"Sometimes while I'm talking to God, He'll show me something about myself in such a way that I have to laugh at my own humanity and how funny I must look to Him." - Donna

Donna...just found your blog...I absolutely love it! And I love your singing! I'm at work right now and it was just exactly what I needed to hear to help me make it through tonight! Thanks for your ministry here!
- Robert

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Thursday, April 14, 2005

Pull Up to the Table


If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life. But a person who has no love is still dead. -
I John 3:14 nlt


Do you have a favorite restaurant? What makes that particular eatery different from the rest? Each restaurant specializes whether it’s a hot dog stand or a fancy French restaurant. You won’t get a fantastic piece of fresh salmon by going to a local pizza place, but you can probably order lasagna with homemade sauce or thick crust pizza piled high with the ingredients of your choice.

I added a new place to my list of favorites – a small, locally owned restaurant. I go there for one reason alone- their homemade creamy maple vinaigrette dressing – a concoction so delicious I tap my foot and grin the whole time I eat my salad.

Every Sunday, we drive past many churches to attend the one of our choice. What makes your church different from the rest? Is it the worship style you prefer? Maybe the doctrine lines up with your beliefs.

Each church is different, but one uniting factor should be present in all Christian churches – the desire to lift up the name of the Lord in praise, and to draw people to His Son, Jesus Christ. Churches do not exist to be social clubs, dating services, or community outreaches, although they can and do serve in this capacity, but a church’s goal is different from secular organizations formed for these purposes.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

Hopefully when we attend church, we go for the right reason – not out of obligation or guilt, or to make business contacts. I pray you go to praise the Lord, pray, receive Bible-based instruction, and to recharge your spiritual life. The Church isn’t perfect being made up of imperfect people like you and me, but in a healthy, Spirit-filled church, you can gain strength from the Word of God preached, and from other Christians.

Let us do as Paul said and exhort one another. When we recharge spiritually, we will with boldness witness of Jesus Christ to those in our circle of influence.

In the same way I look forward to sitting down to a dinner with friends, I look forward to the fellowship and strength found in the presence of other Christians. Is your spirit as hungry for the Word and deep, intense fellowship with God and your fellow Christians as your physical body hungers for deep-dish pizza?

Speaking of hunger – I haven’t had a salad with creamy maple vinaigrette for a few days. I think I’ve figured out where I’d like to eat dinner tonight.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for commissioning the Body of Christ, and the ministry of the local church. I pray I will be faithful to minister to my brothers and sisters in Christ, and fulfill my purpose as part of Your Body. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

5 comments:

Paul said...

Good Morning Donna,

What an awesome post!

I sure like the way the Lord uses the simplicity of things to speak to us and He indeed did that this morning with this post.

Indeed like Paul, let us exhort one another in the faith. To be recharged spiritually, to be bold in Christ.

Let us be hungry for the word and for that intense fellowship with God and our fellow Christians.

Thanks for being spot on Donna. I always come away refreshed and encouraged in the Lord when I drop by.

Now, it is about time for me to head to Starbucks for coffee, fellowship and conversations and to see what opportunities the Lord gives me today to encouage others.

Writing for the King and rejoicing in His presence,

Paul
:)

Anonymous said...

VERY NICE DONNA!

Thanks for mentioning the book again.

I'm glad to to see so many wonderful things happening in your writing. If we work hard and walk through open doors, the Lord will direct our steps. The children's book is adorable!

Blessings, Nancy


Nancy C. Anderson, Author of
"Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome"
How to Grow Affair-Proof Hedges
Around your Marriage" (Kregel 12/04)

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Donna. I like this.

Patty

Eveline Maedel said...

Donna
Love the analogy. I've been reading some stuff on division in churches, and reading this post today also brought home some points about the reasons why we do church :) I especially like the reminder of going to church for the right reason.
thanks!

Dianne said...

You're so right Donna. Thanks for the gentle reminder!

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