Reconciliation means the restoring of the relationship between the entire human race and God, putting it back to what God designed it to be. This is what Jesus Christ did in redemption. The church ceases to be spiritual when it becomes self-seeking, only interested in the development of its own organization. The reconciliation of the human race according to His plan means realizing Him not only in our lives individually, but also in our lives collectively. Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this very purpose— that the corporate Person of Christ and His church, made up of many members, might be brought into being and made known. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy a quiet spiritual retreat. We are here to have the full realization of Jesus Christ, for the purpose of building His body.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzKOrlPuWzo&feature=related

Am I building up the body of Christ, or am I only concerned about my own personal development? The essential thing is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ— “. . . that I may know Him. . .” ( Philippians 3:10  ). To fulfill God’s perfect design for me requires my total surrender— complete abandonment of myself to Him. Whenever I only want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. And I will suffer great humiliation once I come to acknowledge and understand that I have not really been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ Himself, but only concerned with knowing what He has done for me.

My goal is God Himself, not joy nor peace, Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God.

Am I measuring my life by this standard or by something less?

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July 12 2010

Today’s devotional spoke to me through the Spirit of God to remind me that I have no business slipping in and out of churches like I am sampling the fare and then making a critical decision about whether or not I want to participate wholly in the corporate body, as “they” define it. God wants me to worship and belong to a corporate body. I don’t get to “pick and choose”. It is God’s choice and His will.  I must let go of my preconceived views about my role in the body. God will define my role and direct me.

And God says….”I have provided a body for you and you for that body. Neither is complete without the other. I engage the world through the body and the individuals in those bodies assembled for corporate worship. You can no longer stay on the periphery of a church. You must be engaged so I can use you to help grow the body.

It is not unlike steering a moving car. Once you are engaged in the body, I can steer you much more easily as you experience the engagement of MY Spirit in the corporate lives of many believers. And as you engage in the corporate lives of believers you can deliver more miracles…you will have the opportunities to deliver more of Me. Go be a vital part of MY body.