Whether we gather in a building, in a field, or together under a tent, we make up the church, not where we are. We can have church anywhere at anytime when we gather together to worship our Savior. We are the saints to spread the word, and to share with others what Christ is doing in our lives. Each day I am amazed at just what I learn, what Christ teaches me. Those lessons are not always easy ones. If life was perfect we would not be in need of a Savior. We live in a broken world, and Christ is the only answer to all around us, and in our hearts. So if we are the church, we should be standing together, not divided, for a church divided, is a church that is dead. We must come together with Christ, sharing the love He has placed in our hearts with others. The church is made up of failures, of sinners in need of a Savior. We have all failed, and we all struggle. So we need a confidence that God can take us from where we are to where He wants us to be. We must follow Him and trust Him in order to this. As the church we are the examples. As we sit in pews instead of wondering why Betty is crying we should stop and pray for her. When one comes to the altar to pray, we should be leaving our pews to lay our hand upon them, taking the time to pray with them. Each person comes with a past, and each one has their own burdens, but as a church we shouldn't be judging of the past of a person, but rejoicing in what Christ has done in their lives as He brought us to Him. God doesn't look at one in the church and think they are more spiritual than another, we all grow at different paces in our lives. Christ doesn't have favorites, He loves each and every one the same. It doesn't matter what you do in the church, or what your deeds are on the outside, beyond the doors, He still loves His children the same. We should be praying before church for many to be saved, for others to rededicate their lives to Him, and for our hearts to be broken for God's gain and glory. When we walk through those doors, we need to leave our attitudes outside, open our hearts and minds, and be focused, ready to worship and have a sweet time with our Savior. Too many times we take everything in those doors with us, the anger, the resentment, the jealous thoughts, the bad morning we had, the hurtful words said to us, and we can bring so much in, its hard for Christ to reach us, for us to hear His word and be changed before His eyes. We bring ourselves to the forfront, when we should be bringing God to the forefront and checking ourselves at the door. Too many times we get caught up in what others are doing, when we should realize that is exactly where satan wants us to be. He doesn't want us to focus on Christ, he wants us distracted so we do not hear all Christ has to say to our hearts. It is a blessing to be part of the church, to be called a child of God. As we come to church may we believe, may we take part, and may we let go so God can do all He has for us. To come together with other believers, to hear voices singing out, and to have fellowship brings many gifts that we can receive and that we can give. Without Christ there would be no church. So where ever you gather to worship Christ may you be blessed by Him, and by the church. We don't go to church to be served, we go to serve, and serve with a cheerful heart. Have you been to church this week? Have you felt the hand of God? If you have, share with all just what Christ is doing in your life and all around you. Take the time to share God's goodness, share those blessings you receive and just maybe someone will see Christ, and come to know Him, following Him with a new heart and a brand new attitude.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
we are the church
Whether we gather in a building, in a field, or together under a tent, we make up the church, not where we are. We can have church anywhere at anytime when we gather together to worship our Savior. We are the saints to spread the word, and to share with others what Christ is doing in our lives. Each day I am amazed at just what I learn, what Christ teaches me. Those lessons are not always easy ones. If life was perfect we would not be in need of a Savior. We live in a broken world, and Christ is the only answer to all around us, and in our hearts. So if we are the church, we should be standing together, not divided, for a church divided, is a church that is dead. We must come together with Christ, sharing the love He has placed in our hearts with others. The church is made up of failures, of sinners in need of a Savior. We have all failed, and we all struggle. So we need a confidence that God can take us from where we are to where He wants us to be. We must follow Him and trust Him in order to this. As the church we are the examples. As we sit in pews instead of wondering why Betty is crying we should stop and pray for her. When one comes to the altar to pray, we should be leaving our pews to lay our hand upon them, taking the time to pray with them. Each person comes with a past, and each one has their own burdens, but as a church we shouldn't be judging of the past of a person, but rejoicing in what Christ has done in their lives as He brought us to Him. God doesn't look at one in the church and think they are more spiritual than another, we all grow at different paces in our lives. Christ doesn't have favorites, He loves each and every one the same. It doesn't matter what you do in the church, or what your deeds are on the outside, beyond the doors, He still loves His children the same. We should be praying before church for many to be saved, for others to rededicate their lives to Him, and for our hearts to be broken for God's gain and glory. When we walk through those doors, we need to leave our attitudes outside, open our hearts and minds, and be focused, ready to worship and have a sweet time with our Savior. Too many times we take everything in those doors with us, the anger, the resentment, the jealous thoughts, the bad morning we had, the hurtful words said to us, and we can bring so much in, its hard for Christ to reach us, for us to hear His word and be changed before His eyes. We bring ourselves to the forfront, when we should be bringing God to the forefront and checking ourselves at the door. Too many times we get caught up in what others are doing, when we should realize that is exactly where satan wants us to be. He doesn't want us to focus on Christ, he wants us distracted so we do not hear all Christ has to say to our hearts. It is a blessing to be part of the church, to be called a child of God. As we come to church may we believe, may we take part, and may we let go so God can do all He has for us. To come together with other believers, to hear voices singing out, and to have fellowship brings many gifts that we can receive and that we can give. Without Christ there would be no church. So where ever you gather to worship Christ may you be blessed by Him, and by the church. We don't go to church to be served, we go to serve, and serve with a cheerful heart. Have you been to church this week? Have you felt the hand of God? If you have, share with all just what Christ is doing in your life and all around you. Take the time to share God's goodness, share those blessings you receive and just maybe someone will see Christ, and come to know Him, following Him with a new heart and a brand new attitude.
