Church . . . Where Are You?

First in the Series

I hadn't noticed the disappearing Church because the church buildings still seem to be on every corner. I remember when I was raising my children, we were at our local Church on Sunday mornings AND Wednesday nights. In fact, our Church called their mid-week program Wednesday Night Alive. And it was. The building was busting at the seams with Bible Studies for adults, teens, children and a nursery.

No one; not school administrations, not coaches, not anyone would dare to schedule an event or practice on these very important days. These days belonged to the church and family. They were sacred days. They were the Lord's Days.

When did they disappear? When did we allow baseball practice to usurp our God time? When did other things become more important than fellowship with our Christian friends and learning from the Word of God?

It was here one day; vibrant, alive, bubbling and overflowing, and now, it seems these precious times of fun and fellowship have diminished. What happened?

Will you join me in looking at some Biblical leaders and the challenges that they faced? Let's see how they handled their situations. Can we learn from them?

In this series, Church-Where are You?, we'll look for encouragement and hope in times of trouble. For Jesus warned us in John 16:33 that "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

We shouldn't be surprised at the fiery times that we are in, for I believe the Church has taken a backseat to many issues that are close to God's heart. I'm guilty; caught up in the daily life of "living the dream", I relinquished my duty to live for God. To do all that I can to uphold His principles in this nation.

II Chronicles 7:14 has become a well known Scripture these days. And we would be good to follow its instructions.

"If my people who are called by MY NAME, would humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Would you join me in this prayer as we humble ourselves and pray. We want God to hear our requests, let's start with repentance.

Lord, I repent that I allowed your values to be lost in the circles of my life. I pray that through this series, you will restore hope and encouragement to your people so that your Church will rise up and take authority over the issues that are close to your heart. Let us come back to our righteous place within this nation, within this world so that we may stand strong against evil. Let us walk in your authority and make claim to this land again. Jesus, it is only in your name that we pray these words. It is only your blood that can truly save us. Have your way, Most Holy One, we pray. Amen.