The Strangers

We get caught up so much in the doldrums of church type stuff that we often completely miss or ignore the absolute supernatural aspect of it.

For many people, church is never, and I mean never, going to more than forcing themselves up on a Sunday morning and hauling themselves to a place they really don't want to be. They will sing a few songs, drop a few coins in the basket, endure what is to them a longwinded sermon, and then rush back home in time for the football game or BBQ. 

If that ain't pure ineffective religion I don't know what is.

Some other aspects of the Church needs to break through into that scenario, because I'll tell you, given the present state of the Church on many fronts, I tend to believe that the example given is often more the rule then the exception.

Maybe more people need to see an angel now and then.

Ever wonder why people tend to acknowledge the demonic more than the angelic?

How about this instruction from the bible:

Hebrews 13:2 (Amplified Bible) - "Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood--being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it."

Interpreted properly "in the brotherhood" becomes important. No one is asking anyone to open their doors to potential home invaders.

However, the Word is instructing us to be more aware of the supernatural ministrations of God through some very non-earthly means.

says she talks to angels

they call her out by her name

oh yeah, she talks to angels

says they call her out by her name

~Black Crows~

Sometimes those we don't expect to be very spiritual are able to accept more easily what we should be seeing plainly.

The gist of the passage in my interpretation might be a bit looser than the hard line statement it appears to be making.

I think it is saying to stop being so religiously tight. To loosen up on the death grip you have over everything in your life and begin to look at what's really around you.

Entertain (be open and willing). Be hospitable (fond of others). Open your heart (be a pureheart).

Ah...the purehearts. I have had the joy of knowing a few in my life. Even right now in the present.

Always willing to give even when there is seemingly nothing to give. Even the most dire of circumstances or pains of life are unable to douse their love and joy in the Lord.

I have had the privilege to see and speak to whom I believe were angels sent by God. It wasn't manifest at the moment, but the aftermath made me think I was in a supernatural presence engineered for the moment by God.

Bottom line? Stop being strangled by the cares of this world and open up to the supernatural workings of God.

We expect God to operate like we do and be confined and restricted by the things we are.

However, God is not restricted, and He has far more greater resources than we do, and the good news is He's willing to share them with us and intervene on our behalf.

Expect them. Seek them. Open up to them.

Be blessed in your life today in everything you do and everything you say.

Keepin it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><