Grace

Today we are at Community Church of Joy, pastor Walt Killestad. I've heard of Walt for years... he was one of the first influences in my ministry early on. Again, really big church, but this morning I encountered God.

Today was the opposite of yesterday. No flash, no show... just Walt with a microphone and a message from God to me.

He began by reading from Matthew 7:13-29 (from the Message). He said some powerful things after that... but there is nothing more powerful than the Word. These words may not hit you like they did me... but I think they were meant for me and not for you. So I blog for me...and for my audience of One.

"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life--to God!-is vigorous and requires total attention.

"Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character.

"Knowing the correct password--saying "Master, Master,' for instance--isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience--doing what my Father wills. I can see it now--at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, "Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? "You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'

"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit--but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying--quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard."

Matthew 7:13-29
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God, I no longer want to be successful. Yes, I want to be faithful and fruitful. I want to be obedient. But I will no longer define my success by the world's standards. Thanks for today.