And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]! [John 14:3, 27; II Cor. 12:9; Heb. 12:2; I John 3:16; Rev. 3:5.] (Isaiah 30:18 AMP)
If you're longing for God and God is longing for you, what is standing inbetween the two?
It's probably something you're doing, and something that you're not doing. If you don't know what those things are, priority one is figuring that that out right now. Then, act on it, and see what God has in store for you.
Christ showed us the way to demonstrate our longing for God, and here's what His call looks like:
Here's what the answer to His call looks like in word:
Here's God's short-term—but not full—answer to the demonstration of your longing (a coming-together in brotherhood and charity):
If you're longing for God and God is longing for you, what is standing inbetween the two?
It's probably something you're doing, and something that you're not doing. If you don't know what those things are, priority one is figuring that that out right now. Then, act on it, and see what God has in store for you.
Christ showed us the way to demonstrate our longing for God, and here's what His call looks like:
Karina Rodriguez
I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE TO EVERYONE TO FEED THE POOR, TAKE SOMEONE YOU DON'T KNOW FROM THE STREETS AND GET SOME LUNCH FOR THEM. MAYBE GIVE THEM A CHANGE OF CLOTHES PRAY FOR THEM AND THE IMPORTANT THING GIVE THEM BIBLE...
 |
| God calls us to action by and through each other, and gives us an incentive to answer that call by rewarding us with the company of like-minded—or, should I say, Christ-minded—people |
James Bush
Converting your attic, basement, garage or toolshed into a safe storage space for homeless people would be doing an even greater service to a larger number of people, plus it'd address a very large problem for people who are tired of carrying everything they own, everywhere they go [everyday].
Making arrangements for access to storage keeps you in contact with people made vulnerable to health and safety [problems inherent] to [chronic] homelessness, giving you the opportunity over and over again to assess and address the needs of multiple people [in need]—that's you living for Christ over and over again, without ever having to leave your home.
And, of course, each time you meet with someone who stores at your place, you can "extend the invitation." At Judgment, you will be judged acceptable by four things; this [is] one of them [omitted].
You will also be credited for each soul you bring—or try to bring—to Christ. You will never find more receptivity to Christ, [save] in the homeless. No excuses, then; make space in your home for their bags and such...
Jeanette P Johnson
James, thank you for all you do. You'll never be forgotten or more remembered for your help. A true Samaritan...
Rebeckah Vernon
Amen, James Bush. For those of us able to go that extra mile, it would be an added blessing!
James Bush
Oh, gift certificates for haircuts, and laundromats, too; a homeless person who needs these things, but cannot afford them, will probably break out in tears when you hand these things to them.
Donald J. Jones
James Bush, [those are] great ideas, and I agree 100%! May the Lord notice everything you do to help people, and bless you with the ability to bless even more!! I really was blessed by what you said; it was very encouraging! Mary M. Magdalenes, have you seen this post, and Brother James's idea?
Rebeckah Vernon
Way to think outside of the box, James Bush!
Richard Lohman
I never thought of that; I am going to steal that idea. Thanks!
James BushHere's what the answer to His call looks like in thought:
Just speaking from my own personal situation and experience; and, thank you, God, for that (my poverty and affliction, that is) because, otherwise, I would never have known what was expected of me from Christ, and would never have known how to be a meaningful help to those in need—as is the case with so many of the willing-and-able, but, quite frankly, clueless would-be workers for the Lord).
Richard Lohman
You know a real church should have a shower and laundry room for free, then give out food.
James Bush
Richard Lohman: That is indeed what a real church would and should do. I pray to God daily for the opportunity to be a member of such a church, should it exist. No joke.
Richard Lohman
Amen, me too.
Rebeckah Vernon
That church DOES EXIST, James Bush; it is the TRUE BODY OF CHRIST, and it is not limited to any one building! it takes individual members like us, like YOU- to make a difference; by sharing your wisdom, in whatever church you find, where the Spirit moves!
James Bush
I know; I meant a [local] congregation of its members.
James BushHere's what the answer to His call looks like in deed:
By the way, for those not a member of such a church, the way to achieve at a minimum the same end so artfully proposed by Richard Lohman is to donate a used washer and dryer to any homeless shelter providing free use of such.
[insert accounting of deeds here]
Here's God's short-term—but not full—answer to the demonstration of your longing (a coming-together in brotherhood and charity):
Rebeckah Vernon
Maybe we need an Internet church, [a] video congregation.
Donald J. Jones
James Bush, I just wanted to let you know that I've watched many of your YouTube videos, and I'm truly very sorry that you have been misunderstood, stalked, and lied about, and I really think of you as a brother in Christ, and I apologize if I have ever come across to you as being judgemental, or rude, I seriously don't look down on you, or at you, me, Mary M. Magdalenes, and many others in the group are here for you, and if you ever need, or want prayer we are available. I really appreciate the great suggestions that you put here, and will place them into my priorities when helping others, and we are very happy to have you as a brother, and pray for you, as well as others daily in our prayer team! May the Lord bless you, and guide you into all truth, and keep His hedge of protection around You in Jesus name, Amen! God bless you Brother!
Rebeckah Vernon
Amen, Donald J. Jones.
James Bush
Rebeckah Vernon: Not a bad idea; it does seem like the kindred-minded are too far apart. But, don't despair; as long as we're all connected by the Spirit in thought, word and deed, we could each be a million miles apart and still, in the end, be close to each other in the only way that matters, and still working towards the only goal that matters, even while we can't see it or know it firsthand. We work for God, not ourselves, and His will is accomplished through us together or separately, no matter which, if we want it to. We are very much a significant part of each others' lives when we live and work for God; it's one of His promises that we'll have more brothers and sisters (through Christ) than we can handle in the end, if we do.