Ignite

Looking back on Acts 2:42-47, I find myself thinking . . . deeply.

Let's take a look at Acts 2:42-47. The apostles were committed to teaching. They continued steadfastly. They were committed to fellowship, breaking of the bread, praying, generosity and care, and public gatherings/worship. They, as a result, were fulfilled with awe. They performed wondrous signs and found commonality; they became united. They found favour with all people and God added to their number!

All right, moment of truth: Why do you really go to church? Is it because you are obliged to? Or maybe it's because you want to catch up with your friends.
Back in Acts when the first church started, the early Christians had a clear purpose in mind- teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. God's plan for church involvement isn't just getting together and having a ball; it's challenging each other and keeping our eyes focused on God.

I want a burning passion within me. I just see how together they were way back then, and I desire that!

Now prepare yourselves! This blog is about to go off into a few different directions.

First: reading this passage reminds me of the Global Bridegroom Fast. I don't have much else to add to that, but that's the first thing.

Next, I keep feeling how disconnected I am from God; I thought to myself,"Maybe I'm just being lazy and I'm not seeking Him." NEGATIVE. I am lazy. I'll admit that. HOWEVER, I am seeking God. God didn't create us to be alone; we need community and togetherness.

I want to find a group of people who are so in love with God, and I want to surround myself with them. Enough of this alone garbage!

I want to be committed to those things in Acts 2:42-47. Sadly, I find my "fire" to be dwindled down to a pathetic little ember. No. Correction: I do have a fire, but I'm running low on fuel (aka, community). My fire is lousy. I want to make it grow to a blazing one that continues to grow!

All right, let's hope I haven't lost you yet, because I might seem like I'm getting off track . . .

When someone asks for my testimony, I don't want to hesitate, but I do . . or at least I have realized that I am now doing so. I am not sure if what I say really IS my testimony. Truth is, I never really thought about what my testimony is. It just . . . came to me? So what IS my testimony?

Here, you take a look:
How had God changed ME? Let's go back a few years. It all started when I took a fancy to a kid in 6th grade. Little did I know-being so young, ignorant, and vulnerable(?)- that the bible clearly states that one should not be yolked with unbelievers. Now, to me, I believe that whether this be a 6th grade crush or a legitimate courtship, the word is truth and should be followed. Only, I became less in love with God. I drifted away and became more open to agnosticism.

(Thank you mom, for protecting me and being such a strong woman of God.) Thankfully, my mom made me cut off contact with this kid. It took me a long time to get back to where I was with God. I struggled a lot, and I still do. But that's to be expected. However, I'm kind of glad I went through those struggles because I've discovered myself and God. God brought me out of that mess and pulled me into a relationship overflowing with love.

God opened up my eyes to His word and kingdom. I'm a stronger person now than I ever was. I'm more in love with Him. Before, I practiced a religion. Now, I am drowning in the love filled relationship that I have with my Saviour, and I can't get enough of Him!

I want MORE! And this is what I've come to after reading that verse in Acts. So, if you've followed me and my ramblings, then . . . AWESOME!
Last thing: I NEED community. WE need community. I need to be able to have accountability. I want that group of people to say,"Hey, check yourself, Emily." I want the honest truth. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." I need people that I can share my struggles and triumphs with. I need a community that shares my interest in going deeper with God, and feeding our fires!

I really want . . . to refuel my whimpy fire. I have a hunger for community and seeking God; and I'm ready to eat.