Category: Christian Living

A Perspective Shift

By Kathy Pollard

I had two major projects in mind for our fair-weather, mostly-free weekend. One was outside, one was inside, and both required help from my strong husband. Instead I ended up taking him to Urgent Care on Friday and he spent the weekend on antibiotics and pain meds with his left leg elevated. I felt bad for him but also felt sorry for myself for my foiled plans.

On top of that, our 11-year-old Westipoo started having nighttime anxiety. I felt bad for him but also felt sorry for me because all that shaking and panting is interfering with decent sleep.

Grumble, grumble.

Then as I was in the kitchen Saturday night, I heard Neal gasp in the living room. I ran in there to find him looking at his phone and saying, “Oh no! Oh no!” I was so afraid to ask, “What happened?!” Our 3-year-old grandson got ahold of something toxic and was being medevaced to Vanderbilt.

I know it’s happened to you, too. You head into your weekend with plans but they’re upended. You wring your hands about something trifling only to have a real crisis come along and make you feel silly for ever giving the trifle a thought.

It’s the unexpected, horrible, fearful moments that sharpen my focus. I HATE them but apparently I still need them. Who cares about my neglected projects?! Neither of them were important. What’s the big deal about a few nights of fitful sleep? Many people lose sleep for far more serious reasons. I felt ashamed for complaining. I felt grateful for life, family, and answered prayers.

Last night in worship we sang, “All my life He has been faithful. All my life He has been so, so good. With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God.” I couldn’t even finish the song as the words hit me square in the heart and tears coursed down my cheeks.

I hope I’ll remember the lesson a little longer this time. When I was sulking, God knew what was coming. And in the middle of the 24-hour window of panic and pleading, I was reminded me of His grace and patience. I saw God’s tender care in the prayers and hugs from our church family. I saw the strength and faith of my son and daughter-in-law as their little boy struggled all night. I saw the selflessness of friends and family as they jumped in to watch the other children, feed their animals, and fill a pulpit.

When I awoke this morning, I didn’t give a single thought to unfinished projects. I thanked God that our grandson is going to be okay. I didn’t lose a weekend, I gained a better perspective.

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon You.”

(Psalm 86:5)

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Never Tear Down

By Kathy Pollard

The book of Nehemiah opens with an emotional scene. Having heard the disturbing news about the broken wall and burned gates of Jerusalem, Nehemiah sat down and wept. He mourned for days, fasted, and prayed (Nehemiah 1:3-4). As cupbearer to Artaxerxes, Nehemiah was not allowed to display his emotions. He was supposed to maintain a stoic composure while serving the Babylonian king. That is why he was “very much afraid” when the king said, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart” (2:2). He must have been surprised and relieved when Artaxerxes offered to help him instead of punishing him. Nehemiah got permission to go to Judah and he immediately encouraged the people, “Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem.” They responded to his passionate plea by saying, “Let us rise up and build,” and they “strengthened their hands for this good work” (2:17-18). Unfortunately, the very next verse introduces some troublemakers.  As soon as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem heard the news about the rebuilding of the wall, they made it their mission to discourage the work (2:19). Through a series of scheming attacks, these three men kept Nehemiah on his knees in prayer for protection.  

Thankfully we would never attack God’s people with such vicious intention, nor would we make it our mission to tear down. But while we cannot imagine ourselves being seen as “adversaries” (4:15) of God’s people, I’m afraid there are times when our own attitudes or actions do in fact discourage the work. In the book of Nehemiah, we can easily identify the bad guys.  They are hateful and easy to dislike. But I wonder how they viewed themselves? They were men of position and importance. They thought the work of the Jews was in direct rebellion against the king (2:19).  They were wrong but they were acting on their own agenda. Perhaps there are times when we become so agenda-driven that we lose sight of the real mission (Mark 16:15). We can become the ones actually tearing down the good work. How sad when others can easily see the harm we are doing! To make sure we are not guilty of it or blind to it, let’s remember how Nehemiah’s naysayers behaved.

THEY WERE LED BY THEIR EMOTIONS

When Sanballat heard about the building of the wall, he was “angry and greatly enraged” (4:1). When Sanballat, Tobias, and others heard about the good progress being made, they were “very angry” (4:7) and upset enough to want to do harm (6:2). These men seemed to be reactionary. As soon as they heard something they didn’t like, they became furious and were quick to do something about it.

How often have we been guilty of the same thing? Many of our regrets are probably over things we said or did in the “heat of the moment.” Emotions like anger, fear, disappointment, jealousy, and even discouragement can lead us to say or do harmful things if not kept in check. “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). Walls are for a city’s protection. Without them, a city is vulnerable to attacks. That’s part of the reason why Nehemiah was so distraught when he learned of the condition of the walls of Jerusalem. When we lack self-control, we leave ourselves more vulnerable to the enemy. Satan can use us as his tools and for his purposes when we aren’t thinking clearly. The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we do not practice self-control we are more likely to walk in the flesh, which includes “biting and devouring one another,” anger, and strife (Galatians 5:15-21).  

Build up instead. To safeguard against being reactionary, we must remember that the heart cannot always be trusted (Proverbs 28:26; Jeremiah 17:9). If there’s something we disagree with or don’t like, we must first look into the mirror of God’s Word for guidance (James 1:23-25). Then we will give the benefit of the doubt, practice patience, offer compassion, and always, always keep the big picture in mind, which is the building up of the kingdom (Ephesians 4:1-16).   

THEY TARGETED THE LEADERSHIP

When Nehemiah first heard about the problem, he chose to do something about it. He was the one who motivated everyone else to rebuild the wall.  He rolled up his sleeves and got to work. The troublemakers knew this and so they began to mock and ridicule him in the presence of others (2:19). Then they sent a message directly to Nehemiah (6:2).  

It is easy to be an “arm chair quarterback” in the church. Some are quick to question the leadership when they don’t like a decision that’s been made. They criticize the elders in conversations with others. Instead of being a part of the solution, they take the wind out of the sails of those who care enough to get their hands dirty and work. We must be very careful to not discourage church leaders. God has put them in that position (Titus 1:5) and commanded us to “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Nehemiah ended up feeling despised (4:4). May we never be guilty of causing the same feelings in our own good leaders!

Build up instead. Imagine how much stronger a church can be when her shepherds are encouraged, loved, and supported! We can tell the elders we’re praying for them, that we appreciate their sacrifice and labor of love (1 Timothy 5:17). We can freely offer our own services to help fill the gaps in local work.  We can build them up in the presence of others.  We can protect them by refusing to listen to harsh criticisms against them (1 Timothy 5:19). We can do our part to create a culture that respects authority in our own congregations. Everyone wins when the leaders are lifted up!

THEY USED THEIR WORDS AS WEAPONS

Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem began mocking Nehemiah and his fellow workers (2:20). Then they mocked all the Jews, calling them “feeble” (4:2). They tried to make the Jews feel inadequate. They tried to make them doubt their ability to build. “Will they restore it for themselves? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” (4:2). Tobiah wanted them to feel like their work was worthless. He said, “Yes, what they are building–if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” (4:3).

Perhaps the quickest way to tear down others is with our words.  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).  We can damage our marriages with hurtful words because we know where our spouse’s vulnerabilities lie. Whether we truly intended to or not, we can discourage good workers in the kingdom by causing them to question their own abilities. In this age of social media, it’s especially easy to wreak havoc.  We can harm reputations by labeling others.  We can post just enough to cause people to wonder about the soundness of certain individuals. Instead of having a loving conversation in private when there is a differing view or opinion, some have used every opportunity to ridicule a brother in a public manner. Condescension, insults, and sarcasm are used by those who have no problem with discouraging others.  

Build up instead. Surely the quickest and easiest way is with life-giving words. We can be more intentional about lacing our speech with grace (Colossians 4:6). We can make sure we only say things that will build others up and “minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). We can accomplish so much good with sincere words of encouragement.  

THEY ATTEMPTED TO GET OTHERS ON THEIR SIDE

When Sanballat mocked the Jews, he “spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria” (4:2). When they later heard of the progress being made, Sanballat and others “conspired all of them together, to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it” (4:8). This got so bad that Nehemiah had to set up round the clock guards while they tried to continue building the wall (4:9).  Sanballat knew there was strength in numbers.  

We may try to defend, validate, or strengthen our position by looping others in on it.  We can create strife in the Lord’s church by complaining to others about a certain brother or leader. We can hurt our own marriages by trying to gain sympathy from best friends or parents when our spouse upsets us. We feel bigger and “righter” when we pull more people over to our side.

Build up instead. God wants His people to promote peace and unity (Ephesians 4:3). If we have a problem with someone, our options are to let it go (Proverbs 19:11) or go to that person in private (Matthew 18:15). We can make sure all of our actions will promote healing in the church body instead of strife.

THEY USED FEAR TACTICS

The fear felt by God’s people was visible (4:14). This must have been the method that Sanballat and his gang thought would be most effective.  Through some scheming and deception, they hoped fear would lead to discouragement which would paralyze the work. They even accused God’s people of things that weren’t true concerning their motives and agenda (6:6-7). Nehemiah recognized it for what it was (6:9).

Even the Lord’s church has her share of tormentors. Anyone who glories in “beating down” another person with powerful arguments or fierce demeanor, who boasts of their own verbal victories, who uses veiled threats or intimidation has become nothing less than a bully.

Build up instead. The “spirit of fear” does not come from God (2 Timothy 1:7). We can do the same thing Nehemiah did to help God’s people get past it. He reminded them to keep their eyes on God instead of the adversaries (4:14, 20). He had the people working side by side while they were building the wall (chapter 3). He spent much time in prayer on their behalf. If we spend our time and energy doing these same three things, we can be sure that we are being an advocate instead of an adversary.

Perhaps the greatest motivation to never tear down is what ultimately happened in the book of Nehemiah. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were foiled by God. God “frustrated their plan” (4:15). How satisfying to read how the naysayers reacted when the wall was completed! “And when all our enemies heard of it…[they] fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God” (6:16). The NASV reads, “They lost their confidence.” What happened to their bravado?

God promised to build a kingdom that would never be destroyed, and He did (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 16:18).  He is going to protect her from anyone trying to tear her down. God help us see and remove any destructive ways in ourselves.  

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The Dread of Doing It is Worse than Doing It

By Kathy Pollard

Do you ever have a bad attitude about something and absolutely know it but can’t seem to help it? I’m the worst patient when it comes to all the labs, tests, and appointments the healthcare community insists we need. I kinda have the mantra of ‘if I’m sick, my body will let me know.’ (Don’t be like me.)

I’d been dealing with something for two and a half years that had me constantly clearing my throat, coughing, and losing my voice. I’d finally had enough and decided to make an appointment. But first, I had to find a doctor since I didn’t have one. My new doctor had lots of questions for me. When was your last mammogram? Never. Colonoscopy? Never. Bone density scan? Never. Flu shot? Ah ha, 2017!! I felt like I finally got an answer right on a test. As you might guess, I walked in for a throat problem and walked out with a bunch of upcoming appointments.

The day of the dreaded mammogram arrived, and I prayed as I pulled into the clinic parking lot. “Please don’t let this hurt. Please don’t let them find anything scary. Please don’t let me be a chicken-baby.” Money for Nothing by Dire Straights came on my XM radio. Since I was early, I sat there waiting for the best part of the song. The part I can’t listen to without rocking my head, which I did. It gave me the mojo to declare, “Let’s do this!,” as I stepped out of the car.

“I see this is your first mammogram. You know all of those horror stories you’ve heard? They’re true.”

Those were the first words out of the tech’s mouth as I walked into the imaging room wearing a cotton hospital gown. I laughed, as she knew I would.

The mammogram itself wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined. The worst part was the positioning. I thought I’d be the one doing that. It was only 14 minutes from the time I parked to the time I returned to my car. I’d been dreading it, worrying about it, building it up in my mind…and it was over in a flash. I felt a little silly when I left. But still felt like I deserved a donut.

And the throat problem? Turns out it was allergies. I was kicking myself for not having gone in much, much sooner. A Singulair prescription made all the difference. I could’ve saved myself years of embarrassing throat-clearing had I addressed it head on.

Some things are so easy to put off. We just don’t want to deal with them. It could be as minor as replacing a light bulb or replying to messages. It could be a health screening. Or it could be having a hard conversation with a loved one or confessing a sin problem. Ironically, the weight of NOT dealing with it ends up being more burdensome than actually taking the five minutes to take care of it.

Often it’s just a matter of inconvenience or discomfort. But even if whatever needs to be addressed is painful, the relief, peace, or clear conscience that follows is worth it!

James 4:17 Prov. 14:23 Psa. 90:12 Eph. 5:15-17

Sometimes Blessings Require Work

By Kathy Pollard

Nine dozen ears of corn! A friend of ours showed up at church one Sunday night with all that corn for us. It was the Honey Sweet variety and pesticide-free. Neal and I were ecstatic. We’d been eating corn on the cob almost daily since it came into season. There’s nothing better than fresh, tender, sweet corn. We have no problem making a meal out of it with just a few slices of ripe tomato on the side.

That same evening another friend showed up with two large pans of freshly picked green beans. My, we really felt rich driving home with a trunk full of homegrown produce!

“When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things” (Psalm 104:28).

My enthusiasm dimmed somewhat when we carried our bounty in the door and I saw all of the tomatoes, jalapeños, orange snacking peppers, etc. all over my kitchen island. You see, we’d been harvesting our own vegetables and they were still waiting to be processed somehow. 

I spent two whole days making hot sauce and fresh tomato sauce, shucking corn, and snapping beans for the freezer. I didn’t really feel like doing it. There were other things I’d rather be doing!

Sometimes wonderful gifts come into our lives and we’re just overwhelmed with the gratitude of it all:

  • Someone to love
  • A baby
  • A new home
  • A job promotion

We smile and think, “It’s amazing!” And it is. But it’s also work.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Gen. 2:15).

Each example I gave takes constant work in order to stay in good, healthy, happy shape. Hopefully most of that work feels like a blessing in itself. It’s delightful to care for a new home or feed a newborn. But sometimes we just won’t feel like it. There are tedious bits, after all. 

It helps to remember the fresh produce principle:  take care of it now if you want to enjoy it later. 

Those beautiful ripe tomatoes soon turn rotten. The corn must be processed before it turns starchy. And so, you do the work even when you don’t really feel like it knowing your efforts will be completely worth it.

Relationships, children, and opportunities are ripe for enjoyment NOW. It’s all too easy to neglect them or put them off, assuming you’ll have time for them later. Those blessings require daily work. Strengthen the ties. Forgive the hurts. Be present. Express all the love and appreciation. Make the time, even when you don’t feel like it.

After those two long days of snapping and shucking, it was so gratifying to see the kitchen island cleared of produce and my freezers filled with flavors that we will especially love come winter. I started humming while I wiped down my counters and carefully draped the cloth over the clean sink. I took a deep breath and stretched by achy shoulders. I smiled. When Neal got home I proudly told him of my accomplishments and he properly praised my efforts. 

Later that evening he brought in another whole basket full of tomatoes, jalapeños, and orange peppers from our garden and set them on the counter.

#52- Why YOU Love the Church

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

I can’t think of a better way to finish out this series! I loved reading all of these reasons, and I hope you do, too!

Michele Wheat– There are STRONG women in the church to guide, carry, and love you through EVERY season of life! There is not a thing you will walk through that someone hasn’t been there ahead of you. Every age group holds wisdom and comfort.

Betty Preble– I love the Lord’s church because it teaches the pure gospel of Christ.

Cori Fuller-I love how singing bonds us together. I love knowing that nearly wherever we go, and all over the world, there are others striving to serve and know God, too. I love the way we take care of each other in times of need.

Kristy Woodall– Sometimes we may feel that God is not within reach in that He can’t comfort you in the way we often desire comfort. The hug. But the church meets that need. The love of your church family is the physical manifestation of God’s love for you! That is why our assembling together creates heaven on earth.

Kristina Odom– My husband has been a full time minister for 27 1/2 years. We have been blessed to have spent those years with some of the best people. We have seen many things, been a part of many things, laughed at many things, loved many things, and have endured many things. God’s church is filled with people who love, who care, who lift each other up, who humble us, who root for each other, who are always willing to help or serve or just share a smile. I love that God designed His church to be a family. I love the bonds that are formed within that family. I love watching the love we have for each other grow. It’s a beautiful thing. I love my church family. I love my family.

Kelsey Taylor– I love the church because I know that wherever I go, I will always have family there. That’s exactly what the church is—a family. I attend a congregation where most of us aren’t locals, but we’ve all been planted here in one way or another. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness how deeply connected we are, especially since many of us don’t have our actual families nearby. The church has become our true family—supporting, loving, and walking alongside us through our brokenness and joys alike. I am so thankful for this community and the way it reflects God’s love in such tangible ways.

Maurey Best- Too many seasons I love the church. One is the laughter with my sisters in Christ. There is nothing like it.

Steve Bookout- I think while the church is made up of people from all walks of life, they are mostly people all trying to be good people. Good neighbors, etc. You find people who are in friendly, familial type relationships that wouldn’t have anything to do with each other outside of Christ. I know we can all point to exceptions, but the church just seems to me to be a more loving, friendly, unified environment than what you find anywhere in the world. That happiness is seen in marriages, families, and friendships. I enjoy being around God’s people.

Ashley McGuire- One reason I’m thankful for the Lord’s church is because of the prayers said on my behalf and encouragement from my brothers and sisters. Fighting a battle with depression is utterly exhausting. There are days that I am filled with despair, but I find comfort and hope in knowing that the Lord’s church will lift me up in prayer.

Amanda Key– When I finally opened up and shared my sorrow and asked for prayers to grow our family – the church surrounded me with love and encouragement the entire time until we adopted our son. Another reason I love the church is because you always have family where ever you go!

Kari Armstrong-Fish– I love the Lord’s church because they comfort me. They help me and encourage me. They love me. I am so thankful! God is so good!

Chelsea Robinson– I love the church because we’ll be together for all of eternity!

Vickie March– We love the Church because Jesus died for it and for every single person on this planet.

Krista Cook– I love the Lord’s Church because you are always at home – whether with your local family or your extended family. Also because of ALL the connections – someone always knows someone you know.

Jim Harrison– He made a plan to make a place for me in His kingdom before the world was formed.

Donna Sapp– Because everybody there loves God & is striving to be more like him each day!

Barbara Barnes– Loving others to show your love for God.

Stella Ziebell– I love the Church because we are all a part of God’s family.

Telah Wrenn– I love the Lord’s church for the glimpse of heaven it gives me.

Julie Gibb– One of the things I love most about the Lord’s church is how extensive the family is. When we travel, we always find some connection to other friends or places or something at every congregation we visit no matter how far from home we are.

Peggy Stone– We are God’s saved people.

Janet Brent– I love our church because of their desire to see people come to know Christ as well as their willingness to pray for others!!!

Carla Schaadt– I love how even though you don’t personally know the people when you are a visitor at another congregation you ALWAYS ( or should) feel as if you are around people you’ve known for years because of the connection of all being one body for Christ.

Rob Moorey– When you love someone, truly love them, you love what they love. Jesus loved the Church so much he died for it. If I love Jesus, how can I not love the Church as much as he does?

Pat England– To hear an instructional lesson to draw me closer to God.

Melinda Netherton– Showing God’s Love , working together.

Sylvia Sanchez-Strive to be Christ like.

Rachel Robertson– The genuine love and compassion in the church is one the most beautiful things I’ve seen.

Debby Greene– My reason is the wonderful family in the church.

Veronick Pignatelli- I love the church because no matter how near or far, we are all one big family. The love we have for eachother, how we care for one another, how we can rely on eachother in ways nothing in the world can offer us. What Jesus said in Matthew 6:33-34 is the meaning of being in peace, when we are united with our brethren. This is how God takes care of us. Everything we need is in the body, and it is a beautiful place to be.

Rebecca Dixon- We are the church. Available 24/7 everyday. When we meet on first day of week, as the church, to partake, remember and give thanks, we communicate with people who nourish our life with lessons, love, and laughter.

Debbie Hawthorne- The church is my way of life, my family, my friends, my companions, my confidantes because we are all of “like precious faith”.

Deanna Myers- No matter where in tge world you go, if you are a part of the Lord’s church, you have family.

Bonnie McCoy– I love the church because we worship God His way and we share that precious faith.

Bobbie Goodnight– I love the church because it is God’s family and it instructs us in His Word how to worship God, how to get to Heaven, how to remain faithful, how to live a Christian life, and how to improve each and every day of our lives.

Donna Faughn– I love the church because Jesus built it. He is the chief cornerstone. It will never fall because “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” We live in a fallen world surrounded by sin, but Christ and His faithful followers will live on forever.

Nataliya Parakhin– Church is the Kingdom that will never be overpowered by any other and will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). Looking at the war events in our homeland for more than 11 years I have deep appreciation of belonging to such place. 

Brenda Mask– The Church of Christ is the Family of God, where we come together to worship God and study and learn what He wants for our life and glorify Him wherever we go to bring others to Him. Our prayer and mission should be His prayer and mission. John 1.

Beth Cook– I love the church because of our Savior. And I love the church because I am NEVER EVER alone being a part of God’s family.

Cathy Turner– I recently heard of a non-church member describing the church by saying, “Those people never let anyone suffer alone.” That’s one of the things that I love about God’s family.

Lila Wiley– The desire to see people get saved! To hear the true meaning of God’s word! To encourage me to keep going and try to be a light for Jesus and a blessing to others!

Joyce Utzman– Sometimes friends and even family members can let me down. There are times we disappointed them, but our God will never leave or forsake us, even when we fail Him, like the prodigal son, He is there to welcome us home. God is love.

Sonja Caton– I love the church because it is God’s chosen vessel to save mankind. By sending Jesus to redeem man from sin God then sent His Church for us to cling to until Christ returns to take us home.

Sandra Aleshire– I love the church because when you move from another state you’re immediately invited in and it doesn’t take long to feel at home.

Vivian Grise– Chains of love holding us together.

Beth Brown– We live several states away from our children and get to see them once a year. When our daughter’s house had roof damage from a hurricane, she was at home with 4 children. Her husband was deployed. Her dad was too far away to come and check on it. One of the men from her church family came out to see about it. As a mother of little ones, she sure didn’t need to get on a ladder and check her roof. Her brother in Christ knows all the insurance adjusters and repair folks in the area. He was able to be a skilled advisor and make sure she was dealing with reputable people. Our other daughter went through a tough time for a year or so. Her elders and their wives were so good to check on her daily and make sure she was safe, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They were her family when we were too far away to physically check on her every day. When God’s family functions as God designed it, it is a special blessing to the adult children and to their parents who loving and praying from far away.

Julie Pitts– Because the Church that Jesus established was about loving us enough to correct us when we are wrong, give us peace through times of grief and sorrow, and teach me to store God’s Word in my heart so I might not sin against Him. It’s a love story that has continued for centuries. It is free for everyone we just have to abide in His Love and show Him we honor Him by living by His commandments.

David Malley-Garza– One reason I love the Lord’s church is because no one takes care of you better than the Lord’s people do.

Retha Naylor– They are my family.

Rita McGuire– I love the church because I know I have family anywhere I go. In our travels when we attend a congregation, no matter where it is, I know we are among believers and usually we will come across someone who knows someone we know. I love having this kinship. God is SO good.

Julie Gibb– It’s amazing and it’s wonderful. We have so much support in Rochester, Minnesota, when we go to Mayo Clinic. Getting to stay in the hands of compassion house that is operated by the Rochester Church of Christ is amazing!!!

AMEN AND AMEN


#51-A Little Girl’s Perspective

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

My new young friend, Katy Ballance, shared something about their family’s recent move from a 30-member congregation to work with a church of 350. Lucy, their almost-four-year-old daughter, looked around during the singing in worship and then, eyes wide, asked, “Daddy, is this all my family?” Katy said she and her husband, Colton, shared a meaningful look with each other before they answered, “Yes, this is our family.”

Out of the mouths of babes. I can just envision Lucy’s wonder, can’t you? First of all, kudos to Colton and Katy for their excellent parenting. They’d obviously taught their daughter about the church being God’s family, to the extent that she understood it to be her very own family! But second, what if we all emulated Lucy’s response? What if, every time we gathered together as a church, we looked around and acknowledged, “Yes, this is my family!” Seems like some beautiful things would result:

Awe. There’s a big difference between 30 and 350 and that sweet little girl was taking it all in. More friends! More adopted grandparents to love on her! More fellow Bible class kids! Whatever was going through her young mind, she was amazed at her new family. I’m so glad for the reminder. It’s easy to take things for granted. Our church family consists of the members who attend where we worship, but it is much bigger than that. There are Christians the world over. When we travel, we can find a church family to worship with. When we go overseas, we can find church family, even if they speak a different language. Whether 30 or 350, they’re our family. I hope we never lose the wonder over that!

Gratitude. God has been so good to us many times through His people. I could easily do a year’s series just on that one aspect of the church. We learn from each other, encourage each other, help each other, worship together, do life together, win souls together…God did that for us.

Ownership. Sometimes we can get caught up in the shortcomings or disappointments of fellow Christians. But taking a moment to look around and remember who they are will put them back in our hearts where they belong. They are MY family. We may not always see eye to eye on everything. We may not always treat each other perfectly. But I belong to them and they belong to me. This means I will love them. I will extend grace to them and they will for me. In addition to that, because they are MY family, I will feel protective of them and stand up for them.

Yes, Lucy, they’re all your family. Thank you for the reminder to embrace that with everything I’ve got.

Cute little Lucy Ballance

#50- The Mission-Minded

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

What does it mean to be mission-minded? It means you are willing to go wherever people need to hear about Jesus. The apostles left everything when Jesus said, “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19). (Interesting side note…Jesus said “Follow Me” in 12 different conversations!) Paul traveled the Mediterranean world to spread the gospel (Acts 13-20). The early Christians “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Today there are missionaries serving in foreign countries and in “mission fields” in our own country. Some have the un-fun job of raising full-time support in order to live and teach somewhere that’s not even their culture. That means they’re stepping out of their comfort zone twice over! Some have taken on multiple jobs just to make it possible to work with tiny congregations who can’t afford to pay a preacher. God bless the mission-minded!

God can use US to bless the mission-minded. What if we all adopted a missionary this Christmas? Here are some ways we could make theirs a little more merry:

  • Add them to your prayer list and let them know your family is praying for them every day.
  • Send a card of encouragement in the mail (the REAL mail). Include Scriptures that will remind them God sees their efforts.
  • Arrange to send them a Christmas bonus. Sometimes churches give their ministers a holiday bonus and this is often used for family gifts or special needs. I imagine there are many missionaries who would appreciate something like that. Perhaps your church family could gather monetary donations to send.
  • Send the good stuff. Instead of sending used curriculum that we couldn’t give away for free (not that there’s anything wrong with that, ha), how about sending brand new, shiny, current curriculum and visual aids? You could send a link to an online store and ask them to create a wishlist.
  • Put together a care package of their favorite treats. Their idea of treats might be different than ours. They often crave things they no longer have access to (things that we take for granted). Ask what they miss the most and they’ll probably include things like taco seasoning, Crystal Light, and certain shampoo brands. Again, your church family can help. Put out a list of items for everyone to gather and then ship them with an encouraging note.

Bonus points for asking another friend or family to join you in adopting a missionary!

“Go into all the world…” I thank God for the mission-minded who have taken this command to heart, who, in some cases, have literally moved to other lands. They see the big picture and had the courage and faith to take the big steps. God is using them the world over! Let’s zoom in on an individual or two and hold up their hands this season. We can call it the Aaron and Hur Project (Exodus 17:11-12). 🙂

Bulletin board from “Safari for Souls” in Arusha, TZ. It reads “Let Your Light Shine in 2009.”

#49-the Plan of Salvation

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

It’s not the church’s plan; it’s God’s. But it’s simple and it’s for everybody.

Many have asked, “What must I do to be saved?” I’m thankful that the Bible gives the answer. It would be confusing to seek this truth in the world…so much contradiction! But God made it plain, easy to understand, straightforward, uncomplicated.

We all have a sin problem that separates us from God (Rom. 3:23; Isa. 59:2).

Because God wants a relationship with us, He reached out to us by sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins (Rom. 5:8). Grace in action!

If we want a relationship with God, we reach out to Him by being baptized into His Son for the removal of that sin problem (Rom. 6:1-4; Gal. 3:27). Faith in action! At the moment of baptism, the Lord adds us to His body, the church (Acts 2:37-47; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4-6).

And the Christian life is all about walking in the Light so the “blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from our sins” and we have “fellowship one with another” (1 John 1:7).

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”

(Titus 2:11)

#48- No One is Overlooked

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

Jesus saw everyone. He saw the crowds and the individuals. He saw the young and the old. He saw the rich and the poor. He saw the ones everyone else tried hard not to see.

A blind beggar heard Jesus walking by and cried out to Him for help. Everyone else told the beggar to hush but Jesus said, “Call him over!” (Mark 10:46-52).

A lonely, desperate woman worked her way through a crowd just to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. Jesus turned around and looked at her and called her “daughter” (Mark 5:25-34).

Jesus went out of His way to encourage a woman who’d lived a hard life and tried to keep to herself (John 4:4-42).

Jesus chose to stay in the home of a man whom everyone else hated (Luke 19:1-10).

He offered hope to a man who was condemned and at the end of his rope (Luke 23:39-43), comfort to a woman everyone else avoided (Luke 7:36-50), and great value and worth to a poor widow who brought little to the table.

No one was overlooked by Jesus. And because of that, no one is overlooked by His church. Jesus left an example for us and now we get to see, engage with, and value those who may often be invisible to others (1 John 2:6). How do we prove that God’s love abides in us? We see others and open our hearts to them (1 John 3:17).

“As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.”

(Psalm 40:17)

#47- Joyful Hearts

52 Reasons to Love the Church

Kathy Pollard

I’m so thankful for Rheanna Plemons. She is a remarkable Christian woman who organized ‘Joyful Hearts,’ a program which makes it possible for those who are physically or mentally challenged to feel like they are the valuable part of the church they truly are. Our church family has been blessed in many ways because of our Joyful Hearts:

A place to belong. Joyful Hearts has brought us delightful folks from the community because Rheanna has provided a service that caters especially to their needs. Everyone desires a place to belong. Everyone wants to feel seen and understood. It’s a reminder of what God’s church is all about.

Extra smiles. Those who show up for the Joyful Hearts class have extra wide, beautiful smiles. They light up our gathering!

Big hearts. Many hands have joined together to make this program possible each week. Rheanna, of course, and also Michele Wheat, Kim Eubanks, and several of our young people. Joyful Hearts is the perfect name for it because it aptly describes those who jump in to help, too.

Opportunities to serve. Speaking of our young people, Rheanna has provided a way for them to be involved in serving our church family and community. I especially love it when she has young men join the class to help teach song-leading! Serving causes growth and a sense of purpose. The Joyful Hearts program brings about much of that as many serve together.

Shining the Light. Every now and then we get a card in our church mailbox from a member of the Joyful Hearts class. They also do various service projects (like helping gather supplies for flood relief). Their ages are different, their challenges are different, but their souls are the same. They are God’s children and He is using them in His kingdom. We’ve all been blessed and encouraged by them. We’ve all learned from them.

God has shown us such goodness through these Joyful Hearts and we’re thankful they’re a part of our family!

If you’d like to learn more about Joyful Hearts, visit their fb page.

Rheanna and her son, Caden