Keep Shining, Church

Did you see that new sign that all the churches are putting up outside their buildings? The one that says,

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Actually I haven't ever seen the above words on a church sign, but I've often wanted to put the above words outside our own church facility.

Now granted, our church is not large, and not overflowing with natural resources and opportunity for financial freedom like the United States has always been, but shouldn't our churches be bright beacons of hope for the destitute, the needy, and the broken? Lighthouses on the rock in the midst of the storms?

The hope we offer isn't free handouts and us taking caring of people so that they don't have to take care of themselves. It's a hope in the form of deliverance in Christ, family in Christ, and eve friendship in Christ. Coming along side of people to help them grow in Christ, and glorify God in their lives.

Yes, there are many people out there that have learned to work the system, to take advantage of kind souls, and to avoid taking on responsibility for themselves and their families. But since when does a lighthouse try to determine which boats out there are up to no good, and which boats are honorable? The point is, there are darkness and storms out there, and our purpose is to stand on the rock and shine our light!

Arise, O church of Jesus Christ, and shine for the glory of God! Christ your Savior has come and has risen! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you through the power of the Holy Spirit! Look, the earth is covered in darkness, and the people in deep darkness. But the Lord is building you into a bright and shining city on the mountain rock of the King of kings and Lord of lords! Proclaim deliverance to the captives and the broken. Proclaim deliverance to those in bondage! Beckon all to our shores where freedom and healing are in abundance. Where righteousness, peace, and joy abide in the Holy Spirit. His glory will be seen upon you as you talk and walk in the Spirit, and the nations will come to your light. Even kings will come to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes and look all around. The fields are ripe for harvest, and our sons and daughters will come into the kingdom. (based on Isa 60:1-4, Is. 61:1, Mt. 5:14-16)

Praise the Lord! Keep shining, church!!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.