Last week, I had the privilege to visit my friend and sister in Christ. She is struggling with a very rare cancer, for which there has never been a healing to date, and is in late stage 4. As I visited with her, she began to mourn the many heartaches she felt, and I found my own heart breaking with hers. I think the saddest lament she had was for the lack of visitation by her church. She said she felt abandoned and rejected by her "church family." By this wording, she meant the "organized church" she and I had once attended together. My family departed a year earlier due to several terrible issues, the last one irreconcilable because my faith in Christ would not compromised to accept a lie for the sake of "unity." Although I had left that church, I still maintained many friendships I had built, like the one with this dear sister. My friend had been diagnosed with cancer in March 2017 and hadn't been able to attend in person often as a result of surgeries and lack of energy. While last year, a couple from leadership had visited her in the hospital and checked on her once or twice after that, my friend shared no one in leadership had been in contact with her since early spring 2017. She'd received no encouragement, no comfort, no prayer time with those in leadership for many months now. What could I say to the broken heart of a forgotten sheep? All I could offer was my love, which may not be enough to replace the love she felt she lost. So, I just stood there holding her, hugging her, and praying over her. My heart ached for my dying friend, and to be perfectly honest... I was also really pissed off at the church's neglect of her. Sadly today, this is all too common among churches. The friendliness you feel when attending on Sunday falls away quickly after you stop attending on a regular basis, even if that lack of attendance is related to an illness that makes you bedridden or other circumstances beyond your control. A fact, I learned caring from my mother-in-law. I was often unable to attend church, and I cannot recall a single person in leadership ever calling my house or visiting to check up on my family. Worse, most in leadership never even know you've stopped coming to church until several months go by, and even then there are few who will reach out. Only those in the "Inner Circle" of the church are truly noticed. The ones who are in the "Inner Click" matter; the rest of us are simply fringe on the edges it seems at times. Our presence doesn't truly matter, because our absence doesn't matter. This seems to be the way of even the most well-meaning churches. I'm sure most don't even realize it. Sadly, when it's brought to the leadership's attention, denial and defensiveness reign supreme and excuses abound. Don't get me wrong, I understand everyone is busy. Life is busy and complicated for almost everyone. But when it comes to organized church leadership, THE Church is missing something the early Church never did. The first Church never had the organized structure we have today; instead they realized how important each member of the Body was to the wholeness of the Body of Christ. They took time to visit each other's homes, built personal relationships, and the strong reached out to those who were weaker. Do you remember when Tabitha died? The disciples in the next town over sought help from Peter who was traveling nearby... and Peter came immediately because of the request. Peter did not go because Tabitha was more special than any other Christian, though her deeds of generosity were many. Peter went simply because she was one of the sheep, a part of Body of Christ. Today, our organized "church" structure is turned upside down. We've forgotten that we are all equals before Christ, all students and all witnesses with lessons to share. Now, the church is designed to rely on a few people to do everything, which is why there is that Inner Click at church. It's also why that Inner Click is distanced from the fringe and doesn't truly have strong relationships with most of the people of the pews. Many in leadership are being overworked and over relied upon. Of course, they put themselves in those designated positions and most of the congregation are happy to keep them there. But this was never to be the design of God's Church. As I hugged my beautiful friend, I told her the truth... Jesus' Church had come to her and was with her even now. Of course, it was not necessarily her "organized church" or her "church leadership," but Jesus had sent His body to her. He had sent His finest leaders, those serving her in her hour of need. She was not abandoned nor forgotten. She had been in the company of many Saints who encouraged, supported, helped, and even prayed with her. We loved on her. THE Church had come! The longer I am involved in "church," the more I truly believe the organized church is one of Satan's greatest lies. It isn't structured according to truth or the Lord's will despite the twists of scripture used to justify its existence. It has religious demands for all. Most congregations have bought into the lie and that's why the laborers are so few. Jesus said there would be no rulers over us but Him. He said we would be equals, serving together (Matthew 20:25-28). Many organized churches say they believe this philosophy, but honestly they don't live it. When push comes to shove, you'll hear it said, "not in MY church." Well, Thank God we do not belong to their church! We belong to God's one, true Church: the Church of Jesus Christ which is neither divided on this side of Heaven or the other side. It spans denominations and local church bodies. It is universal and world-wide, yet is is united and singular in it's design and mission. There is only 1 body, and the Lord's body is not divided. We may not all agree all the time as we are limited by the knowledge we have gained in our walk and our faith, but we should all be moving in the same direction under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Everyone was brought into THE Church to serve others, to help bare other's burdens, to encourage and edify the whole Body of Christ. If you aren't serving at some point each day to spiritually, physically, or emotionally edify others, than you have missed the entire point of BEING the Church. It's not too late. Don't be afraid to step up into the position God has called you. Let no person limit your expression of God's love in this life. You were never meant to sit in a pew, sing a few songs, and be lectured for an hour on Sunday and walk away believing that you went to church. Church isn't something you do! It's WHO you are and WHOSE you are! Christians cannot wait for organized church leadership to do everything, nor should we ever give anyone that much power over our walk with Christ. We must step up to comfort those in need. We must start recognizing the Truth. We are THE Church and our walk in Christ Jesus is 24/7/365. It is our appointment as the Church to serve others, just as Jesus served us. We are literally Jesus' hands and feet on this earth, We represent billions of physical opportunities to show God's love. We are THE Church! "Comfort Ye, Comfort Ye My People Says Your God..." Isaiah 40:1-11
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I came across a quote I shared in Facebook three years ago from Emily P. Freeman "I'm learning to discern the work that has my name on it.
A task may be good, but that doesn't make it mine."
Learning to hear God's voice is an important part of knowing what is your assignment and what is not. There are thousands of good ministries and needs waiting to be met on this planet, but not all of them are ours to fulfill. We have many demands upon our time, and learning to say "no" to important projects that aren't ours does not mean those ministries or works aren't valuable. It just means they aren't our jobs to perform.
I truly believe when you have a need, God will provide the answer if you ask Him. Though the answer may not necessarily be an easy or fast solution. And, of course you're going to have to put in labor as God provides the opportunity. When God said, "The Just shall live by faith," He meant it literally! Last winter my son, Jared, noticed our small arctic entry porch was not warm enough or large enough for him to work on his school project of rebuilding the small engine in his motorcycle comfortably. I told him to pray about God opening a window to provide a new shop for him to work in, as we didn't have the cash to purchase a brand new building and Jared dreamed of working on other mechanical projects. At first Jared doubted me, wondering why would God care about a shed. He had the mindset of many Christians today: God cares only about the BIG things of life. But then I told Jared the truth, God cares about EVERYTHING! If it's important to you, it's important to God. God may not care about things in the same manner as you do and sometimes He shows us our goals are too low and lifts us up to higher levels. But if something is really troubling you, on your heart continually, or you need something to move forward, then seek God for help. God promises when you need help, call on Him and He will answer. After explaining this concept to Jared, I trusted the Lord to provide. Believing God would provide the way, I started looking for potential opportunities on Facebook classified listings. Then one day last summer, I came across an ad for someone looking to have an old shed removed. I responded to see if we could take on that project and remove the salvaged wood and other building materials. Then our family with several volunteers from Eaglecrest Alaska Missions spent time tearing down the old shed from the 1940's. We sorted and stacked the materials at our house to be recycled for Jared's shop. Although we still didn't have enough lumber to complete the entire project, we had a good start. We often tend to believe God must be an ALL or NOTHING God, and our answers must come right now. When in reality, God is always ALL in for our good. He provides everything we need, but often in steps that we can manage. I continue to mediate upon the bible verses about not despising the small blessings or to him who was faithful with little more was added. When we want everything right now, we may overlook what is already at our disposal and the opportunities right in front of us to move forward. While we wait for God to miraculous provide the finished miracle, we miss the steps He's given us to complete that finished miracle. Most of the time, God wants us to take that step of faith first before we see His hand moving. If you doubt this, go back and reread the gospels. How many times did Jesus not heal instantaneously but gave a command to be obeyed before the miracle manifested? Jesus put mud on the eyes of a blind man from birth then told him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. Only as the individual steps were taken was the final miracle shown. First the man came for help, then Jesus spit and made mud to put on his eyes and gave direction to wash in Siloam. Later, the blind man would have to journey to that pool and actually wash before he regained his sight. The final miracle was a result of the small steps the man took and the reactions of God to his faith. First he came for help, then he took the steps necessary as God led to achieve his miracle. As we step out in faith, more is given. That's exactly what happened with my son's shop project. In October, we had enough money to purchase the lumber for the rafters, but not enough to cover the roof. Then my sister donated tongue and grove planks her husband had salvaged from a friend's basement remodel. The wood would have gone to waste if her husband had not saved it years ago. But, sadly her husband died the year before, and his project ideas went with him. The wood sat hopeless for a long time before she offered it to us. With supplies in hand, we started laying out the 16 ft by 30 ft shop late in autumn. It's been a lot of hard work laboring in the cold. From previous experience, I had the knowledge to design the basic wall and rafter layout. Then Jared and I spent a weekend constructing all the walls. On a different weekend, I built the rafters. With help of four friends, we raised the walls and the rafters on another weekend. Then we began the process of sheeting the building. This weekend, Jared and I finally finished the roof and closing in the front loft. We also built barn style doors from scratch to enclose the front bay area. The weather has prohibited building daily or even weekly, but as weather allows, we continue to labor. Of course, we have to dress for the cold weather with several layers of clothing and appropriate outerwear. All that's left at this point is to install the windows, main door, and a wood stove for heat. But again, God has provided. The windows and main door were donated to us as leftovers from a previous project. The wood stove was also donated from Aunt Linda, which came from her previous house. Everything we've needed has been provided: a little here, a little there. After the exterior structure is complete, we still have roofing to install and painting, but are believing this summer when the weather allows, the materials will become available. This shop stands as a testament to God's willingness and faithfulness to partner with you as you believe in Him and step out in faith to work with what's already in your hand. More pictures will be provided later on my blog as progress continues on the building over the next few months. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. Psalms 91:15 Like many of the lower 48 States, Alaska received a lot of snow recently. At one point, we had 8 to 9 inches fall in less than 24 hours. With the fresh snowfall came many outside chores. I spent many hours shoveling and snowblowing the walkways, part of the parking lot, and the areas not quite cleared by the plow along the driveway. At our home, I need to regularly access the propane tanks for the kitchen stove, the woodpile, and the garbage shed. After I finished shoveling out those priorities, I cleared the way to the emergency generator. My son, Jared, was charged with clearing off the back deck. This is where our dogs usually hang out when they are outside part of the day. Jared tried diligently to work but kept having a problem. Finally I came outside to help. While Jared was working to clear the snow, his dog thought he needed help. Of course, Gus didn't help in the normal sense of the word. Instead Gus decided Jared needed to be rescued from the snow shovel. I love how our crazy pets make life so funny! And I just had to share this video with you too. Today I celebrated my 45th birthday. I don't usually keep track of exactly how old I am, though I seem to love each new year I turn. With each year, I feel more confident in myself and my abilities. It's sad how we waste so much of our youth on being self-conscious, concerned about what others will or will not think of us. I love the person I'm becoming, which changes with new knowledge and experience each day of my life. I truly appreciate the little positive things in life and the irreplaceable people I know. I receive so much love from my family and friends and even our animals. There is so much to be grateful for in life. Today, as I reflect on Renvek Larson, one of my favorite little people, I remember the ability to grow old is a privilege denied to many. I am thankful for all the birthday wishes and wish you all another year of wonder too!
As the year comes to a close, I pause to reflect how quickly this year passed. So much has happened over the year. Personally, my family has like most families had many difficulties and triumphs. We've experienced illnesses, surgeries, and healed from some of them. We gained a new four-legged family member and watched 2 others decline due to old age. We also learned of the joy of our granddaughter carrying her first child. We've cried many tears, spent hours in prayer, smiled and laughed often, and rejoiced a time or two with great joy. The Spring was warm, and I was able to cut and haul home six cords of wood in preparation for winter. It was the first time all our firewood was in before Fall. Then Summer found us tearing down an old building from the 1940s to recycle into a shed for my son to work on his mechanical dreams. I also staked out new mining claims and climbed many peaks to set the posts. Autumn gave way to my daughter's senior year of high school. It was 13 years ago we walked into kindergarten classes; yet is seems like almost yesterday. Now, Winter's dark days are spent indoors with homework, writing, and editing. The solstice has passed, and the days are finally growing longer, if only by seconds each day. Overall, it was a good year. A year with much to be thankful. It was also a difficult year, with times of struggle. It was a year like many others before it and many others to come. Time brings events where we laugh, mourn, learn, hope, pray, and even celebrate. Through it all, with each new day before me, I prove God's word to be true. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 Today is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. To celebrate, I took several photos from cute, ugly Christmas sweaters on sale at Walmart. Please upload images of your favorite ugly Christmas sweaters and tell me if they are homemade or store bought.
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Sharon Aubrey
An Alaskan Author, Prospector, Homeschool Teacher, Ordained Minister, I welcome your comments! Before you post, please see my
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