Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Day 17: A Place to Belong

The Lord knew exactly what he was doing when He led Rick Warren to write this book. He put the chapter that would knock me back the most, right before the one that makes me smile. This chapter is about belonging to a church family, and boy do I! I'm not gonna quote a lot, or even write a lot. And it's all coming out fast. There's a reason for that too, let me explain.

I have an interview in about 14 hours, less by the time you read this. It's for a promotion at work, one slot open, like 20 people applied. The interview will be on stuff that I know, but haven't worked on in a while. I need to brush up on some facts and technical stuff. But the other day, the devil heard me say something, and now he's working hard to make it happen. I said 'If I don't blog, then I won't continue reading the book.' I know me, that's a safe assumption. Because of my work schedule, I have very little free time. I can read at work, but I can't blog from there. It's just not the right atmosphere. And my breaks are short anyway.

So, the devil has been trying to find a way to get me to not blog. Our mini van broke down last night, our mechanic is out of town, and what needs to be done, I can do. But because of the interview, I can't miss work. In the morning, before my interview, I have to get over to the auto parts store, buy an alternator if the one I have installed isn't still under warranty, and put it in the van. Then I have a meeting with my pastor about leading a group through this book, then work, then my interview, then more work. But the blog is important so it takes priority over my sleep.

We were made to be part of a church family. I said it yesterday, I have an extended family where I live through my church. I love that I have people there to talk to about God. My church family is a melting pot of different people and personalities. The pastors are two of the most open and honest people I've ever met and I have never been involved with a church that has so many outreach ministries in the community. I wear my Lifecoast Church shirt proudly like a badge.

When I have problems, my church family is there for me. When I was 800 miles from home and my wife had problems, our church family was there for her. Tonight when our van broke down, she got some help from one of my mentors. That's what families do for each other. I started out in the choir at church, now I've moved on to helping with the sound, and I have been in a few dramatic presentations. I am definitely active in the body, and so is my wife.

Our church is a body, not a building, and organism not an organization; it's alive and filled with life. (No that's not redundant.) I may add more to this later, but for now just thought I'd let you know that when it comes to belonging to a family of believers, I'm good. How about you?

The Bible verse is from the Book of Romans.
so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Rom 12:5
The question to day was so much more uplifting for me than yesterday. Yesterday I felt like a failure, today I feel great. Does my level of involvement is my local church demonstrate that I love and am committed to God's family? YES it does. I can't think of I time I've ever been more committed to anything.

Remember:I am called to belong, not just believe.

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