I don't know what to call this...

A fresh word was spoken into my ear which has quite literally stopped me in my tracks: "We don't go to church.....we ARE the CHURCH."
(much pondering going on in my head...around and around and around she goes...where she'll end up....nobody knows.....)
Hebrews 10:24-25 says this:

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

To "consider one another" literally means: to observe, to contemplate, to have an intelligent insight into."
All those things require us to have a relationship with one another out side the walls of the church building in order to accomplish those things.
Note that "love and good works" need to be stirred up, they don't just occur. It speaks of a convulsion and forcefully of the tremendous impact believers can have on each other, which is why the author compels them to gather together, right?
I get all that, I really do...I am UBER relational and I have no problem with this scripture so far as it applies to our fellowship with believers....beyond Sunday morning.
But, and here's the BUT....is this a description of why we gather together for worship? or is it more of a recipe for good fellowship minus the building???
That's where I keep landing.
For me and my family, corporate worship is for seeking God and God alone in worship and praise and adoration, for when you try to add in "stirring up love and good works" it sort of muddies things up when the focus is put back on temporal things(man) instead of eternal things(God).
We so desire that pure worship, pure devotion to God...I hear of worship services in India, for example, that go on for hours into the afternoon where afterwards they eat together and share their experiences with fellow their believers.
Worship/praise and seeking God's face are TOTALLY separate from the time of fellowship with other believers.
Do you see that?
I do.
I believe that the author of Hebrews was not describing what our Sunday morning worship should look like but, rather, it is a beautiful description of true fellowship which occurs usually Monday-Saturday and it speaks to the purpose of fellowship as well.
I think we are so used to trying to "have it all" on Sunday morning that we have crammed it all together and have ruined the whole thing, for us, at least, which is why we have chosen to worship elsewhere,(gasp) but yet we still seek the fellowship with believers and friends where we have served along side of them and served God for many years.
The absolute best part of this whole situation is that it was through God's leading that brought us to where we are at. It has been a process of revealing Himself to us a little here and a little there until we came to see the whole picture.
First came discontent, but He used that to move us in a different direction. Then He revealed to me His design for true worship and then, he began to show me how to LOVE-really LOVE people which has led to understanding and purposeful/meaningful fellowship. Along the way He has showed Himself in mighty ways and He has asked that I OBEY HIM even if I don't understand His ways, I believe, in preparation for showing us His will and showing us how to please Him instead of man. Can we talk about the "huge" awareness of ETERNITY that He has placed in my heart???? I know I make people nuts, I am a broken record, I know, but it is obviously a gift from the Lord, a calling, because He has asked that I be a HERALD, for the Morning Star has risen in my heart and I cry out in the darkness in preparation for the LIGHT. Now, this year, He has asked that we "SEEK AFTER HIM"... we have.....which has brought us here.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we are EXACTLY where God would have us to be.
I stand in awe.....

"YOU'RE SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL......AND THERE IS NO WAY THAT I COULD LET GO...CUZ YOU'RE SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL......"

Theme for 2010....

It's a New Year and what comes with that is a new Theme, or possibly the same theme?
I was looking over last year's posts and reading over the Journey to LOVE theme that the Lord gave me.
WOW-what a journey!
It was very emotional for me to read over the things God spoke to my heart over the last year...He was ALWAYS there...guiding me...loving me, in spite of me, surrounding me with people who held me to that standard.
I feel so blessed-thank you, Father, your many blessings.
So, what is my Theme for 2010: SEEKING THE LORD
Seeking the Lord, as Mary did, sitting in His presence in utter adoration, not in the dutiful/busy/performance manner, as Martha chose.
I am throwing off those encumbrances that so easily ensnare me and choosing instead, to seek His Holy presence, to worship Him without abandon, to seek His will and His will alone, to not move until I hear Him say-"MOVE".
Tall order...because it is so easy to get lost in our SERVICE to the LORD that we forget to actually SEEK HIM first.
I encourage you to ask the Lord to give you a Theme for the coming year. Then ask Him to show you how to live it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you.

"Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God."
I Chronicles 22:19

to go or not to go....

Some of the most God-minded people I know do NOT attend a church on a regular basis. They have (bravely) shook off the encumbrances of organized church in order to seek God beyond the walls.....
Why?
Because they only occasionally encountered God in their churches and more often than not, they left a congregational meeting more thirsty for the reality of God, instead, they were filled up with information about God without actually drawing near to Him.
This, too, has been my experience.
"To seek and find God is everything."
There is something lacking in our churches today....something so basic.
I believe it is a true, souled-out, unencumbered, communing worship with the God of the universe.
We have bought into the lie that serving at church, fellowshipping with other church people, ministry training, is the same thing as actually seeking God.
I think of Moses and his encounter with God. Moses ascended Mt. Sinai, stood before the Great I AM, beheld the glory of the Lord all around him, heard the audible voice of the Lord, returned to the people and the bible says he "did not know that the skin of his face shone," The people were afraid to draw near to him because they saw that he had been with God.
That is what I am thirsty for-climbing up God's holy mountain to encounter Him in such a way that my very countenance is changed.
I'm not sure that it is possible to have such an encounter like that in church today, in fact, it would probably make most people uncomfortable.
We're too ordered, scheduled, and defined.
No room for the moving of the Holy Spirit here.(caution: quenching of the Holy Spirit could lead to a hard heart.)
And yet, I do encounter God and I experience sweet times of worshiping Him, talking with Him, seeking His heart and just being with Him.
Ironically, those encounters rarely happen at church and dare I say, never during worship.
My question is this: is there something wrong with me?
Am I the only one who feels this way?
Have I been so indoctrinated that I believe that the church is to provide all my spiritual needs and that fellowshipping with other believers is a substitute for a having a beautiful relationship with the Lord of the universe?????
It sort of reminds me of this current culture crisis.
Some people have come to believe that big government will solve all of our problems.
In like manner, some believe that big church is the answer to those who have a crisis of faith.
So, what is the answer?
Are my expectations too high for organized church?
Possibly....probably.
So, what is the purpose of being part of a church if I rarely encounter God within its confines?
I believe that God will provide me with wisdom that will lead to understanding and I also believe that it will be a process.(...is a process....still processing......)
(I'll get there.)
While I am still on this earth, I don't want to waste time worrying about "coloring within the lines" and, to be honest, my only desire is to please God, not man.(encumbrances, mentioned above.)
My true hearts desire would be to be part of a home-church; like-minded people gathered together for the sole purpose to worship God through studying His word, prayer, singing praises to His name, to be with people who have encountered God and to think that is the norm, not the exception, to be with people who are absolutely in love with Jesus, what I call "Jesus freaks."
Aahhh....that sounds heavenly.
Father,not my will, but Thine be done.

a Christmas letter....

Dear God,

I confess to you that we have not yet put up our Nativity in honor of the birth of your Son, Jesus.
It is sitting in the box waiting to be put into its proper place...patiently waiting.
I've walked by it a thousand times a day....I've told the girls," we have to put the Nativity scene up!" then I proceed on my way.
What is wrong with me?
The tradition in our home goes like this:
1. go get tree
2. set up tree
3. dad and kid put on lights.
4. mom and girls decorate tree.
5. set up Nativity.
6. decorate the house.
Father, we skipped #5 this year, I know you see it and I am sorry.
The box is still sitting there next to the cedar chest where, in theory, the Nativity will be showcased, I really should stop what I am doing right this second and go set it up, but, I find it intriguing why it is still sitting there and I can't help but make the parallel: how often do I do that with you God?
I doubt you've counted, that's just not your style, but I know that it must be so disappointing to see after all the blessings you've bestowed, not that you keep track.
I know that you want to meet with me, commune with me, and I haven't made the time...I'm too busy doing other things...leave me alone...I'll talk to you tomorrow.
The thing is: I know that you are waiting...patiently, lovingly, as you do for all mankind.
Father, fill my heart with your love and mercy and help me to remember that first gift of Christmas so long ago, in a humble manger where you were made manifest in the babe, Jesus.
Thank you, Father, for your tenderness....your love...for how you speak to us....
I know you see me right now and I know that you know what I am about to do, but, just for the sake of argument, I want you to know that.....I was gonna do it all along(she said rather defiantly)....thanks for the nudge.(sorry it took so long)
Love you lots.
xoxoxoxo

Your humble servant, me.
;0)

December book club featuring.....

I loved this book!
Sarah Palin is a true American because she values what is most important in life; God, family, Truth, integrity, and responsibility.
"Going Rogue" is a must read for us whiny women who occasionally feel overwhelmed and ever-so-slightly misunderstood and for those who are seeking their purpose in life.
She is my hero.

warning...this might make you feel bad.

A bumper sticker seen recently:

"Jesus is coming soon......look busy."

Funny....sort of.
I mean this is wrong on so many levels...where do I begin to address the ERRORS in that statement?
Well, how about- JESUS IS COMING SOON- that's a good place to start.
Whether you believe that He is coming in our lifetime or your kids' lifetime or your grandkids' lifetime, the simple truth is that someday, like a thief in the night, the trumpet will sound and we will be with our Lord, we, the faithful who believe and serve the Risen Lord Jesus.
If you have followed this blog for any length of time (Kim) you know that I believe that He is coming in our lifetime because of all that is happening in the Middle East, prophecies are coming true, the things spoken of in God's Word are lining up just as they were foretold by God Himself- truly, the stage is set.
Believing this simple statement has made my spiritual eyesight crystal-clear and my spiritual wattage is so ramped up that everyday is like, "what are we doin' today God?"
Time is so short.
Are we taking precious opportunities given to us to share the love of Jesus Christ with those that we encounter?
Are we that "city on a hill" in our neighborhoods that shows forth the Light within our hearts and to which we show our good deeds for the glory of the Lord?
Do we extend grace to others as it has been extended to us?
I do not know what is holding back the hand of judgment on this crooked and perverse generation, I suspect it is His incredible LOVE for His creation and that it is not His intention that any should perish but that all should come to know Him.

"Look busy."

I serve an all-knowing, all-seeing, everywhere God...how about you?
He know our thoughts, our hearts, EVERYTHING------before we even think it!!!!!!!

"Look busy."

What are we actors? Playing a role?
We can play "CHURCH" till the cows come home and nobody would be the wiser....except for God.
We can warm the pews and be counted....even make a joyful noise.
We can put an offering in the plate as it passes by...God sees.
You can fool your fellow man and even yourself, but not God.

"Look busy."

Perfect statement for this culture that we live in.
That's right, let's bring God down to OUR level, let's put limitations on Him because a BIG ALL-KNOWING-ALL-SEEING-EVERYWHERE God is a bit oppressive, don't ya think? I mean it might make someone feel bad, small even and we wouldn't want to offend anyone in this "everyone-gets-a-trophy-even-the-losers-politically-correct culture in which we live.
Oh my gosh, it's sickening!
It's, it's...why we have shows like "American Idol", (which is one of my favorite shows), but come on....the people who audition in front of professional judges that are TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE singers that proceed to look shocked and hurt and cry even when told that they are terrible singers BY THE PROFESSIONAL JUDGES have obviously had people encouraging them, in fact, lying to them, so that they wouldn't feel bad because that is the very worst thing you can do to someone is MAKE THEM FEEL BAD....
Parents want their kids to get trophies for just participating in a sport.
What happened to rewarding excellence?
Do you see how this trend, this new way of thinking has polluted our kids' attitudes toward doing their best, when everyone will get a "good job" even for doing a piss-poor job/effort, why would kids want to go the extra mile and the extra effort to strive for excellence??????
What is the main role of the Holy Spirit?
Do you know?
The main role of the Holy Spirit is to make man aware of his sin, in fact, it is to make man FEEL BAD.
Can you see how this PC trend is a very brilliant scheme devised by the enemy to thwart the main role of the Holy Spirit-to make man feel bad, to make him realize his need for the Lord.
The great deceiver lies to men and tells them; "you ARE good", and then he tickles the ears of men over and over and over until they refuse to hear anything that makes them feel bad.
It's a good plan, seems to be working well even.
Nice.

"Look busy."

Do you really believe that God will love you more if you "look busy?"
Remember, "Christ died for us WHILE we were yet sinners" and "it is by GRACE that we are saved through faith, it is a gift of God, and not of ourselves lest any man should boast."
There is NOTHING that we can do to make God stop loving us-NOTHING!!!!!!!
He loves the pew-warmers, the actors, the pharisees, but He desires their hearts, minds , and souls.
God has a standard- the shed blood of Jesus which washes us white as snow, but there is a promise build it: "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation....."
God is the one who does the work for us, He is the one that changes us and makes us more and more like Him.
We don't have to look busy, we just need to be a new creation that seeks after God's heart.
Know what I mean?
Here's better bumper sticker:

"Jesus is coming soon.....LOOK UP."

a word from Frances.....

"So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts." (2 Peter 1:19)

Has the morning star arisen in your heart yet?
It's a beautiful picture of the night sky gradually receding and rolling back from the approaching light of day. Slowly, gradually transitioning from night to day, something else occurs: before the dawn breaks, the morning star begins to shine its light on the eastern horizon. "It is a faithful herald of the coming day".
The morning star appears at the right place and at the right time to announce to those in darkness, "the sun/Son is coming, the day is soon at hand."
It appears as a herald while it is still night, for it can't be seen during the day.
Peter tells us the before the millennial "day of the Lord" dawns, in anticipation of Christ's return, the morning star shall rise in our hearts!
What does that mean?
I believe that just prior to Christ's return for His faithful, the actual spiritual "wattage" of God's presence will increase.
Of course, we know that such "light" does not emanate from us, it comes from our union with the Lord Jesus and it is worked in us through the Holy Spirit.
Over and over again, Jesus warned His followers not to become caught up in the world or weary in the battle. He told us that it is to those who overcome that will be given the morning star.
A day is coming before the rapture of the Church, before the second coming of Jesus, when those who follow Christ will be positioned, like the morning star - in the right place at the right time - and they will herald Christ's return.
If we don't allow ourselves to encumbered in the cares and issues of this world, if we remain faithful and true, a time will come when the presence of the Lord, like the morning star, will rise and be visibly seen upon us and the word of Isaiah shall be fulfilled:

"Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the Lord will rise upon you.
Nations will come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising."
_ Isaiah 60:1-3