requires community; it's how God designed us."

Brings a whole new light to the relentless doctrine of – “Don’t forsake the assembly”

Stay together – in mind, in heart, in spirit. We are made for this. There are many things to be done. It is going to take everyone.

Ask to be filled with Light

Darkness interrupts the Light at any chance allowed.

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:20

John Piper refers to sin as “Spiritual Leprosy”. “It deadens your senses so you rip your soul to shreds and don't even feel it.”

Jesus lays bare our leprosy – Christ brings us into the light.

I personally, have many sores that need light theropy. I must continue in the Light as treatment for my condition. One such treatment for me has been this blog. I find a certain amount of renewal when pecking out a few thoughts of encouragement – both for my soul as well as yours.

So as apology – I regret the lull in postings. I do, however, lay hold to the hope that Christ will continue our relationship made manifest in part, through specific disciplines - which include, at least at current, this blog.

If you too are experiencing darkness in any form I suggest a simple inquisition to your Father.

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13

Simply ask.

Pray.

Request the Spirit.

He will give. He will renew. He desires you in the Light more than you yourself do.