The State of the Church

I can only report on my own experience from my little corner of the world.  I have attended many churches from large, even mega churches to small and I can offer only a mixed report.  As I wrote in my previous post  I do a lot of research on the internet and will include that as a secondary source.  I have learned about what is called the emerging or post-modern movement as it is, and am not completely against  it.  However I would say that from my own heart to proceed with caution. 

The best way describe the state of the church in light of it's post-modern condition is Amalgumated.  Jesus is in there somewhere in the American spiritual melting pot of the 21st century, but He, the Biblical  Christ,  is more difficult to find. When I looked up the word "Amalgum" one of the more interesting definition was ...a blend of the traditional and modern." That was the same problem Jesus had in his time and it led to His crucifiction.

So here we are 2000 plus since Jesus ascended to His Father.  Globally the body of Christ is thriving under intense persecution, as it has since it began.  In America we are seeing only the beginnings of opression.  There a few words I rcan use to describe the state of the American church: decieved and lukewarm.  As sad as this is, there will always remain a faithful remnant, the church within the church.  It is my desire to remain within that remnant of the faithful and to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to follow Jesus where ever He leads.

P.S.  I would love to hear from you in the comments about what your experiences are in your church. Lets hold each other up in the basics of our Faith and in Prayer.

Nearer Now than When We First Believed (2016)

Right now, my salvation and yours, everyone's really is based solely on faith.  And every day that ticks by brings us b closer to the culmination of our faith.  Nothing can stop the passage of time.  God has set in motion the beginning  and the end of our faith and the salvation of our souls will be in full bloom when He gloriously appears. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Enjoy the Bumps (2012)

33 "These things I have spoken to you,that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will [a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer,I have overcome the world.”
                                 John 17:33 (NKJV)

Our vehicle is currently sitting while we work out some mechanical issues. In the meantime my husband and I have been riding the bus. Yesterday we went over a very large bump in the road.  I grabbed for the edge of my seat and exclaimed "Whoa!" The Other passengers smiled and laughed at my rollar coaster like reaction to the experience.  It was no big deal. Just a bump to be enjoyed. 

I remember how much fun it was when I was a child, to sit in the seat just over the back wheels of the bus.  The bumpiest seat was the best seat!  The bumpier the better!   Every child on the bus coveted those seats. 

As a grown up, it is just the opposite.  Those once sought after seats can really be uncomfortable.  But, what if we could expect the bumps, as we did as children.  Or, even look forward to them as part of the adventure of the journey?

Maybe it would make our Christian experience better if we could look at the road ahead with its un-expected turns and jolts in a similar way. If we did begin to have this attitude, the bumps and rough spots would still be out there waiting to upend us. But, by going through the unexpected with a right spirit might make the experience less aggravating and painful.

One thing about our God is that He does not allow anything to happen that He has not warned us in advance about.  Jesus told us that our worldly experience would be full of trouble.  It's to be expected.

Selfishness (2009)

www.covchurch.org/cov/news/item6225 (2009)

It's either very late in the evening or very early in the morning. Typical nightowl behavior for me. I just can't let today go buy without reflecting on the incredible blessing and provision of God. He is truley our provider. Jon and I have been really suffering financially for a long time. When my mother died in January the money and the time went so fast. Because of her death a deep despair took hold of me and it seemed every source of help and caring was touched and taken away. Why? In the last 6-7 months, my Mother died, our Marriage came under attack, our finances bottomed out and my husband totaled our van that we needed to help clear stuff out of my Mother's home so the bank can take it back. Even my therapist stopped seeing us because she just couldn't go on anymore without pay. I just felt devistated. But glory be to God He has heard our prayer. My Mother's life insurance came through this week and jump started our weakened personal economy. I had to make a sacrifice. The only thing I had left of value was my Mother's sterling silver flatware. Since my Mother's house was just dragging us down financially, I made a tearful decision to polish it off and let it go, so I could get the moving van for the last of the stuff that needs to be moved. We went by the mail box. No checks. So off to the silver and gold dealer we went. I sold that silver because it was the only way we could finish my Mom's estate, and also Jon wanted to drive to San Diego for a family get together and there was no time left. We had already missed the funeral of a dear friend because we had no money for gas. I decided that I was not going to be selfish about the silver any more. I sold it, and on the way back my husband who relently checks our mail twice a day, stopped by the box again. This time there was a letter from the life insurance, we would have our money in a week or less. All this in the difference of only an hour. We got the funds in record time two days later.... today.

This time we are ready with a list of how we are going to use the funds. The day we sold the silver, I decided to tithe and we went to a church service that night and did it. Malici proves God's plan for provision again. I don't care what I have to give up in the future. Tithing comes first. It's God's plan for blessing unleashed. The true nature of the tithe is to break up strong holds of selfishness in our lives.