The Christian's Notebook

The State of the Church

2017-08-07T15:04:00.001-07:00

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)

2015-08-06T10:59:00.001-07:00

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)

2012-06-28T18:49:00.001-07:00

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)

2009-08-25T01:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Strong and Courageous (2010)

2009-08-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/celebmuscle/1201972125

Joshua 1:5-9

"5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Moses has just died and Joshua is appointed to take his place the leader of the Jews to bring them into the promised land. I have been thinking about how God communicates through his word for a long time. One thing I have noticed is that God is often repetative. In this passage God reminds Joshua twice that He would never leave or for sake him and three times to be strong and courageous. What a a great way to help remember God's Word: repitition. Repetativeness is built right in by God Himself. He knows I can't remember half the things I want to and He build the main concepts in a repetative way so that I won't forget. How kind and lovng is our God.

....a willing spirit. (8/6/2009)

2009-08-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Last night at church the pastor read from Psalm 51. I quickly read through it and what drew may attention was verse 12 "Restore to me the joy of your Salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." I think the idea that a willing spirit can sustain is curious. Food sustains our body but willingness sustains the soul. How is that possible? Hmm. I know when I am stubborn, which is sometimes the case, I find myself pushing against things I can't change. I resist, and put up a fight when I don't want to do something, go somewhere, or endure a situation. If another person is also resisting I find myself going hand to hand against a brick wall. I think Jesus said it best when he asked Saul why he was kicking against the thorns. Ouch. That hurts. So today my goal is to receive from God a will spirit to sustain me.

Hope in the midst of Crisis (2012)

2009-07-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

It's hard to find a reason to smile these days. It's hard not to get down about all that's happening in the world. Economic confusion, job loss, real estate bust, hardship and trial and disaster are everywhere in the news. There is fear in the hearts of the people, or maybe it would be better called a climate of fear. But there is hope, and the changes we are seeing are encouraging. Our Lord told us in Mathew 24 and in the book of Revelation what conditions would be like at the end of the age. It's time to rejoice people of God were are there!

One of the benefits of the economic downturn is a Godly redistribution of wealth. For those who are not believers it is a time of terror. For us, it is a time to rejoice. Why shouldn't we have hope? The culmination of our Salvation is closer now than when we first believed. My husband and I bought a car with less than $1000.00. Because we are both on disability now, it was all we could afford. But guess what, that wouldn't have been possible before, and we praise God. People are looking at their excess to survive and this is a Godly thing. People are thinking about self-discipline instead of self-gratification. Praise God.

If we as believers turn to God in prayer and humility God promises to heal our land. That doesn't mean it will be like before. America is going to be much different as a culture because God's hand is forcing change. The less we focus on the world and it's turmoil the closer we can come to God and His peace. More later...

You shall find rest for your souls. (2010)

2008-08-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart:
and ye shall find rest for your souls.

Mathew11:29 (KJV)

Rest. That's the true craving within the deep part of my soul. Not Sleep, not an afternoon nap, but rest. I want to be at peace. To give over all the stress and worries, the toils of life on a broken planet, to Jesus. It cannot be done without effort. Today I pray that I will find faith and strength, and the mercy of God, enough to give it all over to Jesus, moment by Moment. May we all find rest for our souls today.

Blessings to you....

The Christian's Notebook