The Joy's in the Ride

While there may be some who think that the journey is referring to Steve Perry and the boys, I'm actually talking about this life-altering, day-by-day, relationship between GOD and me.


Although I was first Spirit-baptized when I was a young warthog of 12-years-old, I didn't truly begin my journey until just after my 30th birthday. This isn't something of which I'm proud, just the reality. It was around this time that my pastor, Jeff Morgan, introduced me to transparent Christianity, and I haven't looked back since. Brings to mind that old Gospel tune, …drinkin' of the wine, the wine, the wine…, but I digress.


What I can't understand is the fear and loathing within the Apostolic Movement for referencing our walk with GOD as our journey. Are we not in day-by-day interaction with GOD; do we not experience good days and bad days; are we not daily learning more about Him and His Mission in our lives?


Are we scared of calling it a journey because we've listened to our own headlines for too long and are now convinced that we do—in fact—have all Truth and have arrived; that this is truly the epitomy of everything GOD has for us in this life? Are we really this arrogant?


Could it be that we're afraid of a journey because this realization lessens the congregation's dependence on a dictatorial overseer who calls all the shots from a hiarchial poteum that was constructed by organizational methodology rather than in the Text?


Are we afraid of the journey because this understanding reminds us that each of us should work out our own salvation individually, with reverence and sobriety?


No, I'm not advocating a rejection of pastors; however, I am encouraging a biblical understanding that we must all find GOD for ourselves. We will not be able to hide behind our pastor when we stand before GOD to answer for our individual actions. I've said it before, our pastor is a gift from GOD, not our intermediary between us and GOD. Why are so many of us waiting to hear from GOD through His man? What is wrong with spending time with GOD every day, and hearing from Him individually? Sure we need authority over us, but that doesn't negate the importance of personal relationship with the Lover of our soul.


This relationship is our journey to salvation. We haven't arrived, we're on the path. We may see the prize, but we have to keep walking until we obtain.


Don't be scared of the journey. As Amanda Marshall sang back in the 90s, …the joy's in the ride…. When was the last time you allowed GOD to court you? When was the last time you flirted with GOD? When was the last time you curled up in His arms of grace and mercy and allowed Him to whisper in your ear sweet somethings of His Character and Essence?


I dare you to try it.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Daisy St,Trabuco,United States