Skip to main content

Cat part 1

By j jones

 A few years ago, God spoke to me through our cat. Now, just to make it clear, the cat didn't talk! Narnia is one of my favourite films but ...! God "speaking" was more of a nudge to take notice. A "What do you see?" prompt, or in this case, a "What do you hear?". So, now that that's cleared up, back to the story. Sam (the cat) was being neutered, and the vet explained that it was typical for cats to become lazy after neutering and become content with being indoor cats, putting on weight, so watch how we feed him. "What do you hear?" "Umm, if he can't reproduce, he might just sit inside eating?" God answered (still in my spirit, not by a cat). Yes! That's what happens to my people. When they stop reproducing (making disciples), they stop inside, eating my word but doing nothing with it. They come fat cats." 

This is going back around 10 years or so now. I didn't know what to do with it, but it has stopped with me. Recently, I read John 10 about the good shepherd and the sheep knowing His voice. Something struck me: "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." He leads them out! They need to recognise his voice because they're leaving the gathering pen. The pen is where shepherds give sheep a health check, sorting out which ones are lame or sick and need more care, which can go to pasture and which are ready for the market. The pen is not the destination. It sorts. To put it back in a church context, the gathering place is where we collectively come into the presence of Jesus to meet Him as master, provider, protector, and comforter. It's a place of healing (physical, spiritual and emotional). It's a place to access extra teaching, resting and equipping (pastures) and where those who have been equipped, are sent out to the market. The pen remains. The gathering isn't a one-off event, but its purpose is always the same.

The time of the neutered, penned church has come to an end. It's time to listen to His voice and step OUT where He calls.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Parrot's assemble!

By j jones
Take your position. Await on your perch. There's more of my Kingdom to be seen on the earth. Stop hiding your colours, Hand-painted with love. Come take your position; You're seated above. Pick up your mantel, It's been waiting a while. It's not prideful to wear What I give with a smile. Come closer and listen to all that I say, Then mimic, repeat - There's no time for delay. I've given you vision. Don't ignore what you see. You have my permission, To speak truth about me. Enough preening and squawking and practice - all safe! It's time to start flying, Take a big leap of faith. Isolation has hurt you, though I've been your rock, It's time to return; to be part of my flock Parrots assemble! Get ready for flight. It's up high, close beside me, That you'll win the good fight.
Post a Comment
Read more

Orchestral Unity

By j jones
You, drum, stop your banging, you're making a din The sound of your beat makes my head spin. And Harp! Stop bragging of your many strings,  Play fewer, think smaller when the viola begins. Double-bass and violin, sort yourselves out, We can't have a screech  along-side a deep shout. The fanciful flute with it's quick change of tempo,  Keep up everybody. Why are you so slow? Too gentle, too sharp! Come, get it right, Knock off sharp edges Or there'll be a fight  And now you're all moulded, stretched out or contained  Is this perfection? No! You've been maimed. Extremities matter; they make up the whole. Not one or t'other but all is the goal. The Composer has written a beautiful score, He chose each note.. Now it's time to restore  Remove expectations that cause you to strive. Stress isn't the purpose of being alive. Lock eyes with Conductor, he knows your part, He'll teach you to play. No performance, all heart.
Post a Comment
Read more

Little Compromises 1/3

By j jones
Having been married for the past 25 years, and being a mum to two daughters, I've learnt a little about the importance of compromise. The daily compromises we make like having a Chinese takeaway instead of the Indian you fancy and watching James Bond, Dora the explorer or a rom-com for the 20th time just to spend time cuddling on the sofa with your loved ones, all build strong bonds. Knowing someone loves you enough to lay down their desires so yours can be fulfilled is precious. Of course there are the not so fun filled compromises too! The debates and on going negotiations of what time is bedtime or maybe how many hours your partner is spending at work/the gym/ the pub. In healthy relationships, both parties share their point of view so the other can take it into consideration, weigh it up and see if they're willing to meet somewhere in the middle. We see Moses had ths kind of relationship with God. In Exodus 4:10-18 God chose Moses to speak to Pharaoh, Moses wanted Him to ch...
Post a Comment
Read more