Hey everyone, how are you doing? Are you feeling good? Safe? Even comfortable? These questions will be brought back up later. Right now we are going to talk about a “2×4” moment I had recently. For those who know me, these type of moments are when God is getting my attention. Sometimes He uses a “2×4” to do it. At least that is what it feels like. This last Good Friday God did just that. What He told me was as simple as it gets. God told me “Jesus was crucified outside of the city of Jerusalem.” At this point I said yes I know this. Then He said “no, he was crucified outside of the city walls.” As I was thinking about this He went on to say” Outside the city walls for the world to see. Outside the walls by the world. Outside the walls for the world. Where He can’t be safe. Can’t be comfortable. Can’t hide or even blend in the crowd.” This is the best gift given to the world ever.

Immediately after this I thought about the church. A place where we can be safe and comfortable. A place of security. A place where we can be with “family.” This is a problem. For if we are to be Christ like in all we do, then why don’t we get out from the walls? This gift has no limit. It is meant for all. This is why He was crucified outside the city walls.

So, what do we do? We start with prayer. Asking God to help us with our shortcomings. We need to ask for His forgiveness. Not being obedient is a sin. I’m not coming down on us as unto the law, but why not have a clean slate to start. Let there be nothing for the enemy to use against us. We can ask for God to place people in our path that need to hear His word. Now for the hard part. Listening and recognizing Him speaking to us. And for the really hard part. Going out and doing it. I myself have a difficulty doing just this. Talk about getting out of my comfort zone.

If you are feeling a need to do this now its because the Holy Spirit is encouraging you. You may also be thinking that you aren’t ready for this. Well if you are felling the tugs on your heart be assured that you are ready. Even so, ask God for help. He will not put you in a spot that you can’t overcome. Many times its recognizing that we need His help. Remember this. That you are NEVER alone. The Holy Spirit is always with you. And with God being omni-present you don’t have to go anywhere to pray. Just start where you are.

Let us pray. Father God we thank you for this day you have given us. We are here before you ask for forgiveness. Cleanse us from all our sins. That we may go out without the enemy trying to use our sins against us. You have prepared our path ahead of time. Let us be encouraged to walk it. By faith, going out and sharing your Gospel. Protect us from all harm. Be glorified in all we say and do. Thank you Father God. In Jesus name we ask this, Amen.

Be blessed, Ken