Up and Out

God is calling us Up and Out! This is a phrase that I have heard in my heart for a few months now. When the Lord gives me a sermon this is how it usually happens. Just a word or phrase keeps coming up in my heart and then it begins to develop.

What do I mean "God is calling us Up and Out?"

Well first off God is calling us up....up from where?

Up from where we have been. It may be up from despair, depression or hopelessness. It may be up from a religion that has left us thirsty for more. It may be up from an empty life with a sense of being lost with no direction. You fill in the blank of where you are or have been.

God desires to give us a new vision or cause a paradigm change.

To grant us a desire to rise from where we have been and up to a higher way of thinking. The way that God thinks.

That we may look at those around us through God's eyes and heart.

When we have been granted this vision it then becomes practically impossible to stay down where we were.

We then rise in authentic faith and then we begin to reach out.

Authentic Faith compels one to reach out. Empowered with God's heart and Spirit, one is propelled into action to set things right ( to bring Justice) and lift up your voice and share the good news which translates into action and demonstration.

What action? Well that depends on what is the need?

Jesus invaded this world with a message of love and hope.

There was none invisible to Him.

He knew no outcast.

He saw none untouchable.

He lived each moment to its fullest potential.

He impacted even the least with his most.

This is the radical call of faith that God is calling us to.

This is the call of Up and Out.

Up from past limitations, fears and definitions, Up from doubt and untruths we have believed!

Out from indifference, prejudice and divisiveness.

Out from exclusivity, conformity to a radical, loving, authentic faith and spirituality.

A Faith that impacts this world with the Good News of Hope and Love that brings real change and makes a difference.

The message that everybody matters and that for each one there is a better way and Life. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Not in simply believing a creed, or joining a church or religion. But in living outside of self. By living in Christ. Allowing His Life, Spirit to live in you, empower you to maximize each moment of your life for others. To be empowered you with His purpose which allows you to discover and use your talents and gifts for a higher purpose. To make a difference in the lives of those you touch.

Coming Tommorow..(PART Two) Up and Out "Practical ways of living this faith"