How I see things...

Many if not all received this in a email.  Just wanted to post it here as well.

Why do we strive to be who we truly are, yet compromise so much to attempt to fit in? God made us who we are, so will be able to become apart of The Body. However, far and away the concessions we make are trade-off, even sellouts, in the attempts to “fit-it.” There is no question we do need change. How we get there more times than not, is based on obedience: The Love of Jesus; surrendering self for others. The mistake we make is, thinking it is by our strength. The Father, Jesus, and The Spirit spent time Thinking of our design. We spend time undoing what and how we truly are. Only to spend time lost and afraid.

I know what it is like to not fit it. To be a Christian outcast for a lack of a better word. I have seen people line up just to ask me to Pray for them, or tell them what something may mean. Then I have seen those same people turn on me, then to have the effects of gossip hit me years and years later, by the way others I have never even meet, talk or treat me. And with as bad as all that sounds, those actions were part of how God designed me to be or become. Not that I am Joseph but I understand, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. Gen 50:20 I have known who I am and what it will cost me, for a very long time. Enough about me.

What I am attempting to say or share is this. Be who God made you to be. Yes, we must surrender self. However we all have that special thing inside of us. It Gift; that Calling, that “thing” that sets us apart. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s Own Will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His Purpose for them. 29 For God knew HIs people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, He Called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His Glory. Rom 8:27-30 However anyone thinks of the word ”predestined” that discussion is for another day. In this version it may not use the word, yet it say the same thing. We are chosen. He gave us His Glory. That in and of Itself to me is so very Powerful.

Even as I write this I do not know why exactly. I think maybe I have felt “judged” by some here. By people who do not even know me. So back to me for a moment. I am in NO way a religious person. I do not judge anyone who is however. I am a Spiritual person. I am unable to sign a piece of paper that makes me a member of a Church. A paper with rules that a group felt best expressed them. NO JUDGEMENT to those who have, I have children who have signed such papers. I understand the reason for them, so Please no one needs to try and explain them to me. I just have never “fit” in groups yet. And yes I have tried so very many times. I share this part I guess so some will understand me better. I know the need to Fellowship, I know what The Word tells us. I also know what The Word say about religion, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27 I DO NOT want anyone to leave a Church by any words I ever share. I can’t imagine anyone would but, I felt I should share that part as well.

I am or have been as flawed as anyone who is a child of God. And even though to me it is a sad statement. I have been Blessed to see His Never Ending Love. I have times that I need to be alone. I have times that I want fellowship. I have times that I get neither as well. To know The Love of God is to know Security; it is to know Hope. Not the idea of either, it is to truly know what happens to us when we are no longer held down, by the shackles of this place. I am not sure if this is for one or more, I am just sharing in obedience, and in Love. I am convinced however, some of what I have shared will not be understood by some. If it helps just consider me one of the misfit toys.