Not Despised

Not Despised

2 John 1: ¹ From the Elder—

To the dear Lady and to her children, whom I truly love. And I am not the only one, but all who know the truth love you, ² because the truth remains in us and will be with us forever.

³ May God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, give us grace, mercy, and peace; may they be ours in truth and love.

 

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At first I felt guilty for not going to church. But I had a good reason for not going. I was working the late shift at the bowling alley and I could not make it to church that early. Soon, I got used to not going. After a while, I complained about churches. “’They’ stay there too long and sing songs that only ’they’ can understand and ’they’ are after ‘my’ money and ’they’ act phony!

 

·         I developed a cynical view of church on my own.

·         I had a view of “church” that did not include the world.

·         I had no love for the church, but I had plenty of complaints.

 

John begins his second letter with excitement and love. He explained that there are others who love believers in JESUS as the Savior. He then explains that the truth remains in those who love those who love the LORD. He then said a prayer that GOD grant grace, mercy, peace, truth and love.

 

My Observations:

·         My complaints about imperfect people showed my lack of character and my flaws.

·         GOD desires that I meet with other imperfect people to love them, just as HE loved me.

·         GOD’s love is pure and is not like human flawed love.

 

Complaining about the people GOD loves will get me in trouble. I mean, when I follow the world’s ways, I see believers as people who are in the way and who’s love is strange and not enough. BUT GOD has a cure for that type of thinking, namely surrender.

 

When I surrender my thinking and my life to GOD, I can see the world differently. I see it with HIS love. No power can come up against GOD as HE protects HIS “children” from the Evil One. HE places the truth in those who seek HIS SON as the Savior and guides them to HIS love. I am glad GOD loves you and me.

 

Challenge

·         Can you feel the love from the writer?

·         Have you ever complained about “church goers” or someone with a title who represents “church?”

·         Will you examine your heart to see if you have the smallest degree of despising the church, so you can ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS love, namely JESUS today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD please grant this reader with grace, mercy, peace, truth and love this day! amen

House Materials

House Materials

Hebrews 3: ⁴ Every house, of course, is built by someone—and God is the one who has built all things. ⁵ Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, and he spoke of the things that God would say in the future. ⁶ But Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God's house. We are his house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for.

 

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“I feel like giving up” are the words I have used many times when things got difficult. Something ultra scary or painful would arise and it would seem like there was no way out.

 

• I would get worried.
• I would get scared.
• I would think of what could go wrong versus thinking about what has gone right.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about GOD being the builder of HIS house. JESUS is in charge of GOD’s house and remains faithful. HE builds the house out of those who follow HIM.

 

My Observations

• When times get difficult, GOD gives me courage.
• When times get painful, GOD gives me confidence that HE will take care of it.
• When times get rough and I cannot see a way out of the trouble, GOD comes through with HIS grace.

 

Having courage and confidence is difficult. I mean, there are scary people, situations and diseases out there. BUT GOD wants me to place my trust in HIM. When I trust GOD to handle the situation, I can let go of it.

 

HE then does something quite miraculous. HE takes the thing I was trying to fix or build and HE fixes it or builds it HIS way. I am so glad HIS plan is far greater than anything I could ever think of and HE is the one who builds HIS house out of me and you.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the example of a house?
• Have you ever been part of a community ad felt valued?
• Have you ever gotten scared because you need help from others?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS, who knows your situation, so HE can give you the courage and confidence to face today’s situation and renew your hope for HIS plan in your life?

Seen and Rewarded

 

Seen and Rewarded

Philemon 1: ¹ From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy—

To our friend and fellow worker Philemon, ² and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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“Could you come into the conference room?” said my boss. “I have to finish some work” I replied. He said, “It can wait, come in.” When I walked in, everyone in the division was there and my family. “Great work!” they exclaimed.

 

• I was surprised that I was being recognized
• I was not doing the work to be recognized, rather it had to be done.
• I appreciated being recognized.

 

Paul and Timothy recognize the efforts of Philemon and many others. Philemon had opened up his house to have followers of JESUS come in and meet to discuss HIS marvelous works and miracles. This was a very dangerous move because of the societal consequences. Paul knew he was in for a challenge and asks GOD to grant him and them “grace and peace.”

 

My Observations

• Serving GOD can sometimes be challenging.
• Being open to give GOD my everything is something HE is pleased with.
• Despite the societal pressures, GOD wants me to serve HIM with all my heart.

 

Mentioning JESUS is LORD is no picnic. I mean, three will be opposition, mislabeling and sometimes unwarranted attacks. BUT GOD sees it all and is pleased. HE sees my sin and my pitiful efforts to serve HIM and provides “grace and peace” anyway.

 

GOD loves when people open up their homes to speak about HIS SON. HE enjoys when people come together and pray, praise and heal. HE rewards those who are willing to follow HIM without worry. I gladly serve GOD without expectation, knowing HE will reward me with treasures in heaven that cannot be eaten by moths and cannot be stolen.

 

Challenge

• How is the writer able to send praises to people while sitting in prison?
• Have you ever been praised for something you accomplished?
• Will you put human praise aside and seek GOD’s “grace and peace” today?

Don’t Worry, It’s Witnessed

Don’t Worry, It’s Witnessed

1 Timothy 3: ¹⁴ As I write this letter to you, I hope to come and see you soon. ¹⁵ But if I delay, this letter will let you know how we should conduct ourselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. ¹⁶ No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion:

 

He appeared in human form,
    was shown to be right by the Spirit,
    and was seen by angels.
He was preached among the nations,
    was believed in throughout the world,
    and was taken up to heaven.

 

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Running into the group, I felt I needed to explain what I saw. “We saw it too” were the words given to me as if to say, “Don’t worry about trying to convince us.”

 

• I thought I was going to have to prove what I saw.
• I got myself ready to try to explain something that people would not believe.
• I was relieved other people saw what I saw so there could be no denial of the truth.

 

Paul gives some assurance to Timothy that he would try his best to come there but if he couldn’t, this letter is all he needed. Paul also attempted to rest Timothy’s mind by letting him know that people, angels and GOD HIMSELF gave witness to JESUS who was taken up to heaven in front of many.

 

My Observations

• JESUS appeared as a human to many people.
• JESUS was announced as “right” by the SPIRIT.
• JESUS was and is preached  throughout the world so I do not have to worry about proving it.

 

There is no need to “prove” GOD or what JESUS did for humanity. I mean, three were enough witnesses who saw HIS miracles, spoke about what happened and watched HIM be taken up to heaven. HIS words were powerful and permeates the soul to this very day.

 

No one can deny that “love one another” is the cure for all ills. Unfortunately, humans have a difficult time doing so. I am glad JESUS took care of that too. HE forgave me for all my sins and raises me up with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Who do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever seen something that was amazing and hard to explain, yet had witnesses?
• Will you rest assured that JESUS died for your sins and is now alive, forgiving you for all your sins, past present and future, today?

Adopted Family

Adopted Family

1 Timothy 1: From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by order of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope—

² To Timothy, my true son in the faith:

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

 

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Smelling the tasty food being prepared, my stomach growled. I kept peeking at the kitchen wondering what was cooking. “Would you like to stay for dinner?” were the words I had never heard before. “Can I?” I replied! “Sure, let’s ask your parents if it is okay.”

 

• I was excited to be able to hang out over someone else’s house.
• I did not know I was being asked into the family versus just getting a meal.
• I remember many fathers and mothers who adopted me as one of theirs.

 

Paul writes a letter to Timothy, calling him a son. Because of their relationship with JESUS, Paul brings Timothy into his family and provides words of encouragement. mentions his calling by the LORD and associates Timothy to that calling. He wished Timothy the best.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is my Savior and my hope.
• I am adopted into a vast family of believers because of GOD’s love for me.
• I can adopt people into the family and provide GOD’s grace, mercy and peace.

 

Family adoption is necessary. I mean, in this world of hurt, words of encouragement are few and far between. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE wants us to believe in HIS SON as the solution. HE guides each of us to be adopted into a family so we can adopt others into the family.

 

HE provides shelter to those who seek a home. HE adopts the lost, stands him or her up again and wipes away all tears. HE gives purpose so life can be abundant. I am truly grateful for my parents, adopted parents siblings and adopted siblings and all who are in my family, physical and spiritual.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer want?
• Have you ever been adopted into a family, even for a moment?
• Are you willing to bring someone into GOD’s family so he or she can experience GOD’s grace, mercy and peace today?

Belonging

Belonging

1 Thessalonians 1:¹ From Paul, Silas, and Timothy—

To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

May grace and peace be yours.

 

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Many schools, churches and other organizations have given me a tee shirt to proudly wear. Each shirt would have the name of the organization and sometimes its colors. People have walked up to me and asked me questions about the shirt I was wearing at the time.

 

• I felt obligated to represent the organization well.
• I felt I was part of something bigger.
• I felt a sense of belonging to a group.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy sent their greetings to everyone who “belongs” to GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They had no shirt to pass out so they gave a wonderful gift, grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• When calamity hits, GOD steps in and says to me “You belong to ME.”
• When wonderful things happen, GOD says to me “Because I love you.”
• When I need direction or feel lost, GOD says to me “Do not worry or doubt because you are MINE.”

 

Belonging to GOD is amazing! I mean, HE has all the power, knows everything and is everywhere. No person or power or situation can stop GOD’s love for me.

 

Though I may take my eyes off of GOD, HE holds me tight. In fact, HE has written my name in HIS hand and no one can snatch me out. I belong to GOD. I gratefully give my life to HIM and try to act like I belong to HIM by telling people of the grace of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer added the word “belong?”
• Have you ever been part of an organization and wanted other people to know about it or even join?
• Do you belong to JESUS?
• Will you praise GOD for the grace and peace HE provides because you belong to HIM?

Admiration

Admiration

1 Corinthians 12: ²⁷ All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it. ²⁸ In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues. ²⁹ They are not all apostles or prophets or teachers. Not everyone has the power to work miracles ³⁰ or to heal diseases or to speak in strange tongues or to explain what is said. ³¹ Set your hearts, then, on the more important gifts.

 

Best of all, however, is the following way.

 

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Trying my hand at art, I drew some things, but I quickly realized I was not as good as the gifted. I would read books on how to draw more realistic, but the innate talent just was not there. I decided to admire those who had greater ability than me rather than pursuing their gift.

 

• I began to value others for what they could do.
• I started understanding I need others who can do many things better than myself.
• I saw more value in what people brought to the table when I accepted my deficit.

 

Paul goes into a history lesson that could be mistaken as a hierarchy. He had just mentioned that everyone is equal, Jew and Gentile. He then explains that CHRIST put the apostles in place to spread the Good News. He then explains that other people, with various gifts, followed. While these gifts were nice to have, everyone should pursue the greatest gift, namely love.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to value other people who gave their life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to see that I need other people to complete HIS church.
• GOD wants me to recognize other people’s talents to serve HIM in HIS church.

 

Admiring what people do for GOD is highly acceptable. I mean seeing someone serve or heal or speak a certain way is a good thing to do. If I envy someone versus admiring them, then I have a problem. GOD has given each person a special gift that is to be used to bring people to HIM.

 

HE wants me to use this gift as often as I can. I can admire what others do, but all of us are supposed to learn how to love each other the way GOD intended. I am glad there are many other people, who I can learn from, who have the talent to bring people to the saving knowledge of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What qualities do you admire?
• How does envy get in the way of admiration?
• Do you feel you are valued for the gifts you are using for the growth of GOD’s kingdom?
• Will you seek to add love as one of your learned gifts today? 

But I went to Church

Luke 13: ²² And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. ²³ Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?”

And He said to them, ²⁴ “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. ²⁵ When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ ²⁶ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ ²⁷ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’²⁸ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. ²⁹ They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God.³⁰ And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”

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Returning back to church was a serious mind-shift. A taste of the “good life” made me want more. When I went, I could feel a bit of a conflict. I enjoyed the sin I was doing and figured I could balance the sin by attending church. I mean, everybody’s a sinner, right?

• There were times when I sought to be at “church” instead of seeking GOD.
• There were times when I did “churchy” stuff instead of seeking GOD.
• There were times when I listened to sermons instead of seeking GOD.

JESUS says the most frightening words in the Bible to me. HE says there are plenty of people who claim to be with HIM yet HE will say “Depart from ME, for I do not know you.” The argument will be, “But we ate the bread and drank the juice of communion and listened to countless sermons.”

JESUS then insisted that people from all over would enter HIS kingdom, but those who sought to be first would not.

• GOD says to me “Seek MY kingdom even when it is not popular.”
• GOD says to me “Stop playing “church” and truly seek MY face.”
• GOD says to me “People are far more important to me than jobs, houses, cars, vacations and worldly pleasure.”

The world says “obtain a lot, eat a lot and pleasure yourself a lot.” Then the world lies and says It’s alright to join the crowd. BUT GOD says, “Seek MY kingdom first.” Each day, I should look for the person GOD has sent to me. If no one is there then I should ask “Who do YOU want me to go to?”

Living for GOD is a very “narrow” decision. It is not gimmicky, nor is it manipulative. GOD wants me to truly give and that doesn’t always mean giving to support salaries. HE wants me to pray and not always for buildings. GOD wants me to seek those who reject HIM. This is a very narrow path. I am grateful for GOD.

• Are you going to church as a habit or to seek GOD?
• When you attend church is it to seek the “brand” or to seek the lost?
• Is GOD asking you to step up to do something entirely different for HIM, yet you are refusing HIS calling?

A Place of Worship

1 Chronicles 2: ⁵ “The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. ⁶ But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?

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Three forty five in the morning, I finally closed my eyes.  I heard noisy clumps of feet in the kitchen then I heard a knock on my door. My mother was telling me to get up for church. “I don’t feel like going right now” I responded. “If you can stay out all night, you can get up for church” was her response.

“Why do I have to go to church anyway?” I grumbled.

• There have been times where I tried to leave GOD in the church building so I could do what I wanted to do.
• There have been times where I didn’t want to go to the building where GOD lived because I couldn’t do what I wanted to do.
• There have been times where I would leave the building where I thought GOD lived only to get back to doing what I wanted to do.

There was one flaw with my thinking. GOD is everywhere! I mean I had not only squeezed GOD into the tiny building we called a church, but there were even rooms where HE couldn’t possibly be in. I mean GOD couldn’t be in the bathrooms, only in the sanctuary and classrooms was my flawed thinking.

• GOD is everywhere and church buildings are a gathering place for flawed people.
• GOD is all seeing so every place I think HE is not, HE is.
• GOD is all knowing so HE is even in my thoughts and desires even when they are not following HIS ways.

GOD cannot be contained or left at a building. When I go to “church” I am not going to see GOD, rather I am going to see a group of sinners rescued by GOD. I am there to hear how GOD transforms lives and tell people how HE has done the same in my life.

During the week I can meet with others to pray and talk. This is also “church.” And when I’m by myself I can bow my knees and praise GOD as an act of worship. GOD cannot be contained.

• Do you think the “church” building is more sacred than your house?
• Do you believe there is a place on earth more sacred than another?
• Can you stop trying to contain GOD within certain things and see HIM everywhere?
• Do you believe HE owns everything?
• Won’t you stop crying for more and seek open eyes to HIM? 

I need “you”

1 Corinthians 12: ¹⁵ Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.
^18 .But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be

¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

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Do it yourself shows are a favorite of mine because I can learn how things are made and pick up a few tricks. To save a few bucks I think I can do anything until I actually start the project and quickly realize I’m in trouble.

I wind up getting an expert who costs twice as much as my original estimate because they have to repair what I broke. I still wonder how I made it home when I tried to repair my own brakes!

• None of us is as good as “all of us.”
• I may think my talents are great until I try to do everything.
• I sometimes have to admit I need “that” person.

GOD made me incomplete.  Yes I am complete in my relationship with HIM but HE made me need other people. I must recognize their GOD given talents and experiences and welcome their help instead of complaining to GOD that I am not made a certain way.

• I should thank GOD for other people because HE made them just as they are.
• I should thank GOD for different opinions because GOD lovers variety.
• I should thank GOD for diverse thought because my thinking can be faulty.

The words “I need you” should pour out of my mouth on a regular basis because I can’t do it all. I must appreciate those who provide the help.

• Do you think other people are better than you because of their title?
• Can you examine yourself to see why you think a position in the church is greater than another?
• Won’t you put your trust in GOD who loves a wide variety of people?

Stop making GOD a religion!

Acts 15: ¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ¹¹ No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

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Appreciation for worshipping in a different style was an acquired taste. I was a self-appointed church critic who gave many reasons why I didn’t attend churches. “This one was too loud” while “that one was too quiet” and “those people were too dressed up” and “those people were not dressed up enough” or “their music just isn’t my music.”

My list had grown quite long. I wonder if I can find a church who can meet my “high” standards!

• My false expectation of what church should be gets in the way of hearing GOD.
• My false expectation of how GOD should act takes my eyes off of what HE is doing around me.
• My false expectation of who should be in “church” makes me seek “comfort” instead of seeking “GOD’s kingdom.”

Rules without grace do not equal a relationship with GOD. Whether it’s a dunk tank versus the ocean it’s still baptism. Whether its rock or rap it’s still singing. The “church” is not a building rather it is a group of broken people gathered together to prepare ourselves for JESUS.

• I need to listen to what GOD is saying instead of criticizing the preacher.
• I need to understand that GOD will deal with preachers who preach falsely so it’s not my job to be a critic.
• I need to treat the gathering of broken people to turn our sins over to GOD as a very sacred time that GOD cherishes.

GOD is much more powerful than my rules; in fact HE doesn’t “need” my teaching, money or prayers. HE gets excited when I willingly gather with people who don’t look the same or act the same but we all are there for the same purpose namely to praise our LORD and SAVIOR who is JESUS.

• Do you have expectations of what “church” should be?
• Are you seeking GOD or are you looking for a club to belong to?
• Can you drop your expectations on how you should “hear” GOD and just listen to HIM?

Do GOD’s words cut you?

Acts 2: ³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

 ³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

 ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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“Church is useless” I exclaimed as I stormed out of yet another place I had condemned in my mind. I mean it seems like these places are full of hypocrites. “The preachers are only after women and money, the women are only there to marry somebody and the guys only want titles! I’m out of here!” I exclaimed to myself.

“I’m not going to church anymore.” I guess I had dreamt up some great excuses for not going to church, or did I?

• I am mistaken when I think church is a “place to go” rather than a group of broken people.
• I am mistaken when I think church is a “thing to do” rather than a service to GOD.
• I am mistaken when I think church is a “time slot to serve me” rather than a gathering of servants with prepared hearts to worship GOD.

It’s easy to say something is wrong with “this” church or “that” church but it’s harder to say there is something wrong with me. I sought after places I could feel comfortable hiding my sins while looking polished and professional on the outside. GOD wanted me in a different “place.”

• GOD wants me to worship HIM by admitting my sins to HIM “and” HIS people.
• GOD wants me to seek opportunities to serve HIS people rather than always looking to be served.
• GOD wants me to voluntarily open myself up to be vulnerable as an act of trusting HIM rather than guarding my life and protecting my security.

Getting “cut to the heart” actually hurts. GOD’s messages sink deep into my soul and I am moved to serve HIS people the way HE wants me to serve them.  HE wants me to have compassion for those who hate me, restraint from those who tempt me, empathy for those in need and love for those who sin like me.

HIS message of kindness, patience, persistence and peace resonate in my heart and I feel excited to be around GOD’s humans, seeking those whom I can serve. I’m still selfish, BUT GOD has at least opened my eyes to realize I am gathering with other selfish people to serve HIM.

• Are you looking at what “church” can do for you or how you can serve GOD?
• Do you look at the gathering of people at “work” as opportunity to be in “church?”
• Can you realize the gathering of two people in agreement with the ways of CHRIST “is” a gathering of the “church?”

Church helped my lie look better.

1 John 1: ⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

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“What a strange place. Let me just get through this” I thought to myself. We were in church and it was on a Wednesday! There was plenty we could have been doing outside and maybe inside my young mind thought as I was trying to date.

I hadn’t been in church in a while, especially when I could be having “fun.” Okay, I’ll just go along with the program. The pastor asked me to stand, introduce myself and tell everyone about my relationship with CHRIST. “How dare this guy!” I thought to myself. I felt nervous and put on the spot! “How do I get out of here? I just wanted to impress this girl not be interrogated!”

• My methods of serving GOD can sometimes be quite pitiful.
• My thoughts of HIS people can sometimes be quite ugly.
• My actions are sometimes misguided under the guise of serving GOD.

Going to church doesn’t make me holier at all. Many times I have gone to church after being up all night hanging out and causing a ruckus. Giving money doesn’t make me holier at all. Many times in my wealth I thought I had carte blanche to sin because of the amount I had given the church. The only thing that makes me holy is GOD.

• GOD has no darkness in HIM “at all.”
• GOD is pure love and cannot live with sin.
• GOD’s SON died for me and my belief in HIM is the only thing that makes me holy.

Many times I have ignored GOD altogether. I went about my day not thanking HIM or thinking about HIM. When things went wrong or when I wanted something then I would serve or be nice until I got my way then I would drop GOD like a hot rock.

• GOD wants a relationship with me that is lasting not temporary.
• GOD wants me to serve with sincerity not with manipulation in mind.
• GOD wants me to love HIM for HIM, not what I can get from HIM.

I can pretend to love GOD or I can love GOD. Only GOD can judge my sincerity.

• Are you pretending to be good?
• What is your motive for attending church?
• Are you making any change in your life?
• Can others see GOD through your words and actions or do they see only “you?”

Can’t we all just get along!

Galatians 5:  ¹³You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. ¹⁴The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." ¹⁵If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

 

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Saturday night had come around again and this time I decided to go to church on Sunday. No clubbing for me. “Which church will I go to” I thought to myself.  That church screams and yells too much while this church is too boring. Hmm, I wonder about this church, my friends say they have some nice women and good music. When I returned home I said “church is useless!”

• “Church” is misunderstood by many.
• “Church” is any person who believes they deserve to go to Hell, but will not because of JESUS.
• “Church” is GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

My attitude towards “church” was quite wrong back then. I went thinking it was a place where I would “get” something from people when in reality it is a place of “giving.” Church is like a marketplace where the broken get together and serve one another.

 

• When I get caught up in my sinful freedom, I need to gather with people and talk about CHRIST.
• When I feel strong and full of the SPIRIT, I need to gather with people and talk about CHRIST.
• When I feel like arguing, or down or kicked around, I need to gather with people and talk about CHRIST.
• When I am happy and life is good, I need to gather with people and talk about CHRIST.

 

Serving one another in love is the single most important act I can do as a person who follows CHRIST. I certainly can’t die to redeem the sins of mankind, that act was already done by JESUS. But I can serve the people HE loves especially in a place where broken people gather.

 

• My ideal church is very different now that I have matured.
• My ideal church contains people who are open and honest with their sins like me.
• My ideal church contains hypocrites like me.
• My ideal church contains people who are scared, confused, argumentative and dishonest like me.
• My ideal church contains people who look at CHRIST as the only savior from sin like me.

 

GOD never wants me to categorize the way someone worships HIM as “wrong” just because I don’t understand it, that’s HIS job. BUT HE does call me to believe in HIS SON and serve people in love. That’s just what I am going to do.

 

• Is JESUS your church or is it the place you go?
• Can you go to “church” looking for opportunities to serve in the way GOD tells you to serve?
• Can you determine if you are in “give” or “receive” mode when going to church?
• If you have been in “receive” mode for years, isn’t it time to ‘give?”