Keeping it Real; Keeping it Short

I am home this morning to research and write about "transformational leadership," so I must keep this very short, but very real....

A reader emailed me this week and commented on feeling uncertain about the kind of Bible she uses; wondering if other Christians would look down on her because of her choice. This confession struck me to the core, but I have experienced similar judgments. I once painfully sat through a workshop outlining which ladies Bible studies were suitable and which were not if one claimed to be a part of a particular denomination. WHAT? As long as Bibles and Bible studies are presenting salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and keeping Jesus as the focus, then I believe the Holy Spirit can and will speak to ears and hearts seeking Truth. Personally, I prefer to stick with Bible study teachers that I know a bit about and trust, but as far as their denominational affiliation goes, God is blessing many! The enemy is not our believing brothers and sisters.

Look at Saul in Acts 9. Saul was the last person the apostles thought they could trust because, "he was eager to destroy the Lord's followers" (Acts 9: 1, NLT). Yet, Saul (later to be renamed Paul) is exactly who God had in mind to take the Good News to the Gentiles, kings, and Israel. Jesus' followers had to listen closely and obey blindly to participate in this plan as it was definitely "out-of-the-box." The study notes in my Bible say, "Beware of people who insist that you must have a particular type of conversion experience. The right way to come to faith in Jesus is whatever way God brings you."

Our relationships with Christ are similar - we are each created uniquely in God's own image. He will meet us and teach us in unique ways. Our responsibility is to diligently seek Him as best as we know how today. From that starting point, He will gladly take our humble offerings and multiply them beyond our wildest dreams.

Jesus loves you as you are today - will you receive His love and uniquely seek Him?