Encourage | crustybread

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Psalm 122:1 I remember as a child all of the preparations that were made for Sunday morning. Church was a safe enjoyable place. Today, for me it’s still a safe enjoyable place. Yet for some it is anything but safe, anything but enjoyable. Perhaps what we need is a new definition for church. Some have said that church is the people but I believe that it goes a bit deeper. I think church is the relationships we have with one another. The relationships in which we honor God by how we love, care and encourage one another in faith. Any place or situation where this is happening, no walls are necessary.

Matthew 18:20 …where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” Hebrews 3:12-19 Today I attended the funeral for the grandmother of a dear friend. She was 103 when she took her last breath. I never met my friends grandmother but I wish that I had. Just three years before she was dancing on the dance floor as she and her family celebrated her 100th birthday. Then, three years later, her spirit is lifted up. When you think about it life can be long or life can be short but there’s always “today”, a gift from God that comes with or without us, like the Spirit that moves without respect of person. Today is given so that we have every opportunity to love as God loves. I’m guessing that my friend’s grandmother loved a lot of people. Today, it’s our turn.

O Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant, according to your word. Teach me discernment and knowledge, for I have believed in your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and you bring forth good; instruct me in your statutes. Psalm 119:65-68