Just how far?

I've not blogged in while mainly because I have just been in a difficult place lately and don't know how to express myself. A couple of months ago I challenged our church to join me on a 40 Day Fast leading up to Easter. For me personally, I started with a three day total fast and then moved into a Daniel Fast. It has been an amazing journey! Fasting seems to allow me to focus so much more and listen to my Father more than usual. Then, we entered into the final week of our fast - and all HELL broke loose. Seriously, this has been a really tough week. I'm thankful that God has brought me through it and that He has provided some amazing friends to stand along side of me. I know Satan is not happy with our church and our stance for preaching His word and asking people to truly live it out. A lot of people aren't happy either. I have found that people will either be open to God stretching them in new ways or they will not be open to it at all. And, when they aren't open to it they can be pretty cruel. Unfortunately, it's in our human nature to travel the easy road - to want to simply cruise along and enjoy life. Not that God has called us to a life of pain or suffering but come on where's our sacrifice? Where is our willingness to truly follow Him no matter what.

We are called to love God, love other believers, and love the lost. That's it, plain and simple. For me, that is now how I determine if someone is a "spiritual" person or a true follower of Christ. As I have found out this week - loving others is not always easy - and yet it is what we are called to do. And it all begins with us realizing how much Jesus loves us.

Maybe this video will help. Focus on Christ and all He has done for you before you attend church on Easter Sunday.