SPIRIT TO SPIRIT

John 4:22-24 reads, "What you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.  It's who you are and the way you live that count before God.  Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.  God is sheer being--Spirit. Those who worship God must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves--in adoration." (THE MESSAGE)


Jo wrote, "Methodist?  Catholic? Lutheran?  It doesn't matter!  In a school?  At a campground? On a hillside, in a building?  It doesn't matter.  It's who we are and the way we live that counts.  It's a must that our worship is a gift of our spirits combined with our seeking God's truth with celebration, adoration and honor to God. 


"Now, who are we, you and me?  We are ordinary, common humans who are imperfect, certain of our God, determined to follow Him and who listen for His direction, watching for needs which may rise around us.  How do we live?  We live simply, without lust or greed.  We live sometimes tempted, but not giving in to temptation.  We live gratefully, joyfully, modestly, humbly and yet fruitfully, as we go about our days, and we are  grateful for God's grace at the end of each day.


"Heavenly Father, may we make every day count by being called Yours, by being completely Yours, and by living and worshipping Spirit to spirit--always. Amen." (End of original journal entry)


Interestingly, I read this after this long time and I long for its perfection in my life, for even after years of loving God, His Word, and hoping to do the work of His Son however He asks, I know that I can never attain complete Spirit to spirit worship. But, with God, even partial connection to Him is more than anything in this world can ever offer.  But my connection to God brings God into every other connection I may make while in this world.  And I believe this is God engaged in His work.


I am doing well after my shoulder surgery. Having seen the surgeon today, everything seems to be a good OK! I am extremely thankful, and hopeful!


May God be your God in every way, every day.


Jo INMN