POCKET DEVOTIONS

Romans 4:10-12

Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Thoughts for Today:

Paul is saying -- Abraham was not just the father of the circumcised (the Jews), but the father of the uncircumcised (the Gentiles) as well -- because before he was circumcised he was declared righteous by God through faith. In other words -- the fact Abraham was uncircumcised proves the outward act of circumcision does not automatically convey righteousness.

So too, I could be baptized a hundred times or more and still not be saved. Why? Because the act of baptism itself does not do the saving. When I was baptized, it simply confirmed publically what was going on inside of me personally. When I serve, it is not to win God's love -- rather it is my response to His love. I read and study my Bible, not because it is my responsibility or duty, but because I yearn to hear God's Word for my life. None of what I do is obligation -- it is my response to what He has already done for me.

Outward acts will never earn righteousness -- so let's stop trying to earn God's love or favor. It doesn't work because God will be a debtor to no man.

Questions to Ponder:

I think a whole lot more people would enjoy a life in Christ if they just stopped working and trying to earn God's favor. Toiling away can make us grumpy and self-righteous. It's not God's plan. His plan is un-merited, un-earned grace. God wants us to enjoy an intimate, loving, and blessed relationship with Him -- then He can pour out His love all around -- because we won't be taking the credit! What's going on inside of you? Have you given yourself over to God's love? What's holding you back?

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AFTER THE RAPTURE BY ABALONEKID (CHAIM)

. . . . . . . So Spiritually Sick GOD Could Not Heal Her !

Originally shared by Abalone Kid

AFTER THE RAPTURE

Jeremiah 18:

7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; 8 if that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. 9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; 10 if it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BABYLON

It was a God blessed land from it's beginnings.

It became a land of the mixed multitude and has a special relationship with Israel
It does business with merchants from the world over and has made them rich from trade.

It is the "Last of The Great Nations" and is the daughter of a great nation that bore her. Babylon is powerful and has a defense that reaches into the heavens. She is the "hammer" of the earth militarily.

She is most proud, has great power amongst the nations, is very influential and so spiritually sick God could not heal her!

This Babylon exists at a time when the people of Israel return to their own land in faith and God forgives their individual and collective sins. The time will be at the close of the great tribulation and "Jacobs Trouble". (See Jer.31:31,34)

MORE FACTS ABOUT BABYLON

She dwells on many waters. She is a land of idol worship. Places great emphasis in the heavens, star gazing and prognostication based upon the celestial bodies, and power . Vanity is a strong characteristic of it's population. Is abundant in treasures and covetous of wealth.

It's power and influence has affected the world and it has sinned against Israel in it's policies and caused many to die and many to go astray. It excuses it's conduct on moral grounds and accuses Israel of sinning against God.

God says Babylon is a destroying mountain that has ruined many nations of the world. It will be destroyed suddenly by a vicious attack from the Kings of The North who will unleash their missiles and hit Babylon with pinpoint accuracy. God will make sure of this for it is the time of God's vengeance and wrath.

Many of the mixed multitude in Babylon are supernaturally called out and return to their native lands before the attack. And Babylon will be so destroyed it will never be inhabited again. The merchants of the world will mourn their great loss of money and prestige.

God fulfills a "NEW COVENANT" with His people, Israel, as stated in the Old Testament and their sins are forgiven and their redeemer is The Lord who will personally deliver them from their enemies at that future time only God knows when.

Israel is now in her land in belief with The Lord at her side who is Prince of the kings of the earth, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

SEE: Jeremiah 50-51

THE GOSPEL IN 17 TONGUES (Available 24/7)

[ Reaching 2 Billion 400 Million Worldwide]

http://theabalonekid.com/id187.html

# Babylon # Millennium # Israel #Judgment #Great Tribulation # New Covenant #Rapture

GNOSTICISM AND IT'S FULLINFLUENCE ON THE CHRISTIANITY

Honestly, I don't understand this so I'm listening as I share with you.  It's not really discussed very often in modern Christianity but I'm beginning to hear it more and more.  I'm sharing to give us some Biblical perspective on this false teaching so you can recognize it and be yet not deceived.  Let us pray we all learn something we need to clear up ALL false teachings.  God bless and much love in Christ Yeshua.

SHARE THE TRUE GOSPEL OF GRACE SALVATION - THE CROSS!

First Corinthians 15:1-11

Ephesians 2:8-9

John 3:16-17

SIN

Romans 3:23 and 6:23

JESUS OR YESHUA - UNLEARN THE LIES VIDEO & VIDEO ON TRUTH OF TONGUES (2 VIDEOS)

I'm sure you've come across people that demand you call God Jehovah, YHWH or Jesus Christ, Yeshua.  Does it matter?  Should it?  Well, no.  God knows we're talking to Him through His Son.  Yeshua means "salvation" in Hebrew but Jesus literally has no meaning.  I use both and one prayer isn't more powerful nor answered more quickly or in the way I want but I love the meaning and it's just a beautiful name.  I love the pronunciation.  Also, many don't know Yeshua means Jesus.  We say Christ Jesus but in Hebrew it's Yeshua ah Messiach.  So when you spread the Good News and use the name Yeshua Messiah, it opens up a very awesome, non-abrasive honest dialogue with others.  While knowing that means nothing as far as your knowledge of the Bible, it does change their perception of you (right or wrong) and pay closer attention.  It's our job to plant the seeds, God gives the Harvest. Great video and they don't care which Name you use.  

Below is a video by these same people that explain the awesome Spiritual gifts given on the Day of Pentacost, why they were given and why they ceased.  These men are Messianic Jews so they have a much better understanding of what the OT prophets are foretelling.  There is a big difference in prophesy and Mystery, which is Salvation by grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone.  The "MYSTERY" is the beginning of the Church and is not part of prophecy but more on that later.

Short and informative.  Very Biblical.  I hope you watch because we need to give sound reasons based on God's Word alone or else we may hinder the Gospel or be a stumbling-block in others' paths.  Learn the truth and do these things, test all things by the Bible; learn to rightly divide the  Word of God; realize the difference between the Church and Israel and check out ALL the information based on God's Word and NEVER take any pastor's word for it.  However, personally if God sees the need to give one this awesome gift, He will.  While I am basically a cessationist, I NEVER limit the POWER OF GOD.  He can do ALL things.   If it is for His will, it WILL be done!

GOD BLESS, MUCH LOVE AND LOVE MUCH IN YESHUA AH MESSIACH

Plan of Salvation

DEATH/BURIAL/RESURRECTION - SALVATION BY GRACE

THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST!

WHAT MANNER OF CHRISTIANS SHALL WE BE? BY ABALONEKID (CHAIM)

Seeing This Will Happen . . . . . . .

Originally shared by Abalone Kid

WHAT MANNER OF CHRISTIANS SHALL WE BE?

2 Peter 3:9-18 (King James Version)

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

(FINAL JUDGMENT OF THE LOST AND THE DISSOLUTION OF THE EARTH IS COMING. THIS IS OUR TIME TO BE IN HIS WORD, SHARE IT, HELP BRING OTHERS TO SALVATION, FOR GOD HAS SAID HE IS NOT WILLING ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT ALL COME TO REPENTANCE. ALL CAN COME FROM DEATH INTO THE GLORIOUS PRESENCE OF HIS LIGHT IN SALVATION. HE LOVES ALL. HE GAVE HIS SON! ALL NEED TO HEAR THIS! HIS WORD OF TRUTH).

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

(THE DAY OF THE LORD OPENS WITH THE TRIBULATION, FOLLOWED BY THE 1000 YEAR REIGN OF CHRIST, BRIEF REBELLION LED BY SATAN AT THE END, AND FINALLY THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT. THIS CONCLUDES "THE DAY OF THE LORD" THEN CHRIST TRANSFORMS (RECREATES) THE HEAVENS & EARTH BY FIRE).

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

(SEEING THIS WILL HAPPEN, WHAT MANNER OF PERSON SHOULD WE BE? CRITICAL OF OTHERS? CRITICAL OF PASTORS? BACK BITTERS? FAILING TO ...GET THE WORD OUT!...SHARE THE WORD, PASS THE WORD ON, HELP EACH OTHER PASS THE WORD, GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR GOD'S SAKE!)

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

(THE NEW HEAVENS AND EARTH CREATED BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: THEN ETERNITY)

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

(THERE IS NO RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT DWELLS ON EARTH! THE EARTH AND PEOPLES ON IT ARE "OUT OF JOINT!". ONE DAY IT WILL REIGN FOREVER UNDER GOD. PIOUS WORDS ON MONEY ARE A LIE. JUDGEMENT GREATER FOR THEIR UTTER FAILURE. ALL WILL NEVER BE RIGHT IN THIS WORLD UNDER MEN AND SATAN WHO RULES THE LOST AND THE SYSTEMS THEY LIVE UNDER)

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

( ARE WE SEPARATED UNTO GOD? HOLY UNTO THE LORD? IS ANYTHING MORE WORTHWHILE? IF OUR FOUNDATION IS LIFE FOR GOD ALL ELSE WILL FALL INTO PLACE. GOD FIRST BY FAITH HE GIVES, THEN HE WILL BRING US THROUGH IT ALL)

15 And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

(HIS PATIENCE IN CONCLUDING JUDGMENTS AND THE ISSUE OF DELIVERANCE OF ISRAEL ALLOWS US TO WORK HIS WORKS HE COMMANDED. WE ARE TO BE PATIENT AND CONFIDENT OF OUR CALLING AS WELL AS SECURE IN HIS PROMISES SUCH AS THE CALLING UP OF THE CHURCH BEFORE HIS JUDGMENTS ON EARTH IN HIS WRATH).

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

( WE HAVE CERTAINLY HAD A BARREL FULL IN OUR LIVES! AND THOUGH NONE OF US IS PERFECT IN UNDERSTANDINGS, TOO MANY ARE DELUDED IN THEIR OWN CONCEITS AND INSIST ON PASSING IT ON TO OTHERS)

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.

( WE "KNOW"! IF WE STUDY THE SCRIPTURES, AND SHARE THE TEACHINGS THAT EDIFY US WITH OTHERS, NOT ONLY WILL OUR LIVES BE ENRICHED BUT WE WILL BE LOVING OTHERS, BRETHREN AND UNSAVED ALIKE, WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME. THIS IS OUR GOAL. SERVE GOD IN HIS TRUTHS HE DESIGNED FOR ALL MANKIND)

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

(PETER TELLS US THESE THINGS RIGHT BEFORE HIS EXECUTION BEING CRUCIFIED UPSIDE DOWN AS HE REQUESTED SHOWING HE WAS NOT WORTHY TO SUFFER IN THE MANNER CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED)

2 Thessalonians 1:10-12

10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 17:3
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Titus 3:8
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Luke 21:34-36

34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

(SEEING ALL THAT WILL COME TO PASS IN "THE DAY OF THE LORD", GREAT TRIBULATION, THE EVENTUAL TRANSFORMATION (RECREATES) OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH BY FIRE WE NEED TO LIVE FOR CHRIST, BEING IN HIS WILL, GET HIS WORD OUT.

35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. (THE DAY OF THE LORD)

36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

(ONLY OUR POSITION "IN" CHRIST MAKES US WORTHY. IS HE OUR SAVIOR? THE RAPTURE DELIVERS US ALIVE OR SLEEPING. HE HAS STATED HE WILL DELIVER US FROM HIS JUDGMENT IN HIS WRATH)

WHY THE PRE- TRIB POSITION STANDS ON SOLID BIBLE UNDERSTANDINGS

First, it is important to recognize the purpose of the tribulation. According to Daniel 9:27, there is a seventieth “seven” (seven years) that is still yet to come. Daniel’s entire prophecy of the seventy sevens (Daniel 9:20-27) is speaking of the nation of Israel. It is a time period in which God focuses His attention especially on Israel. The seventieth seven, the tribulation, must also be a time when God deals specifically with Israel. While this does not necessarily indicate that the church could not also be present, it does bring into question why the church would need to be on the earth during that time.

The primary Scripture passage on the rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. It states that all living believers, along with all believers who have died, will meet the Lord Jesus in the air and will be with Him forever. The rapture is God’s removing His people from the earth. A few verses later, in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul says, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The book of Revelation, which deals primarily with the time period of the tribulation, is a prophetic message of how God will pour out His wrath upon the earth during the tribulation. It seems inconsistent for God to promise believers that they will not suffer wrath and then leave them on the earth to suffer through the wrath of the tribulation. The fact that God promises to deliver Christians from wrath shortly after promising to remove His people from the earth seems to link those two events together.

Another crucial passage on the timing of the rapture is Revelation 3:10, in which Christ promises to deliver believers from the “hour of trial” that is going to come upon the earth. This could mean two things. Either Christ will protect believers in the midst of the trials, or He will deliver believers out of the trials. Both are valid meanings of the Greek word translated “from.” However, it is important to recognize what believers are promised to be kept from. It is not just the trial, but the “hour” of trial. Christ is promising to keep believers from the very time period that contains the trials, namely the tribulation. The purpose of the tribulation, the purpose of the rapture, the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:9, and the interpretation of Revelation 3:10 all give clear support to the pre-tribulational position. If the Bible is interpreted literally and consistently, the pre-tribulational position is the most bible based interpretation.

And one cannot read John 14: 1-3 and not be comforted at the very inception of our Lord's words: : "Don't let your hearts be troubled..."

Finally, TWO ?s . Ask yourself; who do you look for? Antichrist or Jesus Christ? Tribulation or "that blessed hope"?

Titus 2:13
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

Chaim, least

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  Abalone Kid

  Below are: FIFTEEN (15) original visuals introducing the Gospel message in 17 Languages for you to share as you are moved by the Holy Spirit to do on behalf of Jesus Christ.
  English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Romanian, Croatian, Swedish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek, Hebrew, Dutch
  Jesus speaks: "And he said to them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
  .
  “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:13-14
  .
  Acts 1:8 ( a command for His church)
  8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/QLJX7E2y1Yv
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/VkVubQGMRto
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/5XprGdiiC2F
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/WPdHQ8obJJi
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/9WrA7mnkZS7
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/YXoKddnQCEX
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/KsQobLtH6Tx
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/LM389yb8bjZ
  https://plus.google.com/u/0/109576406011506117051/posts/75Lyi713x6y
  https://plus.google.com/u/0/109576406011506117051/posts/9A3qpTbbW5k
  https://plus.google.com/u/0/109576406011506117051/posts/bULhASwQj6Q
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/5dbVQDtt3Gz
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/6gk5A7AUNXJ
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/AjDLZsHTgxp
  https://plus.google.com/109576406011506117051/posts/6c2yUgGvGPH
  DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH; ESSENTIAL BIBLE STUDIES & FELLOWSHIP IN HIS LIVING WORD
  300 Bible Based Studies For The Glory Of God.
  plus.google.com - ALL GLORY TO THE LORD OF GLORY 1 Cor.2:7-8  (use as you are moved by God)
  Chaim, least

  

  ALL GLORY TO THE LORD OF GLORY 1 Cor.2:7-8

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS - MEN, JOIN US IN THIS FIGHT AS YOU ARE NOT IMMUNE TO IT, NOR IS YOUR WIFE AND CHILDREN

I got a "challenge" on FaceBook yesterday to raise awareness of breast cancer.  I've had friends who have been cured and know many, maybe not personally, who have passed away.  October is the official "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" but why limit this to one day?  

What you're supposed to do is post a word on your F/B, Twitter, Google or other social media site and get people to ask you "what are you talking about."  Last year you had to post the color of your bra but today, it could be taken wrong.  So, I'm decided to carry on this tradition to raise awareness and hopefully get those who are financially able to donate to this worthy cause.  I do not accept nor solicit donations for any group.   I'll give recommendations but any I do recommend must be registered as a 501(c)3 and legitimate charity where well over 75% of donations go to finding cures rather than salaries, fund raising, etc.  UNICEF only spends 15% of the money they bring in to help the ones in need.  

This year it's what kind of "fruit" are you based on your relationship status.  I want to make it based on the Word of God because "fruits" are important in the Bible.  So, I'm making this up as I go along.  You are a ___________ if....

OLIVE - if you are a true Messianic Jew
FIG  - Christian who follows Messianic Rabbis
APPLE - if you've ever been deceived by a false prophet/church & have been delievered
SALTY MELON - if you like to add "salt" when spreading the Gospel as it's abrasive
STRAWBERRY- if you're just kind but turn bitter into sweet
BANANA - hard shell but soft enough on the inside
FRUITCAKE - combination of 2 or more (YOU CAN NAME THEM IF YOU WANT)
LEMON-ADE - use to be sour but now have the sweet living water
GRAPE - Small but has lots of seeds you sow
PEAR - If you and a friend go out together to spread the Gospel of Grace

Breast cancer kills many women.  Do what you can to help women (and men) who have this horrible disease.  There's much we can do and we are here to ease suffering, show mercy and do God's work.  Have some fun by just commenting on a separate post on any/all your pages to see how many ask you what you're talking about.  Make no explanations but just type in "FIG" or what "fruitcake" you are, lol.  God bless and pray for a cure!  Feel free to think of new fruits I can add as I will be sharing often through October...and BEYOND!

GOD BLESS AND PRAY FOR A CURE!  MUCH LOVE AND HERE'S ANOTHER WAY TO LOVE MUCH IN CHRIST JESUS!

Plan of Salvation

1st Corinthians 15:1-11

ERRORS IN THE BIBLE? BY: FRANK TUREK AND A SECOND VIDEO ON WHY SOME WON'T BELIEVE IN GOD

This is a very good (and short) explanation on how and why we can trust that what is said in the New Testament is true.  The Bible is TRUTH.  God bless and enjoy.

.

Below is another video that explains what the secular world likes to blame God for such as they reject Him for the atrocities He committed in the Old Testament, esp. the flood.  Did you know that there was plenty of room for ANYONE who chose to believe God.  No one was refused.  The truth is, they (just like unbelievers today) rejected Him and willingly and knowingly CHOSE to not enter the Ark.   That's partly the Church's fault for not teaching the truth but rather the cute Sunday School version and why He pronounced judgment on the world.  However, why don't the unbelievers decide to check out the truth for themselves?  I believe it was because of a lack of discernment on all sides but today, we have way more information then ever before.  The truth isn't always pleasant but it is THE only choice we have.

GOD BLESS, LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND  LOVE MUCH IN MESSIAH JESUS BY...

SHARING THE PLAN OF SALVATION - THE MYSTERY OF THE CROSS FOUND IN

FIRST CORINTHIANS 15:1-11

EPHESIANS 2:8-9

JOHN 3:16-17

WE ARE SINNERS IN NEED OF OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST

ROMANS 3:23 AND 6:23

HEBREW WORD OF THE DAY

Frog....

Which is the REAL frog, lol?

GOD BLESS AND SHALOM!

WHEN YOU EXPECT MORE FROM THE CHURCH

Editor's Note:  Problems in the church buildings are much deeper than this.  Many have rejected organized churches and denominations at an alarming rate NOT because we don't want so attend for most of us but we won't attend churches that compromise the Word of God, bow down to unBiblical principles and/or teach strange doctrines.  I'm not going to risk being deceived by a church that won't even call out sin.  Without us realizing we are nothing but wretched sinners in desperate need of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sin and hell aren't popular but what is popular is not generally what one needs to hear.  Stop blaming the members and look to the ministry, change your rules and churches, you need to repent and come back to your first love!  I'm praying for you but learned a great truth...I was brought up on the Bible.

You walk into the church and quietly find a place to sit. You purpose not to make eye contact with anyone because you really don’t want to make meaningless small talk, nor do you want to get into any kind of in depth conversation. You just want to be left alone. The fact that you even showed up today feels like a big accomplishment.

Life has been so hard lately and you feel like no one has been there for you.

Sitting quietly, you observe others as they make their way down the aisle. One by one they find a place to sit and settle in for the church service. One by one, as you see them walk by, you are reminded of the ways you have been let down.  Thoughts begin to fill your mind and take away the desire to even be in church at all!

• You look to your left and you see someone who used to be your friend but who has moved on. There was a misunderstanding that was never resolved. Now you two never talk. You feel hurt and misunderstood.
• You notice a woman sitting off to the side. You have been going to this church for 5 years and she has never once reached out to you, even when you were the new person.
• Looking towards the front you see the person that you tried to talk with last week. The person who minimized your trials by telling you to be grateful for your blessings and then brushed you off.
• To the right you observe a group of young people sitting together. They are greeting each other, hugging, laughing and talking. This very group who has talked badly about your daughter and never includes her in anything.
• And finally you glance to your right, only to see a person you have longed to get to know. She is so self confident and has so many friends that you feel like you probably have nothing to offer her.

If it wasn’t time for the service to start, and the kids weren’t settled, you would just get up and go home. You are so discouraged. You expected more from this church. You expected more from the Church.

The Church. It can be a confusing place at times. You walk through the front doors expecting people to somehow be different than the outside world. You expect loyalty, friendship, sensitivity, and an extended hand. You expect compassion,  fellowship, support and to feel included rather than excluded.

You expect more than what you are experiencing. You feel like walking away.

SEE ALSO: Was Jesus an Introvert? The Answer Could Change Your Ministry

But what if everyone chose to walk away just because they are disappointed and disillusioned with the Church? What if everyone gave up. There would be no one left.  And you know what? If that happened, there would probably be at least one person (if not more than one!) who walked away because they felt disappointed by YOU!  Yes. You. Because as much as we want to believe we don’t act like “those hypocrites in the Church”, we do. I do.  We have all let someone down in one way or another.  It can’t be avoided.

So what do we do?

Stop expecting more. BE more. 

It must begin somewhere. And when we decide that we are going to stop sitting there reminding ourselves of all the ways we’ve been let down, and choose to be MORE than what we see. MORE than what we’ve been. Then we will begin to see the people, who we feel have let us down, through eyes of grace.  We will begin to see how we have also let others down. And we will begin to purpose to look for ways to strengthen the Church.

SEE ALSO: The Church Must be United Even If the Nation is Divided

Stop expecting more. BE more. 

How can you reach out and strengthen the Church today?

This article originally appeared on GinaLSmith.com. Used with permission.

Gina Smith is the author of Grace Gifts: Celebrating Your Children Every Day, and writes at her personal blog GinalSmith.com  She has also been featured on HSLDA'S Homeschool Heartbeat Radio. She has been married to her husband Brian for 29 years and they have 2 adult children. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

SEE ALSO: How Welcome Do the Visitors at Your Church Really Feel?

Image courtesy: ©Unsplash/Photo by Karl Fredrickson