"The Church Needs You Too"

We as Christians are supposed to identify ourselves with the local church as members of one body. We also want others to feel welcome and included as those who may become members of the church. It seems to me that a majority of preaching and teaching and mentoring is done in the area of becoming a Christian and being a part of the church. This is certainly the command of the Great Commission issued by Jesus himself, and we should forever follow that.

However, what are we inviting everyone into? What's required or expected of me as an individual Christian and a member of the church? Do we let people know that enough? What does a New Testament, holy Bible believing and practicing Christian need to do after being baptized and added to the church? Is it enough for me to show up for Sunday service, or should I be doing more?

With this question, we don't want to become so rigid that we bind on everyone the same or possibly unreasonable expectations. But, we also don't want to go the way that seems to just let people call themselves Christians and members without really "bearing fruit" in the form of action, labor, cause and conviction.

What would have happened to the church if earlier Christians would have just been content to "coast on grace" and "punch in and punch out" on Sundays alone? The reality is we are supposed to be called out, set apart, and holy which comes with some requirements. The church today can no longer afford to have ten percent of the people doing ninety percent of the work or some other small ratio. That's how the church dies in towns and cities all over the country.

The bible says in 1st Corinthians 12: 25-27 "²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. ²⁷Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

So, what's your mission? Are you involved, connected, contributing, growing, caring and sharing? The church is you. The church is me. You and me equal we. We need to love someone, care for someone, reach and teach someone, lead someone, and serve someone. If you look at the Christians in the Bible, are you like them? The church is everyone of us.

...and that's what I'm talking about. Love, Rob

“What Are You Reading?”

Are you a good reader? How much time do you spend reading each week? Are you a casual reader or a devoted reader? Do you enjoy reading or see it more as a necessary task? What do you like reading? Do you read the newspaper? Do you read fiction books or only that which is real, non-fiction? Do you read magazines that you can subscribe to or pick up in the check out lane of your local grocery store? Does it really matter what you read or how much you read?

There was a time when you had to learn how to read. It takes longer for some than others. It’s a time consuming process. Once you have the ability to read, you can then choose what to read and how much to read. Did you know that illiteracy is on the rise even in North America? Do you take your freedom and ability to read for granted? What does reading do for you? What happens when you read something?

All of you reading this have the ability and the privilege of also reading your Bible. It offers more for you than any other book or publication, but sometimes we would rather read something else. We seem to care more about someone else’s writings than the inspired writings of God. Some of us can name every book our favorite writers have written, but do you know much about the 66, the 39 plus the 27? I encourage you to give it’s writings more attention in your life. Just like other things you read, you might relate or understand more books than others, but there’s a lifetime of learning in THE book. Do you know God’s word? The opportunity awaits you. For all of you, it’s even free. Just read it.

...and that's what I'm talking about. Love, Rob :)

G.P.S. and Navigation

I love technology when it's used in the right way. I find the developments fascinating as well as exhausting since things are ever changing. One of the modern devices I use quite a bit helps me to know where I am going, and I don't have to be glancing at a sheet map while driving (which is a good thing...safety first).

However, sometimes Molly, Steve, or whatever character voice of the day I use will tell me the wrong way to go even after having access to satellite signals and coordinates! So, I am often heard arguing with the device out of frustration when it gives me the wrong advice. When this happens, I have to employ what I call a common sense override as it "recalculates." Not every device does what it claims to do with the greatest accuracy and efficiency. That's why there's the constant need for updates.

What do you use to direct the pathways and directions in your life? For a lot of people, G.P.S. stands for good practical sense as their means for guidance. This is not necessarily bad, but this way has it's flaws. Our sense can only make sense of life sometimes, and then we need a better way for recalculating. May I suggest to you today that for Christians G.P.S. stands for "God's Positioning System" that goes with another G.P.S. "God's Plan of Salvation."

The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, " ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight." So, trust God today to get you where you need to be, to redirect you when you are lost, and to ultimately say to you at the end of your journey that "you have reached your destination."

...and that's what i'm talking about. Rob

Prayer Like Grass

How often do you mow your grass? Once a week? Every ten days? Whenever you can get around to it? How about twice a week? I guess it all depends on your attitude towards the grass you have.

Some people enjoy their lawn full of grass. Cutting the grass is a joy for them. Others see it as a necessary chore that one must do to keep up with the norm. Some can cut their grass in 30 minutes and be done while others need hours at a time.

I was thinking the other day while mowing the grass that I have how prayer is like grass. Grass grows under the right conditions and so does prayer. Grass needs maintenance, or it will easily get out of control and weeded. Such is the same with prayer.

Some pray for a short while to maintain. Others see prayer as a joy and a beauty. Attitude is the key here. Your grass doesn't grow at your command which is why it needs mowing. Prayer does not do us much good on command either which is why it needs maintaining as well.

The Bible says, in Isaiah 40:7-8 " ⁷ The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. ⁸ The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

So, how's the grass where you live, or better yet, how's your prayers?
That's what I'm talking about. Rob