In the past week, two of my church family members left this veil of tears to enter the kingdom of heaven. I’ve prayed for another who is going through a divorce from a long time marriage. I’ve felt concern for several who are sick or struggling with various problems or anxiety.
Being part of a church is like having a huge extended family. You share your joys and sorrows. You build each other up when things look bleak. You have compassion for each other. When someone needs a ride to church, you offer to be there for them. When they can’t get out to shovel or buy groceries, you are there to help. You dwell in the Word together – studying, worshipping, singing, praying and enjoying each other’s company.
When you become a part of this family, you have an obligation to make sure that the Word is reaching outside the doors of that building through your own words and actions. We also should be inviting others into our family to share in the mercy and love God has shown to us – never judging, never looking at the outside, but always welcoming and letting them know that a church is a refuge for all sinners – including ourselves. The doors of the church should be open to everyone.
The world is made up of sinful human beings, but by the grace of God, we have been forgiven and our guilt has been washed away. There are so many who are longing to hear that message. Invite someone to share in the glory today!
Dear Lord, I am blessed with a warm, loving, compassionate church family. When my heart is troubled I know I can count on them for support. When I need help in any way, I know they have my back. Thank you for this wonderful gift and bless them and me through your precious Word, the Bible. Amen!
atimetoshare.me 
Amen Kathy and good morning to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning, Wally. Have a blessed week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kathy! Getting ready for church later this morning. I’m teaching Sunday School this morning, so some last minute studying and getting ready.
LikeLike
Go get em.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It went well, we had a great class. The Lord blessed it for sure
LikeLike
We are family – warts and all. Great reminder!
LikeLike
So true. Everyone of us has something that needs healing and the church is a great place to find it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
LikeLike
Thanks, Vincent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome!
LikeLike
I know that hymn. My church used to sing it every single Sunday. They sang it the Sunday the worship leader announced she would be leaving church. They sang it the next Sunday when the pastor has his family announced they were stepping down and leaving church. I felt like I wasn’t in a family, but in a competition like musical chairs and the winner was whoever remained. Without the pastor and worship leader, there was nothing to hold us to that church, so we also left. Nobody seemed to care or notice. That church wasn’t a spiritual family. Not everyone can (or should) count on their church.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand your feeling, Jamie. Unfortunately churches are full of people that make mistakes, disappoint us or ignore. Part of being a family is learning to live together in spite of our flaws and shortcomings. I’m sorry you had a bad experience with your church. I have three grown children who all grew up going to church every Sunday. One of them continues to do so. The others prefer not to and that’s their choice. Often we put our confidence in the people around us rather than the Kingpin of the church – Jesus, Christ Himself. It’s still one of the best places for me to get spiritually fed each week. I would hope that your could find a more welcoming church. They are out there, but of course it has to be your choice. Thanks for commenting and stopping by.
LikeLike