Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Not Going to Church

There are many so-called church affiliated groups in the news whose main function and focus seems to be telling other people why they believe God finds them unacceptable and unworthy of love - the second message being that if they would just get with the program they too could be a squeaky clean near perfect Christian complete with church certified seal of approval.  God would then find them acceptable.  Worship this way, align your political views that way, either do or don’t do this or that and you too will be given the golden ticket to heaven.  The truth is, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Then, there’s Set Apart Church.  The name says it all.  Here the invitation comes with no strings.  You don’t have to change a thing to show up.  Come in your pajamas, your shorts, your favorite t-shirt.  It won’t matter.  Come ready to hear exactly what Jesus said about God’s love for His children with no political slant, no judgment, and no request for money.  Just come.  Here you’ll find a welcome invitation from your Heavenly Father.  You’ll learn through a series of online sermons and devotions exactly how He feels about you.  The answer may surprise you.  If you just need someone to pray for you, you will find a place for that as well.  All of it in church online. 

At Set Apart Church it’s God meeting you wherever you are.  It’s a church without walls where the door is always open.  There you’ll find a passion for Christ that comes from true relationship with Him and a deep desire to share the forgiveness of God, His love and His heart for you.  Whatever your reason for not going to church, here is the answer.  What do you have to lose?  You never know what you might gain.

Photo courtesy of freedigitalimages.net "Old English Church on a Sunny Day - Stuart Miles

Changes - A New Leaf

It has been such a long time since I put brush to canvas.  This painting represents the change that is going on in my life right now and the beauty of possibility within that change.  I've heard it said that God loves His children too much to let them stay the same.  I do believe He likes to see us grow and move forward.  Stagnancy is never good.  I suppose that's one of the reasons I have enjoyed teaching for as long as I have - each day is filled with new challenges, new material, and new lessons for both teacher and students.  My change at the end of this school year is to begin pursuing both my writing and my art full time.  I am ecstatic, frightened, energized, and I feel like a new student at the first day of class.  This is life class.  And like my students I find myself wondering if the "teacher" will be kind, strict, forgiving.  I'm wondering if she'll have a sense of humor. I'm wondering about the new friends I'll meet and the adventures I'll have.  I am a student again.  

This last year has taught me that there is much listening I need to do.  I have a long way to go.  I feel as if I've left the close companionship of Christ to venture out on my own.  I'm ready to be a student there as well.  I'm so thankful that while I change, and need changing, He never does.  He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  His love never fades or grows weary.  He never gets impatient with His students.  He applauds our efforts, cheers our successes, celebrates each tiny victory from a glance His way when it's needed to a blessing shared, a life changed, or a comfort given. And His correction is gentle.  What a teacher. What a Savior.    

Blessings!

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  John 14:26  NIV