Spiritual, are you?

Good Day.

So I got somewhat turned around on New York City's labyrinth of subway rails and wound up in a Brooklyn neighborhood I enjoyed some years ago, Crown Heights.  Okay, truth be told, it was the last stop-I had to get off the train!  After taking in the uniqueness of the predominantly Orthodox community, jumped in a taxi with Roman to cross a couple miles to Williamsburg.  Prominently displayed on his rearview mirror and console were two pictures of Rebbe Menachem Schneerson, who the Lubavitch movement hails as Moshiach, the long-awaited Messiah, (even though he passed away in 1994). Hmmm. . . nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him about what he believes, about this city he inhabits after moving from Russia many years ago, and oh yes, of course, answering his questions about what I believe.

                 when I ask others what they believe about God,                     

                                         genuinely wanting to know,                                                                                       then they turn and ask me what I believe.                                                    

Having just discussed spiritual, religious, and Christian, and Saul's radical conversion, consider what Paul wrote about himself:                                                                                               "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,                                           that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man,                     I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,                         

along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:                       

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.   But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."  1 Timothy 1.12-16

To which I say, "Wow!"

Where do you find yourself with your faith today? I devised several assessment statements in a sort of a checkmark kind of thing.  Take a minute and think about the choice that most accurately fits you:                                     

Here at the beginning of March, my relationship with God might be defined as:

___ spiritual - I feel connected to God through various means-crystals, yoga, Kabbalah, Eastern meditation and sometimes even church

___ curious - I am drawn to wanting to know God, but am put off by organized religion, so I basically stay away.  I am stymied.  Yet, I can't help but wonder if I will someday look back and think, I should have searched out what knowing God for myself would have looked like.

___ Christian, but lifeless - I became a Christian-I chose to follow Jesus-but haven't thought too much about it, or done too much with him for a while.  Truth be told, Jesus is kind of on the shelf.

___ Christian, but static - I definitely believe in Jesus, but am kinda bored with my relationship.  No real downs, but no ups either ... just not sure I'm growing.

___ Christian, and thriving - Yup, I have a daily relationship with God because of Jesus Christ, and find serving him an incredible adventure.  He completes me.

As for me, this song sums it up pretty well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3i-_VWxOAc