Friday Devotional 09/12/2012 "A Working Church"

[BOFF]

Taken from Our Daily Bread, written by: David C. Egner



My wife, Shirley, and I enjoyed a cruise along the fjords of Norway in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. As we journeyed northward, we stopped in numerous towns and villages, often visiting churches. Among them was a 12th-century church that our guide described proudly as "still a working church." I asked, "What do you mean?" She referred to the days of the state church, when the state-appointed pastors simply collected their paychecks but no one attended the services. But this church had been faithfully holding worship services and actively serving the Lord for almost 1,000 years!

I immediately thought of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 to whom Jesus said, "I know your works" (2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15). In addition, the church of Thessalonica was commended by the apostle Paul for its "work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 1:3).

I also thought of my church at home. For more than 130 years it has been faithful in preaching and caring for its congregation and community. It is truly a "working church." What a privilege we have if we're part of a local body of believers where we can grow and serve our Lord!

Lord, thank You for placing us into Your family and
giving us the privilege and responsibility to serve
You through our churches. May we be a shining light
of Your love to our communities and the world.

The church is a living body and must have working parts.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your blessings in my life, particularly the church I attend, and the opportunities I have to serve You there.Thank you for the friends and fellowship my family has there, and the ministerial staff, which are led by Your Holy Spirit. Continue to lead, guide, and direct them. Protect them and their families with Your hedge of protection, and angels. May Your will be done with our church, as we continue to grow and build. May the community see You, and only Your works in our church. 

For it is in Jesus name we ask and claim these things, Amen!!!



God Bless,
David B.

[misfire]

What a lot of people fail to realize is, even though there may be a church on every corner, not all are like you describe David. I am fortunate to be a member of a great " working" church. But I attended many until God led me to this one

[Roostem33]

Great message David, I praise God everyday for my church and the strength that He gives me to serve there.


Jody