Yes, I do! How can you not?!?

Our church is currently going through a series about the local church, the importance of it, the structure, the value and ultimately, the glory of God and the fullness of God (Eph 3:21). I had sat next to one of my friends named Jennifer and another dear friend who's name is also Jennifer sat down on the other side of me. She said, "You are the middle of a Jennifer Sandwich!" I hadn't realized it till she said it and of course, it made me laugh. Then, throughout the sermon, in the back of my mind I was still giggling about being between these two awesome Jennifers. These girls have been such dear friends of mine for many, many years now and I am so grateful for their friendships, and their prayers. I have been blessed with several of these true and special Sisters in Christ and enjoy all the many hugs and prayers from so many each week, all from my local church!! When I miss for a very random and rare reason, I really miss it!!! God uses us to encourage each other, not just Ina  emotionally way, but spiritually!! I certainly count my blessings for the richness of a heart overflowing with thankfulness! 
We have attended this church since before the doors opened over 11 years ago so it is a very comfortable place. It's our home church. It's where we feel cared for, accounted for and a safe place to spread our wings and learn to fly (Isaiah) in the places of ministry God has called us within the church. Our Pastor will lay it all out and provide many scriptures about the local church, but as I sit here reflecting on MY local church, from my point of view, I don't don't know how someone can NOT be a part of a local church. I seriously don't know what I would do without mine! I am blessed with a great family but my church family has to "live" with me week after week. 
I know he mentioned tonight that we don't join a church for how they will serve you, but that you go where God has a harvest for you to serve, and I agree. But let me tell you...what a blessing He gives when we serve in His name, in the place He has sent you!! When we are where we are supposed to be, our hearts grow fuller and out of that we fill others, all to the glory of God. 
We are to encourage one another and love one another! It's been a joy to do this for others as I serve, but to also be on the receiving end is what makes life so much sweeter, and do-able! My church is where I feel "covered." My church is my "go to" in times of trial and a place of celebration in life's victories. My church is a training ground where I get to stretch and strengthen my spiritual muscles. My church is where my prayers and worship goes deeper and wider. My church is where my journey with the Lord "straightens out."  I rely on the accountability and the teaching and the love of my local church to help me to grow in the understanding and knowledge of Christ so that I can receive His love and therefore share it with others, ultimately giving to God the glory, while enjoying the "fullness of God."
So, I don't know if you are part of a local church, but I don't know how you can't be. We need each other! If you are waiting for "the perfect church," stop looking because there isn't one, and it's not really about you eventhough you will reap the blessings of fellowship with the Body, it's about the Lord! 
If you're reading this and you feel alone, I challenge you to look within your own heart and ask yourself honestly if you are sharing it with others. When we keep a wall of protection or pride or pity, bitterness or doubt around our heart, it neither gives well or receives well.  I know this from my own cautious life. When our hearts are full, (Deut 6:5, 10:12) it flows in each direction!! Up-Down-Out-Across!!! Start with loving The Lord and being loved by Him and I can promise you that your life will be full in the goodness of God and He will draw you to others to share this love with and highlight His very sweet love!!!!
Okay, rant over!!...now if you want all the "church" teachings-stay tuned to the upcoming series!!! How can you not?!?

What Spills Out Matters

OOOPPPS!!! TOO MANY THINGS IN MY HANDS!! I was carrying my Carry All bag, my purse, my sunglasses, my coffee mug and my Bible and as I leaned over to grab my keys, CRASH!! My Bible slipped out falling to ground and EVERYTHING fell out. UGH! Really, when is it ever a good time to drop something and have to spend time cleaning it up?!? I think...never!

Past church bulletins, children's color sheets, meeting notes, bookmarks, sermon notes jotted on a piece of paper when I had forgotten my journal. It all fell out. I've always held my Bible close as it was much like a Diary to me and the thought of someone seeing some of my personal notes would have been devastating. It wasn't until I noticed a friend of mine continually opening and sharing her Bible with others that God began to show me how my Bible was something I should be opening wide and not covering up before others. One day she asked me to look something up in hers and the thought crossed my mind how she must really trust me with something so personal. 

God used this "sharing your Bible" thing to teach me on a deeper level that although we should be clinging to and guarding the Word, we should freely give it and share it. Therefore, what's on the inside matters. Taking this to a deeper level...if I open my Bible, or my heart to someone, what will they see inside? What does GOD see inside? I pray goodness and truths and hope are found. Whatever spills out, I pray it's good. This means I must be careful with my choices, and choose wisely what I hold on to.

"For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:43-45 

When you are knocked down, what spills out? Good or evil? Good fruit or bad fruit? What you hold onto in your heart matters. Although no one wants to admit that "evil" comes out of us, we must be honest and own our sin. Sin is evil.

"And He said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person." Mark 7:20-23 

It is never a good time to get knocked down. But it's only we are put to the test and shaken that what's on the inside can be honestly revealed. When something doesn't go your way, or someone says something ugly or incorrect about you, or even when the warfare against you is strong, what thoughts burst from within your heart and mind...and mouth? Remember that we also have to clean up our spill. The messier it is, the harder and longer it will take to clean up. 

Obviously when we are hurt, we are going to feel hurt, say we are hurt and even shed tears from being hurt, but what is attached to that hurt as it comes out? Gossip, revenge, deceit, bitterness, hatred? Or does your heart immediately cry out to the Lord for Him to take a hold of it as it breaks? Falling at the feet of Jesus and letting Him act on our behalf, strengthening in us at the same time with peace, forgiveness, self-control.

Like the commercial goes, "What's in your wallet?" Today, we must ask "What's in your heart?"

Forgiving and Just God,

How I pray for a heart that pleases You. When life shakes me up, give me eyes to see what You see in me that I may get rid of all the evil inside as it oozes out and fill my heart and soul with all that is good. Guide me Holy Spirit in self-control to make daily choices that led me on a path of goodness and mercy, purity and peace. Help me guard the influences around me, turning from all evil and taking in what is Good. Open my heart Father God and pour into me Your goodness and mercy, Your compassion and love and may I be bolder in sharing it with others. Your Word is a light unto my path, healing to my heart. Help me to hide Your Holy Word, engraving it into the depths of my mind, heart and soul so I may claim it's promises and power and rebuke the evil that tries to penetrate within it. I pray that when it is broken that it bleeds Your Blood which covers all my sin. Thank You Lord for Your perfect love. Be the core of me. Amen.