Tag: church

#31-Wonderful Words of Life

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

Words are coming at us from all directions every day, and much of it isn’t very life-giving, is it?

It reminds me of something Sheila Butt said:

“If you read your Bible in the morning, at least you’ll know you got to start your day with Truth!”

The Psalmist put it this way:

“The word of the Lord proves true” (Psalm 18:30).

When I was growing up in Florida, my dad had a weekly radio program called “Wonderful Words of Life.” The hymn by that same name was the intro and outro for the show. I still think of my dad’s voice when I hear that song. Every time the church meets, we’re exposed to wonderful words. Teaching, preaching, devotionals, invitations, and singing fill our hearts with “spirit and life” (John 6:63).

Notice how God describes His Word:

  • “Your word is truth”- Jn. 17:17
  • “My words will not pass away”- Mt. 24:35
  • “the word of faith”- Rom. 10:8
  • “the word of God is living and active”- Heb. 4:12
  • “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable”- 2 Tim. 3:16
  • it’s what we “live by”- Mt. 4:4
  • “the living and abiding word of God”- 1 Pet. 1:23
  • “the word of truth”- 2 Tim. 2:15

Every time we come together, it’s another opportunity to store all of that in our heart (Psalm 119:11). And oh how we need it!

“Give me life according to Your Word!”

(Psalm 119:25)

#30-Learning from Each Other

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

We just finished our week of VBS and I was struck by how much I learned during those few short evenings of togetherness. First, allow me to share some things that happened, and then I’ll get to what I learned.

My role was kitchen helper. Every night we ended up with more helpers than we expected. Sally Ware and Dana Simpson were there early every night, but soon sweet faces like Kim Eubanks, Joyce Johnson, Neata Wiley, Diane Boyles, Terrie Hudson, Alice Humphrey, Kelli Nicks, Heather Paschal, Rosa Raby, and more would jump in to help serve and clean.

One night I had a few responsibilities to take care of, but when I showed up, Russell and Dana Simpson were there and had already taken care of all of them.

Every time we were short something and mentioned it, someone nearby would volunteer to go get it. For example, I said I didn’t think we had enough bottled water to get through the next night. Stephen Pitcock heard and said, “I’ll pick some up!” The next night we saw that he not only picked them up, he went ahead and put them in the large cooler for us.

Greg Neville was the VBS coordinator. Every night he helped us by moving the heavy coolers, refilling any foods we were serving, clearing out trash, and basically just jumping in wherever there was a need (like assembling opened faced S’mores).

Diane Boyles brought some fresh cut fruit one night. I told her later that I didn’t get to try any of her sliced peaches but they looked good. The next evening she brought me two juicy, ripe peaches and said, “These are for you.”

Chris Young taught the adult class one night. His text was Acts 7 and he brought out points about Stephen’s sermon that I hadn’t considered. For instance, remember when God told Moses to deliver His people and one of excuses Moses gave was that he was “not eloquent of speech” but was “slow of speech and slow of tongue” (Exod. 4:10-12)? Well, in Stephen’s sermon he referred to Moses as “mighty in his words and deeds” (Ac. 7:22). I’d never noticed that before!

What did I learn?

  • Many hands make light work, yes, but they also make the work more fun!
  • I need to be better about looking for ways to help others instead of just focusing on my little role. Many of the thoughtful gestures made all week were by folks who had their own VBS responsibilities to take care of.
  • Good leadership looks like rolling your sleeves up and working alongside everyone else.
  • There are needs everywhere and everyone can fill those needs. People just saw a need and took care of it, instead of looking around to find someone else to take care of it.
  • Small gestures lead to big joy. When I thanked Diane for the peaches she said, “It’s not much.” I said, “Yes, it is!” And I meant it. Of course I love peaches, but the very fact that she thought of me warmed my heart and made me smile.
  • No matter how old you are, you can learn something new at VBS!

I know many of you won’t know any of the names that I mentioned, but I do. They’re real people making a real difference. They’re my Family and I thank God for the blessing of learning from them!

The amazing thing to me is that this is just a small glimpse of VBS from MY perspective. Who knows what all was collectively shared and learned this week from everyone else’s?

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”

(Ecc. 4:9)

#29- God’s Rich Blessings

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

Neal preached a lesson recently called “Seeing God’s Rich Blessings in the Church I Love.” It was beautiful, and I’m going to share his points here for this week’s reason to love the church. He shared one major theme blessing from each epistle in the New Testament, for a total of 21 blessings! If you like to write in your Bible, you could list each of these blessings under the epistle titles.

  • Romans- being right with God (1:14-17)
  • 1 Corinthians- unity (1:10-13)
  • 2 Corinthians- comfort (1:3-7)
  • Galatians- freedom (5:1-13)
  • Ephesians- the love of God (3:14-21)
  • Philippians- joy (2:1-4)
  • Colossians- hope (1:25-27)
  • 1 Thessalonians- prayer (3:9-13)
  • 2 Thessalonians- endurance (1:1-2)
  • 1 Timothy- pattern (3:15)
  • 2 Timothy- boldness (1:7-18)
  • Titus- grace (2:11-14)
  • Philemon- providence (v. 15)
  • Hebrews- covenant (8:6-7)
  • James- wisdom (3:17)
  • 1 Peter- resurrection (4:1)
  • 2 Peter- knowledge (1:1-8)
  • 1 John- brotherly love (4:7-21)
  • 2 John- truth, as a command (v. 1-4)
  • 3 John- truth, the examples (v. 1-15)
  • Jude- divine power (v. 24-25)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”

(Eph. 1:3)

Image cred: Carl Pollard




#28- Large Gravy Bowls

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

My husband and I recently attended the memorial service of a beloved Christian woman named Ruth Waddell. It was obvious by the attendance and by the words spoken that she touched the lives of many, many people. One of her sons brought a large stoneware bowl and explained that his mother served gravy in that bowl every single morning. And sometimes she filled that bowl with pinto beans for lunch or dinner. We heard wonderful stories of how Ruth fed, nourished, and loved countless people with her home and her heart during her 83 years of life. It was so inspiring, and it was a reminder of how much of an impact can be made through the simple, consistent act of hospitality.

I ran across a verse that sounds like it was written about Ruth:

“…and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work” (1 Tim. 5:10).

Something special happens when we’re in each other’s homes. Relationships are built, souls are strengthened, friendships are forged, and yes, bellies are fed. Ruth probably had no idea that her daily offerings were making such a difference, first for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but also for her church family and her community. I’m sure I’m not the only one in attendance who was touched by her example and convicted to follow it!

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

(Matthew 25:35)

Ruth’s large gravy bowl!

#27- Gospel Preachers

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

I’ve always had a soft spot for gospel preachers. I grew up watching my dad preach and saw that he loved (most) every minute of it. My family met, worked with, and loved many wonderful people because of his efforts. I married a preacher who immensely enjoys what he does, and I hope our now-grown sons look back with the same positive impressions.

As it is with any profession, there are preachers who don’t represent the job well. Their motives can be less than pure, or their messages can come across as self-righteous or arrogant or showy or apathetic. However, I truly believe that most gospel preachers simply love the Lord and desire share His Word to the best of their ability and with all their heart!

Every time we gather as a church for worship, we hear the saving Truth because of someone’s diligent study and courage. I’m thankful for that!

My wise sister, Kristy Woodall (also married to a preacher), said:

“If you love your preacher: pray for him, encourage him, be his friend. But if you don’t like your preacher: pray for him, encourage him, be his friend.”

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

(Romans 10:14-15)

My favorite preacher

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#26- T.E.A.M.

“You can do what I can’t do.  I can do what you can’t do.  Together we can do great things.”

I ran across this quote recently and thought how perfectly it describes the Lord’s church. As I consider my own church family, I can think of individuals who excel in teaching. They’re ready and willing and always do a wonderful job. I can think of others who are great at organizing. They’re usually around when any kind of event is coming up. I can think of women who are quick to volunteer to make food for those who need it. I think of members who always invite folks to worship, those who regularly set up Bible studies, and those who lift others up with their gift of encouragement.

A friend of mine recently said, “I can’t do it all!” I found it interesting that she wasn’t saying it by way of excuse, but rather out of frustration. I got the sense that she wished she could do it all. That way she wouldn’t have to say ‘no’ to anyone or any need. She was right. Not only is it true that she can’t do it all, but she shouldn’t try to.

Here’s how the Bible explains it:

  • “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom. 12:4-7).
  • “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body” (1 Cor. 12:17-19).
  • “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Eph. 4:11-16).

We all bring different gifts, strengths, and talents to the table, which means…

Together Everyone Accomplishes More!

At Bible camp, Erin Eubank had the girls form teams to put their memory verses together.


52 Reasons to Love the Church

#25- Wholeheartedness

By Kathy Pollard

I just spent a week at Big Reedy Christian camp and, as you might imagine, experienced many things that could’ve inspired this week’s reason to love the church. There was lots of beautiful singing, kids bonding, Bible learning, hands helping, and good, clean fun. But a statement made in the kitchen has stuck with me the most. On the last morning, Dana Simpson was making her famous homemade cinnamon rolls (for the entire camp!) and I was helping her roll out the dough. When it came time to spread brown sugar and cinnamon over the dough, I asked, “About how much do you use?” She replied, “Just measure with your heart.”

When it comes to our Christian walk, following our hearts can be a dangerous thing, as the heart can be “deceitful above all things” (Jer. 17:9). Living by what seems right to us can “lead to death” (Prov. 14:12). But Dana’s answer made me smile, and not just because she gave me permission to sprinkle brown sugar with wild abandon! All week long I’d watched her live out that very concept. Campers and adults alike came to her with their questions. They wanted her advice or suggestions, and it didn’t matter if it was kitchen stuff, or camp stuff, or life stuff.

I learned a lot from Dana myself as I watched her interact with everyone all week long. I believe that people are drawn to her for more than just her experience and knowledge. They know she really cares. How does she know when a counselor needs a pick-me-up by way of an extra biscuit? How does she know how much of an attaboy to give a camper who’s still causing problems but whose growth is evident? How does she know when a more stern reply is in order? She measures with her heart. And she can do that because her heart is engaged. She pays attention. She sees a need and meets it, but in a way that seems just for that person specifically.

Obviously the secret to Dana’s famous cinnamon rolls is the fact that she measures with her heart. And anyone who knows her knows she uses the same principle with people.

The church is filled with people like Dana who live and love wholeheartedly! Who do you know who doles out whatever is needed with their heart?

“Love one another deeply, from the heart.”

(1 Peter 1:22)

Dana and her famous cinnamon rolls!

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#24- Fear and Comfort

By Kathy Pollard

“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up.  And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied” (Acts 9:31).

The church grew because of two ingredients: walking in the fear of the Lord and walking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. While the times may be a little different for us today, surely those same ingredients hold the power of increase for us, too.

“The Fear of the Lord”

I wrote a Bible-marking article on this topic and in that study learned what it means to fear the Lord and all the beautiful consequences of it:

  • It means to keep God’s commandments so that it may be well with us (Deut. 5:29).
  • It means to depart from evil in order to gain wisdom (Job 28:28).
  • It means to walk in God’s ways in order to be blessed (Psa. 128:1-4).
  • It brings strong confidence (Prov. 14:26).
  • It involves humility and the reward is riches, honor, and life (Prov. 22:4).
  • It means doing what is right so that God will welcome us (Acts 10:35).

“The Comfort of the Holy Spirit”

And there are blessings to walking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit:

  • “By the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom. 15:13).
  • “The Spirit helps us in our weakness…and intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:26).
  • “If you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, and you will live” (Rom. 8:13).
  • “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:5).

What does this have to do with loving the church? The church is made up of people who are walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. This means we have a Family filled with wise and confident people doing what is right. It means that when we gather together, we are surrounding ourselves with people who are filled with hope and God’s love. What a balm for our troubled or overwhelmed hearts!

Kennedy Waddell holding our little Jude in Bible class

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#22- The Salt of the Earth

By Kathy Pollard

Neal and I recently had lunch with our dear friends, Roger and Joyce Johnson. One thing I’ve noticed about them is they always have a good word to say about others. On this particular occasion, Roger described someone as “salt of the earth” and went on to list the character traits that made him such. I couldn’t help but think that we know many people who could be described that way (Roger and Joyce included).

What do you think of when you hear that someone is “salt of the earth”? I think of words like dependable, trustworthy, reliable, honest, humble, fair, true, and good. Someone who is full of integrity and committed to doing the right thing.

Jesus described the “blessed” with words like “meek,” “merciful,” “pure in heart,” and “peacemakers.” He then called them the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” because others would see their “good deeds” and God would be glorified (Matt. 5:1-16). He was talking to His disciples. “You are the salt of the earth.”

A couple of millennia have gone by since Jesus said those words, urging His followers to stand out by way of good character and good deeds. How many have risen to that calling since then and still do today? We have no way of knowing, but if my own limited exposure is any indication, then there have been a great number! If I were tasked with listing names of “salt of the earth” people that I know, I could small-font fill a paper in no time.

The church is filled with people humbly doing their best to glorify God with their lives. They’re not perfect. They’re just striving to be the “blessed” that Jesus described. They are the salt of the earth, and we are blessed to know them!

Roger & Joyce Johnson

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#21- You’re Not Invisible

By Kathy Pollard

A favorite author of mine said something in a post that struck me. As she was thanking her online community for their support, she admitted that she always felt overlooked and lonely. When she would have a book signing in her own hometown, no one would show up. And if it weren’t for her loyal readers, she wouldn’t have any friends. I couldn’t believe it. She is a talented, award-winning author of multiple books. I assumed she was somewhat of a rockstar at home. How sad to feel invisible in “the real world”!

It led me to consider a few things:

  • Online community should complement, not replace, real life community. As an introvert, I get the appeal…digital connections can be way easier. But they’re nothing compared to genuine friendship and in-person fellowship.
  • No one is invisible in the Lord’s church. We’re family. We see, love, and pray for each other (Rom. 12:9-15). We even have shepherds who watch over us (Acts 20:28). We’re real people in each other’s real lives. Our joys are shared and so are our sorrows. We don’t go through anything alone. We have a whole church family who pays attention, cheers us on, and holds us up when we need it.
  • If you ever do feel overlooked or invisible in your church family, it might be a good opportunity to get more involved in the lives of others. You can look for ways to make sure others feel seen, loved, and served. Who’s hurting? Who keeps to themselves? Who lost a loved one? When you invest in the lives of others, you become entwined in the body of Christ as an essential member. Certainly not invisible.

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

(Romans 1:11-12)