There’s this little house on Washington St. in Abilene, TX that is filled with the presence of God. We’ve come to call it “The Man Castle”: 5 college dudes living under the same roof, pursuing Jesus together. It is incredible.
I showed up there for the first time last semester for the “Fall Party”. We carved pumpkins, ate Fall-inspired food, enjoyed the autumn evening, and worshiped Jesus into the early morning. I’ve been back over there almost daily ever since.
I have cried in this house, laughed in this house, and broken things in this house. I have had tickle fights, nerf gun fights, and towel fights in this house. I have cooked and eaten many meals in this house. I have been sick in this house and have been healed in this house. I have watched movies at this house (which, lets be honest, usually ends up with me sleeping at this house). I have prayed and worshiped and encountered Jesus at this house. The tree on the side of the house has overheard many life changing conversations. It has heard me fumbling through worship songs on my guitar. It has shaded many springtime naps.
This house has become my home.
But its not just my home. It has been home to the homeless (literally), the out-of-town friends, and the just-passing-through musicians. The door has been opened to the community because nothing we own is really ours.
The men who live here have chosen to establish a house of worship. Everything done within the 4 walls is for the glory of God! So I show up day after day not because of the people who live here, but because fear and bondage break off when I walk through the door. I am greeted by freedom and unity and sons of God who strive to honor me by leading me to Jesus.
I show up day after day because this place is holy. It is sacred. It is the temple of God.
This place is what The Church is supposed to look like.
The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. — Acts 2:42-27
Amen.
Morgan Rae said,
11 July 2011 at 01:44
So true!
This house is an incredible blessing because of those guys. I can’t remember my life before them (and YOU!) anymore–the Lord makes all things new!
akaneyuudai said,
12 July 2011 at 16:35
This is quite accurate. I’m glad I’m a part of this life group. We aren’t just friends anymore. We’re all family.
akaneyuudai said,
12 July 2011 at 16:36
btw AkaneYuudai is Ephraim Goff. lol
Overwhelmed by Love « We Will All Be Changed said,
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