Church… that one word stirs up great emotions in me. It is a place where I have been completely undone and remade. It has been a place of great comfort and encouragement. Being in a fulltime ministry family I have seen the best of the Church and the worst. I totally get why people say they can’t stand the church, but I know we all need it. We need it to stay humble. It reminds me that we are all sinners saved by grace. It reminds me that I am meant to work with others to bring about the Kingdom. It cannot be done without the Church. It is a place where I want to flip tables and throw chairs, and the same place I want to cry, laugh, hug, and celebrate every heartache and every victory. It is a very messy place, but it is a place where redemption flows. No matter how far we stray, there is still hope for each of us because God promises that “He who began this good work in us will be faithful to complete it.” Philippians 1:6 So I continue to lean in and receive the refining, but also the building up that can only happen in such a crazy community loved by a wildly generous and lavish God who asks us to not forsake the fellowship.
If Jesus flipped tables in the temple, I think you can do it at church – when appropriate. =)
Amie, FMF #15
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“A messy place where redemption flows.” I like that.
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Very well said. May we always have the wisdom to know when to flip tables and when to hug and celebrate. Receive the refining and the building up <– love this. Visiting from FMF#25
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Oh for wisdom…Yes! Thankfully God promises to give it generously without finding fault. Thank you for visiting.
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oh, but church can be messy can’t it? but refinement is a messy process. visiting from FMF26
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Reblogged this on Inkblot Life and commented:
Sometimes Facebook reminds me of words I have written and the timing is perfect. This happened today. I needed these words. It has been a week of big feelings towards individuals in the Church, heartaches, frustrations, and celebrations. These words ring true today and were the reminder I needed to keep leaning in. I have been encouraged by Jesus’s words in Revelation lately, “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 He’s got this. Our part is to stay faithful. He will take care of the rest.
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