Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I was in awe of the Touch of the Master’s Hand the moment I stepped outside this morning, and after my time with Him, there is no doubt I’ll be in awe of Him all day long. Yesterday was Easter Sunday, and my Heart is still full as I recall the beauty of our sunrise service at The Well. Just a handful of Bold Believers braved it to the barn at sunrise while the others couldn’t (or wouldn’t) make the Sacrifice even for one day. It reminds me of the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus told His disciples, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me,” and yet, they fell asleep like spiritual slugs despite His desperate plea. It’s hard to imagine that they would trade Time with the Messiah for a little more sleep, but people easily make that trade all the time! (“The spirit is often willing, but the flesh is weak”) The disciples couldn’t (or wouldn’t) stay awake for Jesus, even when He needed them the most. With that in mind, why in the world should it surprise me that so many professed Christians today refuse to stay awake at this hour despite what the Word of God warns us about? Sleeping through a sunrise service is one thing – sleeping through these dark times when the world needs to Hear about Jesus is an entirely different Story. Isn’t that the way you see it, too?

It’s fascinating (and sad) to see how the church has evolved over time…humble little sanctuaries with an organ and not-so-soft pews have been replaced by cushy concert halls with theatre seats, lights, fog, and coffee shops all in the name of “changing times” and “comfort”. I’ve done a whole lot of looking, and so far I haven’t found even one verse in the Bible that says that God’s people need to be comfortable AND willing to modify the house of the Lord to make it easier and more appealing to the flock. It takes all kinds, that’s for sure. As for me, I like barns and not-so-soft pews. It reminds me of how Jesus was born in a manger, and it keeps me humble during our worship time together as I consider how and where the early church used to meet. When it comes down to it, all the pretty things that the “modern” church offers are just a matter of personal preference. If people believe they can draw closer to God only when the music is good and the coffee is hot, that’s between them and God. The saddest part to me is that while priorities have changed to please the crowds, the message of the Cross has been whitewashed to please them too – something they’ll all pay the Price for One Day.

As for me, I don’t worry much about comfort because the way I see it, Hell is the MOST uncomfortable place EVER, so my focus is more on being a Reflection of the Son than an entertainer in an attempt to “save even one.” I don’t worry much about the music or whether or not it will entertain the flock because the way I see it, no music has ever been written that can compare to the beauty of the Music in Heaven, so I keep striving to be a Reflection of the Son in hopes that more people will hear it along with me One Day. I don’t worry too much about “offending” with the Truth that has been softened to fit the modern church, because the way I see it is if I’m a Reflection of the Son, then I should Love enough to Speak the Truth because I don’t want anybody to perish. Paul said, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some,” and I’m taking my lead from him. People like us aren’t here to entertain. People like us don’t succumb to insults, and we aren’t afraid of threats. People like us don’t make excuses for speaking the Truth, and people like us are already “up at sunrise” seeking His Face. For people like us, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is our greatest Honor until He calls us Home – AND at the top of the list of what God expects from each one of us…sunrise or not.

I’m a work in Progress and a diamond in the rough. I have a very full Life and I don’t concern myself with popularity. I’m unshakable. I’m unstoppable and I’m Relentless when it comes to Sharing Christ. But the main thing…the one thing I am that separates me from many others these days is that I am laser-focused on being a Reflection of the Son, and I’m willing to be Uncomfortable for Jesus Christ. The Day will come soon enough when I’ll see Perfection…the Timeless Throne of a Mighty God. I’ll look upon the beauty of Jesus and I’ll fall to my knees because He’s much more beautiful than I am capable of reflecting here on earth…but it’s not about me!!! His Spirit can get the Job done, and His Word can do the Teaching. All I ever need to concern myself with is being a Reflection of the Son…to Live and Love like Jesus. Will I perfect my Reflection? Not even close – no matter how many “sacrifices” I make. That’s the Goal, and it makes me uncomfortable when I consider all the ways I fall short. So…I keep speaking the Truth that might just make someone else uncomfortable as they consider the wages of their sin and the consequences of unbelief…because that’s what Jesus would do.

Will I see you at sunrise?