Today is Sunday. I didn’t go to church. I didn’t even sign in to an on-line service and there are a lot of those. I’m looking for a Pastor who is starkly in the middle of Osteen (motivational) and Shambach (no nonsense fire and brimstone). It would seem that the “heavy weights” of Kingdom work have all gone to Rejoice in Paradise. There used to be men and women of God who could speak for about 10 minutes and despense enough spiritual food for an entire week! I remember E V Hill did the eulogy for his wife and I was moved to try to become a better wife.
I miss the WORD, “rightly divided”. There are Sunday morning cheerleaders that truly show every sign that they’ve spent time studying and seeking the LORD’s wisdom, but the yelling just makes me tired and I can’t seem to remember and therefore apply what I’ve learned in practical ministry.
Just let me say that I’ve never been able to follow, or willing remain in the church where the Pastor is a “whooper”, you know those ones who make odd noises and foam at the mouth. SIGH
I’ve been to a few churches here, in my new home. The first had the word delivered in a beautiful teaching way, but the worship was tech-no that could be heard in the next state AND the kids did not like the children’s church. They complained of not being able to hear and it was always cold. No mid week Bible Study here, Life groups were the order of business. I received an email asking for more info about myself so that they could place me in the appropriate Life group … I will always believe that this statement, “I know who I am in Him.” is what prompted this response : “Good luck in your search for a new church home.” end of story. No further emails or responses to mine were sent.
The next one had better worship, but it wasn’t “free”. The whole worship team appeared frightened and I will not comment on the teaching, suffice to say that this is why the Bible tells us to study the word for ourselves. The kids however, LOVED the children’s church and could tell us what they’d learned in the lesson. It was a Wednesday night “Bible” study that sealed the deal for me. I won’t give a blow by blow, but one of the other attendees said this to the Pastor, “I won’t allow you to shake my faith.” end quote
NEXT … sigh …um, a small church body, very new, loved the LORD, worship and the word was good as new church with few members can be. It was family. Movie nights, couples night, etc. Now, at this point I’m not certain if this was great church or a Ritz ( old joke) so I took it slowly, the came the stay within the lines bible study. I sat in the seat and felt the tears come to my eyes… I didn’t go any more. I am NOT a fan of religion.
The last and most recent ~ was referred to in the beginning RAH RAH SIS BOOM BAH! I need a nap.
Quite honestly, I don’t truly care about their title, I’ve sat under great and so-so Pastors and Reverends. I’m looking for the pure undiluted WORD (keep your politics to yourself). There are men and women of God who spoke and are still speaking life into my ministry. I must be still and obedient in my wait for our new church home . . . thanks for hanging in there and reading with me!
Sigh ~ no ministries were maligned in this post.
From the Desk of an Author 