Church isn’t a fancy building. It doesn’t have pews, nice carpet, or a sign out front. Church is a family. It’s a group of people with a lot of problems & many imperfections. Brothers & sisters who were once strangers but now have a common hope, peace, and love. They may not have all the answers but they know, without a shadow of a doubt, that there is a better way and a better place.

Church

When I was a kid, I always thought that “church” was just another place I had to go. Most times, I could manage to get through without falling asleep but I was always anticipating the invitation song. I could even tell when the preacher was winding down, which to me, meant that it was time to grab the nearest song book.

As a teen, I would get to the building (if I even went) late and leave as soon as I could. As long as I punched that Christian time card, the rest of the day and week belonged to me.

There was a long time in my life when I just didn’t get it.

Those moments came rushing back recently when I saw this quote:

“Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, and a civilization work.”

Vince Lombardi had it right but he left out something. It’s what makes a church work as well.

Everyone in the congregation knowing that church isn’t just another place to be in our already overscheduled hectic life. Church is family. It’s a group of strangers who have been connected through the blood of Christ using their different gifts for the glory of God. That’s what makes a healthy congregation and, in turn, that’s what makes a change in a neighborhood, a town, and a world.

There are still those who compartmentalize their Christianity into a day a week tradition. Some still lay the responsibility of proclaiming the Good News solely on the shoulders of the preacher. Some still think that the youth minister is responsible for getting the kids to Heaven.

Some still think that church is a building with a sign out front. Another place to go, bide time, and anticipate the invitation song.

But what if we truly believed that the church in our area would cease to survive if we, individually, failed to attend services?

What if every Christian ministered to each other and to our neighbors?

What if there was a waiting list for folks who wanted to teach a Bible class?

What if every Christian visited the sick, encouraged the teens, and sang with all their heart?

What if every Christian lived, thought, and loved differently than the world?

What if each of us made these declarations:

I will live for Christ.
I will love like Christ.
I will teach for Christ.
I will strive for Christ.
I will forgive like Christ.
I will endure because one day I will stand before Christ.

Can you imagine what could be done for the glory of God if we made that vow every morning before our feet even touched the floor?

We could change the world. It’s been done before (Acts 17:6).

We are the church. You and I make up the greatest family that has ever been assembled. Yes, we have our problems and faults. Yes, we may not agree on everything but even so, we’ve been told that we’re wanted and worthy.

We belong to Jesus. He tells us that we’re worth it and whether we understand it or not, we’re dearly loved.

Let’s get serious. It’s time to focus on our Savior and change this world one precious soul at a time, starting with yours and mine.

Before the Morning

Today is the day that sits idly between the darkest day in history and the brightest day known to man.

The disciples thought they had life figured out. Jesus was going to change the world.

He had turned the water into wine, healed the sick, calmed the storm, and brought the dead to life. Now he was dead. Gone. What hope they had, had begun to waver.

Just listen to the guys on the road to Emmaus, "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel..." (Luke 24:21)

He was going to. Now what?

Life wasn't going the way they thought it would or should. Been there? I have.

Hopeless, frustrated, disappointed, not sure which way to go and wondering where God is. You thought you knew how it was all going to turn out but now, once again, you're clueless.

How many times have you been there only to see God step in and save the day? He always will, you know. He is trustworthy. He never fails but sometimes while He's working we allow our faith to dwindle and life to get very dark before the morning.

Seven Little Words

I've been studying the book of Acts with our youngest for the upcoming Bible Bowl and came to my brand new favorite verse.

Sure, I've read it before but it never stuck out like it did last night. Everything I've ever done, every decision I've ever made, anywhere I'll ever go, or anything I'll ever do will never compare to the seven little words in Acts 13:30.

That short sentence took a cruel world full of imperfect people and gave it hope. It offered a bright light in a dark place. Those words spell out LOVE on a scale so grand, it could never be measured.

They trump any diagnosis.

They promise the wounded that they will be healed.

They tell the lonely that they are never alone.

They offer peace and comfort in the midst of violence and heartache.

Seven little words changed a world. Seven little words can change you.


"But God raised Him from the dead."


It doesn't get any better than this. Don't miss out.

The Preacher's Wife & iPreach

I had the opportunity to be on Dale Jenkin's and Adam Faughn's popular podcast, iPreach, recently with a forum of ladies who participated in my book, A Sunday Afternoon with the Preachers' Wives.

If you're a preacher's wife, know one, or love one, then I invite you to visit The Equip Network and listen to the April 8th podcast.


For information on ordering the book for preachers' wives, please click here.

For the Gosch Family

I was in shock when my mom died. I remember being in the hotel and hearing a party down the hallway. It was December 31st and most people were getting ready to ring in a New Year. I was getting ready to bury my mother.

One thing that bothered me the most was that while I was grieving, the world went on with its business. People still laughed, parties were still thrown, time didn't stop for the entire world like I thought it should. Thankfully, church members across the country stepped in and helped ease a difficult situation.

A friend sent a note and asked me to share this news link with my readers.

I had seen the article title on-line but hadn't taken the time to look at it until now. Having five kids of my own, I knew it would be a tough read.

However, it does need your attention and it needs action on the part of God's family.

Please take a few minutes to read about the Gosch family and I urge you to please send a prayer up for them and few bucks along their way.

Life will go on but maybe, somehow we can help make it a bit more bearable.

To read the Christian Chronicle article, please click here.