Category: The Church


Unity In The Body

Filed under: The Church — 10 Comments
May 9, 2009

The closer I get to God, the more my heart becomes like His.  For awhile now, I’ve been working out the whole “unity in the body of Christ” thing.  I understand the need for and the importance of unity within the body of Christ, and I understand that the church as we know it today is full of so many different thoughts it can make your head spin.  Just as I have been finding out with doing searches from my blog roll on Church unity.  But the fact that it’s been really troubling me lately on a deep level has got me thinking how much it must be troubling God to see us constantly arguing about our differences.  In His sovereignty,  He sees it all and knows it all.  And as His children, we are to trust Him in Everything.  So as I have re-written this blog post over and over a few times, I have come to realize that we can read every book on the subject, argue about our differences, we can get angry b/c the church isn’t meeting our needs, or that perhaps we feel misunderstood and disconnected, but really, is that what it’s all about?   All we’re really doing is making our divisions bigger. No, Jesus died so that we could live in His peace and learn to walk in His ways.  Jesus gave us His love so we could give it back to the hopeless world that we live in.  We are NOT victoms But VICTORS!  We’ve Overcome through Jesus’ Victory of the cross!!    Does the topic of unity or lack of their of, in our churches at time and as a body frustrate me to no end? You bet it does; because I know it must frustrate and hurt God to see His children arguing about our differences and not doing the work that we were called to do.  God keeps reminding me that it’s not my battle to fight, it’s His.  If this sound familiar out of me, it’s just because it is a huge passion that I have to keep surrendering over to God. It’s a huge prayer that I find myself constantly praying for.  Why?  I think it started long ago, as a kid trying to find my way to the heart of God.  Perhaps one day, God will use me to become part of the solution to this never-ending issue that we seem to constantly face, but for now, it get’s laid down at the cross AGAIN, where it belongs, and I stand up, walk away, trusting God, and start loving the person sitting next to me in church.   So below is a great blog post that I found and helped me to look at things in a positive light, the way I think Jesus would like us to look at it.  The other links below I have quickly glanced at and plan on posting on as I feel led.  May we all put our differences aside and unite because Jesus commands us to in His Word.

   Thank you Jesus for once again pointing these things out to me!

 

Last night @ EMG our Prayer was GOD MAKE US UNIFIED.  A number of parents joined us!  It was a great time together.

Here’s what we talked about.

 

Ephesians 4:1-16

How can we see this happen?

1) Unity requires EFFORT (vs 3-6)

 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6

Are you making an effort to be unified with the people around you?

Do you understand that you need to play your part to have a unified family?

2) Unity requires SERVICE (vs 12-13)

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  Ephesians 4:12-13

Do you understand your role in the body of Christ (the church)?

Do you understand your role within your family?

3) Unity requires LOVE (vs 15-16)

15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  Ephesians 4:15-16

Are you loving the people around you?

Further Reading

Romans 10:12-13

Ephesians 2:11-22

Colossians 3:11

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

The Challenge

Let’s walk in unity!  Understanding that UNITY requires effort on our part, serving who God calls us, and loving the world in which we live!  

 

Links off my Blog Roll for “Church Unity”  (and no, I have not read them all yet)

http://www.desiringgod.org/Search/?search=church+unityhttp://www.gty.org/search/church+unityhttp://churchunity.wordpress.com 

http://www.markdroberts.com/htmfiles/resources/churchasbody.htm

http://snowjunkie.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/the-need-for-unity/http://churchwhisperer.com/category/church-unity/ 

http://dangoldfinch.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/sermons-on-the-unity-of-the-church-christians/

http://dangoldfinch.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/the-glue-of-christian-unity/

http://dangoldfinch.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/unity-in-the-body-of-christ/

http://manofdepravity.com/?s=church+unity

http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_SearchResults.aspx?FolderID=1218&SearchText=church%20unity

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Do The Work of The Lord!

Filed under: The Church — 3 Comments
May 6, 2009

One of area of passion of the Christian faith that God has placed on my heart is that of the church; not a denomination or a new movement, but the church of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savor;, the church that is to be The Bride of Christ.  This too is another reason why I feel that God is calling me to seminary; because I have such a deep passion for the church, and I need to learn so much more to help it become all that God wants it to be.  Once again this morning God gave me a word through a message from Jim Cymbala, the pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle.  He states that too many Christians go to church once a week and have the mind set of just “hanging out” until Jesus comes back.  This is NOT why Jesus died on the cross, This is NOT why He commissions us to Go and Make Disciples.  Jim preaches out of Ephesians 4, reminding us that we are all gifted in Christ, and we are to act on those gift.  As sons and daughter’s of Christ, we are set apart to do His Work here on earth!  Listen to his messege here: http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramToday.aspx?id=35654

 Ephesians 4 reminds us that we are chosen and set apart for the Lord’s work; we are his body:

Unity in the Body of Christ

 1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it[a] says:
   ”When he ascended on high,
      he led captives in his train
      and gave gifts to men.”[b] 9(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Living as Children of Light

 17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

 29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

Do you hear the words??  I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

So Lord, today my prayer is that The Body would get a huge wake up call.  That you would burn in their hearts and their minds the truth and purposes of our role as your disciples.  Let us never be satisfied with complacency in this life, but always desire to build up your kingdom, obeying your commandments to Go and Make Disciples of every nation.  Let us sense the urgency of the work that you have placed before us.  Strengthen us by your spirit to complete the work that you have gifted us with.  Let us not desire the things of this world but let us always desire you and desire to do your will here on earth.  Lord, I thank you for giving me this word today; may I also be a strong and disciplined, joyful worker, because I am obeying and using the gifts that you have given me.  Le us always keep the eyes and ears of our heart fixed on you!  In Jesus name. Amen.

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I Have Decided to Follow Jesus; No Turning Back!

Filed under: Surrender and Obedience, The Church — 3 Comments
April 24, 2009

If there is one thing that I am reminded of on a daily basis it is the cost of following Jesus.  I have learned much,yet know so little.  I am learning to become not only more patient with others but also with myself as I struggle to live a life that is pleasing to God.  There’s so much talk, ya know what I mean?  People doing church, quoting scriptures, then living a life that doesn’t line up to it.  I know I’m not perfect either, but I am consistently seeing a difference, a deeper desire for more things God, a passion that I can’t sleep off anymore, but that has been keeping me awake at night.  I care much; I think about the world and all the needs; I look at myself and know that I should be doing more.  My heart tells me so, and so I find myself on my knees again asking God to move my hands and feet.  I wonder what it would look like if our churches really moved to the beat of God, I mean really?  What if we showed up at church not to be fed, but to go out and feed others?  Believe me, I’m preaching to myself here too!  I think many of us want so much to move for God, but somehow we get stuck.  We wait for the right opportunity, when there are opportunities all around us.  We don’t necessarily have to ship off to Kenya ; we actually have to start at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to make us better, to mold us into His image.  This needs to be our foundation; before we can do anything we  need to come to the cross.  I care deeply.  I care deeply for the church; not just the congregation of people that I meet with every week, but the larger church of God; all of us who are Christians, who follow our master Jesus.  I know it’s not easy, I know we fall short, I know the world constantly pulls at our attention, I know we are sinners, but we do have a God who is stronger, who heals us, and sets us free!  But yes, there is a cost too.  When we put our lives on the line for Christ it seems that everyone starts watching; even our Christian brothers and sisters, and sometimes they can be the worst critics; I hate to say that but it’s true; been there, done that, but kept on moving right along with Jesus!  We’re gonna suffer, we’re gonna get picked on, called names, made fun of, be scrutinized…. but if we are living a life of True Surrender, of True Obedience, Honestly following hard after Him, we have nothing to worry about; in fact, we’ll just keep getting stronger, and stronger, and stronger in the ways of Christ so that we can walk out a life of Christ and truly begin to move where our hearts burn to move for His Glory.  It’s all about Jesus.  One thing I know is that when you decide to follow Jesus in a radical sold-out way; (again, this being seen by your actions and not merely words), there is no turning back.  You don’t want to turn back, and it gets to a point where you actually can’t even if you tried.  Sometimes God will grab ahold of us in such amazing ways that it’s indescribable, but we truly do become a new creation in him.  In Luke 14:25-34 we are reminded of the cross that we must carry.  May we continually pray for God to renew us to become more like Jesus all the time, and may we truly desire to always follow Jesus at any cost because it by Him that we are saved, set apart and sanctified, and it is for Him that we owe everything.  Last night my heart grew heavy for a moment, because it’s not always easy putting ourselves out there; our souls are naked and we begin to feel vulnerable.  For a quick moment I forgot that God is in in control, that he sees it all, and that it’s gonna be O.K.   As I prayed in that moment and went to The Word to find some peace and assurance, God led me to Isaiah 54:4 “Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame.
       Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
       You will forget the shame of your youth
       and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.  Sometimes we forget that when God’s leading (and He always should be), that He IS IN CONTROL,  and It’s Gonna Be O.K.     Jesus, I pray right now that you would come and work in our hearts.  Change us from the deepest parts of us, come and not only fan the flames, but burn a new commitment to you, a deeper understanding and a more intimate relationship with you Lord; that give us a hunger and thirst for your Word and your Ways like never before.   Oh God, that we would become like Christ in every way.  May our hearts be changed forever.  We love you Lord, we live for you, help us always put you first.  Help us to surrender, to take seriously the cross that you have placed in our hands.  We know that it is only by the power of your spirit that you can do these things, so we invite the spirit to come and mold us into your vessels, to  be strengthened, renewed, and to be used by you in mighty ways so we can bring glory and honor to your name.  We pray whole-heatedly in the name of Jesus, Amen!

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What’s filling up your faith?

Filed under: Artists and Videos, Faith — 10 Comments
February 9, 2009

A few weeks ago I had a chance to sit down with my senior pastor and talk about my faith and where I am in it all.   One of the main  topics of our discussion was experiencing the manifested presence of God, and why so many don’t encounter Christ in this way.  As we talked, I was reminded that people just fill themselves with so much less than what God has to offer us. I think for many, it’s getting caught up in the busyness of life, and not really stopping long enough to re-think or readjust over filled schedules, for others it’s way to much time in front of meaningless programs on TV, and still for others it’s not truly surrendering and stepping out in faith of what we claim to believe.   My pastor gave an example of soda crackers and steak and ice cream.   “Say over here to my left there are people who are munching on a bunch of soda crackers; they’r loving them, thinking they taste better than anything they have ever had before.  On my right you and I are sitting here eating steak and ice cream; we’re yelling over to those guys to come over here and try a bite of our stuff, but they just say “no thanks” these crackers are perfect.  We look at eachother and say, “man, they sure don’t know what they are missing”.  Wouldn’t you agree?  This is how many approach their faith in Christ.  I’ve heard so many stories of people saying “Well,  I’m saved, so we’ll just go to church, maybe a Bible study, volenteer, and we’ll be good to go, life will be complete”.  Sorry to burst your bubble, but Jesus didn’t die just to get you into heaven.  He died for you to LIVE, and to have life in abundance.  Again, this isn’t about getting stuff out of  the hand of God, but it very much is about getting as much of God into your soul as you possible can, which will actually never be enough!  The bible tells us to rid ourselves of the things of this world and live humble lives before God.  So many Chirstians pass right over thiis and go on about life as a “causual Christian”.  If you’ve noticed on this blog, I don’t always quote scriptures in my posts; that is for a few reasons.  Fisrt of all, I don’t always feel the need to and second, sometimes I think it’s easy throw in a quote here and there, but are you being genuine when you do it? or are you just wanting to sound spiritual?  I see time and time again people who can quote scriptures, but live full of fear, full of doubt, full of anxiety, full of pride, ect….    I deal with these things too, but it’s in how we deal with them that will make all the difference.  I’m getting in the habit now, that when I get attacked by fears and doubts, to run to the Word of God, find His promises, His truths, His love, His forgiveness, and cling to them.  I think too often we tend to run to the latest self-help best seller or new Christian author who seems to put our fears at ease.  I like to read too, and it is therapeutic at times, but make sure you go back to scripture and back up whatever you are reading with The Truth of The Word of God.   Music is another great way to fill up your faith.  I constantly have worship music on in my house, not just because I enjoy listening to it, but my faith gets continually strengthened and re-energized on a continual basis.  I know that I would have never gotten to the point that I am until I decided to surrender it all over to God, and that too, is a daily, moment by moment step out into my faith and obedience that I hand over to God as ell.  I’ve talked previously about how it hurts, and that is true; no pain, no gain, no guts, no glory.  If you don’t believe me on this, just look at the example that we have in Jesus nailed to a cross and then rising up into heaven where his crown and seat  next to the Father was waiting for him.  So let me encourage you to read some of the many promises in The Word, go out and get a bible promise book on scriptures if that helps you, but just take your faith seriously.  I recently read on a blog “Jesus gave it all for me, so how could I even think about giving anything less for him”.  I read that and thought “right on, how true”.  My heart knew that is what he expects out of all of us, and how can we sit here, so complacent, while he has saved us, set us apart as his disciples, to go out and help the lost and the hurting.   Please remember too, we are useless in our own strength.  We need his holy help, we need his spirit to guide us and teach us, giving us wisdom and discernment.  I know for me this is something I am going to be praying about more in my own life.  There is great power in prayer too, and I’d also like to challenge people to take that more seriously.  Prayer is one of the best ways we can fill our spiritual appetite, learn to surrender, and enter into his presence.  I guess my heart is heavy today b/c I want to see people truly live sold out for Christ.  As much as I know Christians face many different trials, there is nothing that our God can not and does not want to rush in and help us with; but we need to come and empty our self at The Cross so he can truly Fill Us.  My prayer, is that you will read this and really take some time to re-examine your faith, and your relationship with God.  Are you feeling sold out for him?  Are you truly living for Him?  Are you holding on the truths of the Bible? Are you captivated by him? Are you hunger? and is your relationship with him filling you?  If not, I’d ask you to go to God and ask him to send his spirit upon you, to fill you, to help you surrender, to heal you, and to bring you into a closer relationship with him of pure love and devotion.  That is why he died for us, that we might experience his amazing love and be changed forever; then to go and give that love away to a broken world who needs him just as much as we do.  Always be hungry for him and always let him be the only thing that fills you.  Blessings. Robin

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Affirmation in numbers

Filed under: The Church — 5 Comments
January 30, 2009

It’s so unlike me to not blog all week, but as I have said before, I am trying to be led by the Spirit and voice of God in my efforts here.  I had an opportunity yesterday to sit down with my senior pastor and our worship pastor, each on a one on one basis.  It was so amazing how things unraveled in the conversations.  You see, I had scheduled these appointments to meet with them a few weeks prior, and surely thought I’d go in with some kind of outline or thought process to make the most of our time together.  Well, as you  can tell from my lack of blogging, nothing profound was really hitting me, and I was kind of getting agitated and asking God what exactly is my point again in meeting with these guys.  I’ve done allot of emailing to them and some others this past year, and just felt it was time to have a face to face, uninterrupted conversation.  It was amazing how the whole “unscripted” hour with each went.  I left feeling like I was truly understood in where I was in my walk with God, and in my worship personality; it turns out we all had allot of these things in common, along with some similar God encounters and desires; and I felt really good about allot of stuff and what God is doing in me, and our church.   I share this because I think God is using numbers to get my attention and affirm what he tells me at different times.   About a month or so ago, I felt it in my spirit to stop leading a bible study at church that was not taking off, as much as I had tried to stick it out, it was just going no where.  I was asked 3 times by the head of the women’s ministry if I wanted to discontinue, and 3 times I said yes.  I believe God asked me 3 times through this person, to have me affirm and obey.  Also, in recent discussions regarding my worship personality, I had shared some of my desires and fears about standing up and worshiping in spirit and in truth; even though I have bloged about this, it is another thing to actually break through and put it into practice. I asked 3 different pastors, at 3 different times and again, they all affirmed that yes, it is completely fine and acceptable to stand up and worship if that is what I am feeling lead to do (of course asking the spirit as well as if it is an appropriate moment in the service, as to not be a distraction, if God is working in a certain way). I first shared this with our Pastor of group life a few weeks ago, who told me it was perfectly acceptable, and indeed what I should do to fully honor God through my worship.   As I shared these fears again with my senior pastor yesterday, he looked at me and smiled and said “Stand Up Robin, Stand Up”. I’ll never forget his look and the way he said it.  I felt like he was sending me out to take the next step of faith with God.  I know this affirmation is just what I needed from him being our senior pastor, I finally feel like I got the spiritual “green light” to worship the way that I am wired.  It was later affirmed again, in my conversation with our worship pastor.  I bring these examples up, because I have been noticing a patten of numbers, which seems to be 3, that God is using.  I wonder, if I really think hard enough if I’d find  more 3′s in my journey?  I find it pretty cool how God uses numbers, I know the Bible is filled with 7′s and 40′s, not to mention Peter’s denial 3x’s;  but to have Him use 3 with me, is kind of cool I think, especially when he knows how much I hate numbers in the real world.  I  was wondering from all you who may be reading this, if God has used numbers with you as well and how?  Have you had experiences of people affirming things in your life?  I am really glad that God has been showing me these different things, and I am glad that I am growing  in my ability to pick up on them and hear his affirming voice more and more.

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God’s Affirming Voice

Filed under: Surrender, The Church — 4 Comments
January 4, 2009

Oh God Thank You!  That’s all I can say at the moment.  As I posted some of my “issues” earlier today, and in past blogs, God is indeed working in my life.  Frustrated with passion for God that I have to figure out what to do with, Frustrated with “Church People” that I don’t feel like I can connect with because I am at a different Spiritual level, or maybe I just express it differently, Frustrated with just needing to understand a variety of things; God Spoke this morning.   Even though I got up too late for my life-group,  I entered church with the attitude of “O.K. God, do whatever your gonna do, I’m waiting”  Surprisingly the worship music was a bit more high energy than usual,  that really strived to engage us with God; and the new series that our pastor started is called “How to Handle your Hurts”; which is a very timly message of letting go of past hurts, and learning to not limit or restrict the Spirit of God’s work; especially when we can lack the very faith that we seem to proclaim.  This ”amazing offense” is what happens when we don’t handle our offenses well, leading to the restriction of God’s work in our lives.  Now if you don’t think that left my head spinning for a good minute, you’d be wrong.  God spoke right to me, Right To Me!  It’s gonna be an interesting 4 or 5 weeks unloading this series, but I’m ready.  I think I’ve been ready for a long time, I just needed someone to remind me.  Thanks Pastor Jim.  May God Be With You, as you lead us, His people in the Adventure of letting go, letting God, Living Surrendered so we can love others.  I’ll be praying for you!  Hope you get a chance to read this, but I’ll leave that up to God, and my faith.

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Get Your Worship On!

Filed under: Artists and Videos, The Church — 3 Comments
January 4, 2009

Well, Yes, I’ve come to the ever-obvious conclusion that I am a High Energy Worshipper!  I know worship is a way of life (hence part of my blog title tag line), but man, nothing makes me more happy at times than to just rock out for Jesus, It’s just the way He made me.  I know I wish church could be like this, but I also know worship is a way of living out our lives for Jesus.  This is just my latest little struggle with God these days.  I’ve dealt with this issue before but it usually gets swept under the rug.  Well, I guess there is nothing stronger than prayer, so as I get ready to go to church this morning, I will be asking God to speak to me today and help me to worship Him not just in song, but with all of me, in all ares of my life.  Please keep me in your prayers too as I struggle through this (it’s hard sometimes, when you feel like the only one growing spiritually), but truth is I don’t know others hearts, just mine.  I just have allot of passion for God inside trying to get out beyond my own house walls.  So I guess I need God to show me how to re-channel my passions and /or to find ways to fully use them for His glory.   In the meantime, here is a piece of my “worshiping heart” to yours.  May you be blessed as we all strive to live surrendered for Jesus and learn to worship Him with our lives.

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Reimagining Church and More Thoughts on My “Huger Pains”

Filed under: The Church — 3 Comments
December 31, 2008

If you’ve been reading this blog, or my other one, I have been dealing allot with finding myself within the church and trying to outwardly express everything that is happening inside my heart and soul.  There is so much I could say, and so much that I am learning; and I truly believe God purposely puts people and resources in my path to help me better understand myself and my relationship with Him.  If you take a look at  my “Books I like” tab above and read the descriptions when you scroll over them, it’s a good indicator of what God has been doing with me this past year.   Spiritual Growth is amazing and wonderful, but as relational beings, we are ment to share it with others and be understood and accepted as parts of the body of Christ.  This has been my problem.  After concerted efforts and sitting in Sunday Life Groups, there is still a great disconnect.  When I try and explain my spiritual growth to others, they don’t get me, at least they don’t voice my enthusiasm.  This is a big problem for me, one that I have been struggling to understand, praying about and surrendering to God.  It’s been good to blog and share with people who get me; unfortunately, this is only 2 dimensional, but at this point I’ll take what I can get; (isn’t it sad that we have this line of thinking, when God has made us to be so much more).  Anyway, in researching all of this, I came across a book called Re-imagining Church by Frank Viola.  Now, I realize Frank is a leader in the “House Church Movement”, and I’m not ready to cash in my current church practices, but this book is making me re-think allot of what we do as a church.  I was first hit with seeing the church as a “corporation” or “institution” at one of the last chapters of Ken Gire’s book “The Divine Embrace”, which is an amazing book about intimacy with God.    This book, Re imagining Church, claims that their is no right way of doing church, but asks us to go back to the first century church and seriously take a look at how it was in Jesus’ time, then look how far away from that we’ve become in our present day.  I also just got done reading “The Shack” which is fiction, but hits on a similar point that this book addresses, which is that God is a triune, relational God, and we are His relationally wired creation.  He has perfect relationship as Father, Son and Spirit.  It is that same relationship He wants us to experience as His Body.  Chapter 5 of “reimagining church” really hit the pit of  my soul.  I found myself really upset and crying out to God on allot of stuff b/c it is what I have been trying to communicate to others at my church.  As the family of God, we need to be there for each other, sharing our growth, caring for each other, and the members reflect the Triune God in Their Relationships.  I understand churches try and have life groups or cell groups to full fill this purpose, but I’m here to tell you it’s not a one size fits all type of thing.  You just can’t launch a campaign in hopes that your good intentions of community are gonna pay off, because again, for me, it aint working.  I don’t mean to crab, but I know that if we are really honest with ourselves this is our deepest longing, becasue it is how God Wired Us!  To truely be His Body, In Relationship With Him and Other Believers.  The church as an institution has really gotten way far away from what the true body of Christ is ment to be and look like.   Well, I think for the moement, I have made somewhat of my point.  I am only half way through this book at the moment, but felt that I had to blog this becasue it was that upsetting to me.  I’ve been repenting allot to God for our so called churches, because we are so far gone!!  It really makes me angry, but now I have to take this anger and figure out a way to rechannel it to something purposeful for His Glory, and that will only come through more continued prayer and surrender.  I love my church, and yes, I do feel that “corporate worship” is important  for The Body Of Christ, but if we are not truely seeing lives changed and able to share in that metamorphis with eachother the way the New Testiment church did, what the heck are we doing???????????????  My hope and prayer is that those pastoring churches would seriously consider reading this book, just, if nothing else, to be reminded of what God had truely intended for His Bride, and how far gone we have gotten from that origional beautiful realationship that God desires us to not only be in with Him but with eachother here on earth.  I would love to get your thoughts on this, especially if you’ve read the book too.  Thanks.

P.S. To learn more and read some of the reviews, and excerpts, go to:  http://www.reimaginingchurch.org/

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Oh, To Be His Bride!

Filed under: Growing In My Walk, The Church — 6 Comments
December 30, 2008

As I’ve been pondering things  of The Church lately, I went into my devotional time this  morning remembering what a friend said about one of my previous posts.  It had to do with being in the presence of God and How our Jealous God is Jealous for us, His Bride.  Now, there are many, who I have found, will argue what ”The Bride of Christ” is.  Some claim it is The Church, some claim it’s us as individuals; I claim it is both; The Body is made up of us all as individuals,  and as we true Christians come together to worship Jesus and give God glory and to live by the Spirit, He guides us in all understanding, and making us more like Him.   So, after reminiscing on that for a minute, I turned to Proverbs, which has always been a bit challenging for me, but today, it seemed to speak right to the core of my being, bringing me back to being His bride and having a desire to serve Him with everything that I am.  There are so many rich lessons in here; some convicting me, and some reminding me that indeed I am pleasing to God.  I won’t pull out my lessons today, but let it speak to you and your heart how ever God intends.  Whether individually or as a body of believers, let us come to our God as His bride and let Him unveil us for His glory!  Jesus come and claim your bride, we’re waiting for you at the alter, longing for our hearts and our entire beings to come together as one. 

Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Message)

 

Hymn to a Good Wife

 10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

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How Hungry Are You? I’m Starving!!

Filed under: The Church — 7 Comments
December 29, 2008

Well, I was gonna try and read through my past year in blogging and do a little post on it, and I still may at some point, but for now something else came to mind. I stopped by my folks house this afternoon to see them off as they headed out to their second home in FL. I hung out with my daughter as I was asked to do some tidying up for them so they could get on the road. I was blessed to find that there was a Hillsong Concert on Gospel Music Channel, and of course had to watch it, while I let Olivia watch cartoons in the other room. As great of a concert it was, a huge, familiar longing came over me. One reason I’ve always loved going to concerts is that it connects you with other believers and those who also enjoy the same type of music you do. We all get to hang out together and worship the same awesome God while Rocking Out. (I’ve always been a bit of a music freak). It quickly hit me that it was this very thing that I have been longing for. I remember years pasts when I had trouble finding friends to go to concerts with me, but when I did get to go, it was great! There were a few times I went by myself b/c I just couldn’t resist not going, but then too, it was somewhat a lonely experience. My church experience (as I’ve previously blogged), has been either really great or really crummy at times. I don’t know, but I think it is all boiling down to fellowship and how, even through my constant efforts to join church groups and step outside my comfort zone, something is still missing. I know their is and can be amazing fellowships with other believers, the true body of Christ, coming together in spirit and in truth, to fellowship, to worship and dance together and celebrate our lives and our Savior. It’s the kind of fellowships that when the hard stuff of life comes at us, we have a wonderful network of friends who we can call upon and count on. I know this exists, because I had it, once upon a time. I know God has taught me many life lessons and will continue to do so, but man am I ever ready to move into that fellowship of believers who stand strong for Jesus, and truly worship with every part of their lives.  I also know that I am not alone in my rant, becasue I have heard it from other believers as well.  I am tired of ministries that don’t take off, I am tired of emailing pastoral staff with my heart laid bare and getting little and often no response, I am tired of trying to fit in at church and having a longing that we can be so much more, but no one seems to be hearing me, or at least they won’t dare speak up like I would.  What is everyone so afraid of anyway?????  How quickly we forget the power of the God that lives in us!  Oh if we would just trust Him to tap into it, the things He would do!!  I am really hungry. Hungry and desperate for true fellowship’s and for experiencing Sunday church for all it was created to be. I am needing God to move in this. I am at a point of desperation and need for more of God and to be able to share that with more people than just bloggers and social networks. We were meant to live for so much more, and I am at the point that I have told God “Do whatever it takes, move me where ever you have to, just let me experience more of you and with others that have this same passion that fuels their souls, because I am tired of just being just fine, OK, la de da,… You get the point, I am sure you know what I mean. I need fellowship Jesus! I need people who understand and scream the same type of passion that I have for you! So bring it on Jesus! I am waiting for you to move more of you in my life!  Move more of us true beleivers and worshipers together so we can find eachother on this earth!!  Unite us so we can bring more glory to your name through our lives.  This is my prayer God, please hear me, Please Move In It! I’m Waiting On You Lord, and All I Want Is You and the fellowhship and relationships you created us to be in.  Here is a great song that I have been singing for a long time now. It’s my hearts desire to do whatever it takes to have more of Him on this earth. God I want to be more than fine! Amen!

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