Been There, "Dung" That

We will give ourselves to hundreds if not thousands of pursuits in our lifetime; chasing our tails looking for that which will give us access to greatness, prestige, and platform in this life. We will choose works over intimacy more times then not both in our natural relationships and our heavenly one. We would rather buy flowers and gifts for those we love that we have hurt then to actually sit down and have a real conversation that will make sure it doesn’t happen again. We speak about covenant then get offended and bail at the first sight of us not getting the position or honor we believe is due before even having a conversation that allows them to know they have hurt you.

We would much rather be known for what we have done then who we are.

On a macro scale we want to work for God. We preach friendship with Him but love and even pursue the bondage of religion and religious systems that we might attain some glory from man; sometimes in the name of calling or even destiny. We are choosing job descriptions and leadership over relationship. We will spend hours planning for God without ever taking the hours that are required for relationship.

God is coming back for a bride and you don’t marry someone you don’t know.

We are busy creating new positions to build systems and structures that Jesus came to overthrow while He walked on earth. Paul makes it clear that we can not put confidence in what we attain in the flesh.

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of KNOWING Christ Jesus my Lord." Philippians 3:3-8

The pursuit is "knowing". This is what we are after; knowing God. To know fully even as we are fully known. This is the heart of God, to give us access to the humble and hungry to His glory. What do you want? You are not going to be asked about your ministry in heaven. You aren't going to place before Jesus a list of your accomplishments as a ticket to heaven. You will, like the elders, behold His holiness and throw ("cast" means "to throw without care of where it lands" Rev. 4:10) everything off that might give you any attention or be of any worth. Why wait until heaven?

Beloved, you may be royalty but He is the King of Kings!

I don’t know what you are after but David put it plainly in Psalm 27:4, "One thing.......". What do you want outside of relationship? Deep, intimate, hilarious, holy, beautiful, terrifying, glorious, awesome, majestic, wonderful relationship with the creator of all that was and ever will be. You have been given access through the cross into the beauty of His holiness (the garments of Priesthood). This is what you were created for. This is why God is rebuilding the Tabernacle of David both in eternity and in this hour; it was the Holy of Hollies with the door wide open for all to partake in. Dancing, singing, clapping, 24 hours a day for 33 years. In Acts 15 the rebuilding of the Tabernacle of David is given as the reason for the Holy Spirit being given to the Gentiles. Why? The Tabernacle of David is about access being given to those who did not have it before; in religion and sacrifice.

So if you are still confused at the reality of this call, let me simplify. Drop everything, shut it down, get into the place of prayer, fasting, worship, giving, reckless love, dancing, writing, drawing; dialogue with God, Jesus His Son, and be filled with Holy Spirit. If you’re a mom and can only get small chunks of time, bring them as an offering. If you are a student with lots of units and plenty of homework, drop a class and get into the place of prayer. Better to take an extra year of schooling then to loose your soul in busyness. If you are a business man and have many hours to fill with the tasks of the day, schedule breaks with the Lord. The time you once labeled as "me time" becomes God time and I promise you will receive the rest you have been longing for. Do not wait one more day, whether you are in full-time ministry, full-time student, full-time in the workplace, or full-time parent, you are only accountable for one thing in heaven before the beautiful eyes of the man Jesus; relationship. He will ask, "Do you know me?"

And if you are still unsure just look at these last words from Paul and consider how you view all that you are giving your heart, time, and wallet to.

"For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as DUNG, in order that I may gain Christ...." Philippians 3:8