Mike Paschall . com

I’m pretty sure I was dreaming this morning.  But before I could even get my eyes open, I became aware that I had been processing the words and the visit.  Even though that probably seems strange to you, it’s actually a pretty normal occurrence for me.  I am a mystic.  While I make no apologies for that, I try my best to keep the cuckoo in the clock.  The words landed with concussion.  I felt them.  There was nothing mean-spirited or condemning in the encounter, but I sensed it was serious. I can’t stop thinking about it, mainly because it applies to me.  I feel obligated to share what I heard, so I’m going to try my best to relay some of what He said.  It’s up to you what you do with it.  I know what it means for me.  I know where I am exposed.

You take my Name, but you don’t look like me.

You fuss and fight and glory over your doctrines, your beliefs, your positions, your need to be right, your formations and alliances, your insights, your opinions, and your self-righteous indignation.

You take my Name, but you don’t look like me.

You formulate, pick and choose your friends based upon your standards of acceptance.  In truth, you’re jealous and petty over things that really don’t matter.  You are easily offended, easily irritated, easily wounded.  You formulate yourselves into packs, tribes, and groups that exclude and isolate.  You do that because you are afraid, yet you will not trust in my protection or favor.

You take my Name, but you don’t look like me.

You are prideful in what you have, what you possess, what you have accomplished, what you represent, whom you represent, where you represent, and how you appear to be.  Yet…

You take my Name, but you don’t look like me.

You love in tiny parcels.  You love only when you are secure that there will be a return. You won’t risk loving anyone who doesn’t meet your values, standards, governance, or tolerance. You dole out treats of love as you would treats to your pets for good behavior.  Where is the extension to the poor, the broken, the needy, the uncovered, the failed, the outcast, and the unbecoming?

You take my Name, but you don’t look like me.

Think about the things I have shown you.  Grace.  Mercy.  Unmitigated acceptance and embrace for every single person.  You are too quick to judge, slow to mercy, slothful to repent, and unaware that true beauty starts on the inside.

You take my Name, but you don’t look like me.

Yet, my hope for your transformation has never been higher.  I believe you will live who you are.  You will become what I have spoken over you. You will manifest the glory that I have set upon each of you.  You are the plan.  You are the touch of my grace upon mankind.  All you have to do is decide to be who you are.  You have my Name.  Now be Who I was, Who I am, and Who I will be for all eternity.

So much for the fluffy Christmas message.

Love you all!

-MDP-