“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Psalm 119: 9-10 The Amplified Bible)
A local church that I drove by a house of God located near the 30th Street on the westside of town, had a message on its lighted sign in their front lawn. I imagine that the church was actively facing the two major problems that many, if not all, churches are challenged to resolve: (1) Finding a way to recapture members of the congregation that have replaced attending church regularly, in person, especially with the emergence of the option to view church services on social media, and (2) Building up the church with new members as the relevance and shall I say, reemphasizing the resounding need to come the place where souls are saved and one’s relationship with the Lord progresses to be continuously closer..
The message on the sign was not original or new. I’ve seen the saying before. However, the message that stood out this time was one that I must pass on in this day where the church, once again, from a universal perspective, is devoted to initiating a new revival and a new resurgence, and regaining its significance in the lives of men, women, boys, and girls. In history the need for revival and resurgence initiatives, has existed before in history, in centuries far and near. Now, once again, we have seen the church experiencing slumber passivity. But now is the time, during this present era, when the church needs to awaken and arise from inactivity. Lives depend upon this happening,
The message on the sign I drove by came in the form of a question. Let me give you the answer to the fill-in-the blank question posed on the not so novel church sign’s message. The answer is “U” and “R.” Now here is the question posed on the church sign near 30th Street, “What is missing? CH _ _ CH!”
Fill in the blanks just for fun, or just because of your interest in solving puzzles, problems, or presented riddles. Then, after ridding yourself of any plans not to be in the regular assembly of the saints, rearrange your place and fix your thoughts and plan to be present in worship service this morning. For “you (U) are (R)” one who will benefit from the Lord’s message. “You (U) are (R)” one who will testify by your presence that no excuse will prevent you from attending service. “You (U) are (R) to not forsake the assembly of the saints so you can encourage other saints. “You (U) are (R)” one who God is not through shaping, molding, and equipping you for a purpose primarily and precisely meant for you. Yes, your existence is intertwined with His purpose for your life. That’s why you are still here!
“You (U) are (R)” expected to be present in the sanctuary this morning! If at all possible, do not disappoint the Lord and/or disregard your need to be glad to be in the service one more time. And if by chance you are the only one who shows up to hear the sent message, and worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, know that the Lord will be in the midst. Rejoice in the Lord my friend! Be blessed!
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”. (Matthew 18:20 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King