Further along the way...

I woke up early this morning.  That's not a normal thing for me.  I'd much rather sleep in the morning and be awake at night.  So I know this awakening is not from me but from God.  We had some catching up to do and there's nothing like the early morning hours, when all is quiet.  

Zechariah 13:9 says "This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”  

I'm reminded again that it is God's plan to grow us, not to leave us stagnant and weak.  "Refining" isn't particularly fun but then that's not the point is it...to have fun?  When did we come to think that the point of living is to have fun?  Not to be a downer this morning, but really, I don't find fun in the scripture.  I do find peace and joy.  I do find rest.  I do find promises for our good and God's glory.  But I don't find fun.  I wonder, has fun become a replacement for these higher states?  Has relaxation...the need for time away from life...escaping...become our focus, dare I say, our present day idol?  

Zechariah 13 begins with "On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity."  What day will that be for us?  When will we be ready to humble ourselves before God asking Him to cleanse us from "sin and impurity?"  Verse two continues “'On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more,' declares the Lord Almighty. 'I will remove both the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.'"  He speaks of removing the spirit of impurity form the land.  What about His church?  What about our persons?  

I can't help but believe there is a movement beginning where His people are calling out, crying out, asking for God to remove the impurities from their lives and churches, and indeed the land. I know we need it!  I guess the question is, do we want it?  Or will we just go on with blinders on, doing what we want to do...building our own kingdoms so we can feel good...have fun...

Lord, cleanse me, cleanse your Church, make us able to experience Your Glory and Presence!