Sunday, October 2, 2016

Is your phone charged?

Is your phone charged?

I bet you just looked, and it wouldn't be the first time today. I know from personal experience that I look many times a day.  Before I go to bed at night I always make sure it is plugged in, I would hate to wake up to a dead phone. Then, as if something may have changed overnight, I look at it right away in the morning. What did I do before this fear of being disconnected?  What did I do when I was out there in the world all alone, without a connection to anyone, no one to talk to on my commute, no text messages when I need to connect, and most of all no one to call when I am in danger or hurting?

I am of the age when I remember life without a cell phone (oh and the internet...gasp!)  I didn't have to worry if someone didn't answer me in a minute or two because likely they hadn't checked there mailbox (the one at the end of the driveway) or their answering machine (not in ones pocket).

Even if you, like me, remember that time so long ago you are no different than the "kids".  You are connected 24/7, and I sure notice that parents seem to worry a lot more now because they have instant access to their kids.  I could get on a soap box regarding this but that isn't where this train is going.....

Here is my real question....
Is your spirit charged? 

I can honestly say I have said these words many times in my life "I don't need a Church to be a Christian"

I also know I have seen meme's regarding this, and other statements about church goers that are not there for the right reason, don't treat others in a Christ-like way, sin (as we all do) and sadly are not going to church to plug in their soul (it is just what you do Sunday, routine, obligation.)

I am new to the Church and some of the elders and life long members said to me "be wary, others will not be as enthusiastic as you, they will hurt you"....(not some of my favorite conversations because I didn't want to believe that).  How could anyone not want to be there, charge their spirit, learn from the teachers, and feel the love of having a Family in Christ?  I didn't understand this, and I still struggle with this question. I am afraid that I will lose this feeling.  I pray daily to God "Please use me today!  Shine your light so others see you in me! "  I don't want to lose the light! I need to be plugged in! Please don't let me miss a spiritual update!

I came to the understanding lately while working with the children of the church that they have enthusiasm too, and this made sense!  They are seeing all of this through new eyes and are charged up.  I love to look into their eyes and see how they shine the light. I, like them, have a new battery.  Children (and the young in faith) in many ways have a new upgraded battery with a stronger battery life.  The battery on the earlier versions may have been used a lot and drained, but guess what, they all still need to be plugged in.

So this leads me to the question, do you need a Church to be a Christian?  Do you need an outlet, an outside source of power to charge your phone?  Do you need a connection so you don't feel alone? Do you need someone to talk to when you are hurting or in danger?  I know I do.

God is the light in my life, and I need to connect to God in his word multiple times a day.  I need his word, and prayer on this journey, he is cordless and I can reach him from anywhere, anytime...But guess what I also need to plug in and feel connected when I am running low on energy, charge my battery in a world that is trying to drain it.  I need to be plugged in as often as the older phones, every night, every morning and anytime during the day when I fear my light is going out. I need to go to Church, not to be a Christian but to recharge.

Going to Church did not make me a Christian.  When you find a Church Family that makes you feel alive every day of the week, not only on Sunday's, then YES you need that in your life.  When you get up on Sunday mornings because you can't wait to worship, sing praise and love the Lord with your family, YES you need that.  When you look forward to coffee, small groups, nursery, and being loved by strangers that become friends than YES you need that .  Church does not "make" you a Christian but it restores your heart and recharges your soul. I need this to go into a new week and Shine the Light of Jesus. I need to know that I have a connection and power to face a fallen world.

Church, be it in a building, in the streets, coffee shops, or in the way you connect in your community is needed to keep our Brothers and Sisters going, powered, and charged to shine the light of Jesus! We all need to keep charged because a dead battery will not help when we are alone in the dark. Church Family is a connection I know I need, and there are plenty of amazing sources inside the church to plug in to!

I pray that I continue to believe in the Power of my Church family, the Energy I get praising the Lord with my Family, and continue to Shine the Light of Jesus with a full charge!

John 8:12
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, " I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life"

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Hebrews 10:25
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.















3 comments:

  1. I'm so thankful to God for having our paths cross and now to be able to call you friend. You are a bright light in my life. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm with me! :)

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  2. I'm so thankful to God for having our paths cross and now to be able to call you friend. You are a bright light in my life. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm with me! :)

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  3. Excellent writing! Powerful concept of Christian living!

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