Hi Jesus Followers,
I'm sure many of you have heard of (and maybe even read) The Shack by William Paul Young. If you are familiar with it, you know that many have strong feelings about it---some love it; some find it controversial and not theologically correct---I say whatever floats your boat.
Can we spend a moment reflecting on a part of an article I read last year about The Shack? In an interview with Young, the writer (James Davis) asks "What kind of person gravitates most to The Shack?" Young responds, "It's all over the map. Even overseas, it has the same appeal and effect. It draws a lot of people who have wanted an authentic relationship with God, and their (sic-humankind created) religious systems have not delivered."
Young goes on to say that he gets lots of mail from non-Christians backgrounds and that "every human wants to be real, and not to hate. That's evidence that we're all made in the image of God, and that God is involved in the details of our lives." I do believe, dear friends, that Jehovah does want to be in the details of our lives. We talk about and, I hope, daily practice loving and building relationships. We desperately want our families, friends, neighbors, and all others we touch to truly have an authentic relationship with God and with us. The Loft is committed to reaching those on the fringe of faith - some on the fringe are still checking out what 'faith is about.' Others on the fringe may have a personal relationship with Jesus, but not living daily with a Kingdom purpose or sustainable passion about spiritual things. We all struggle with going through seasons of life. It's difficult to be daily consistent in or with anything, isn't it? Let me rephrase that...to be consistent with anything that really matters. Ouch.
So, for Twitter fans, here's my tweet for you today: Mix equal parts of The Great Commission (going) with The Great Commandment (loving); mix it well and consistently as you go." A faith walk is serious business; it provides true joy and purpose...and by joining with other like-minded folks in community is grace-filled and rewarding.
Today I thought about Maya Angelou's great thought "I've learned that you can't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands; you will not be able to throw anything back." How's that arm from behind the plate?
How you doing? I'd love to hear from you.
Selah
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