Family

This weekend I visited family in Kentucky. Not only was I blessed in fellowshipping with my own flesh and blood, but the Spirit reminded me of more family to visit.

My mother recently moved back up to Kentucky (In case you missed THAT story!), and thus has been attending a new church. I planned my trip this weekend to make sure I could stay for Sunday morning service and meet those she's been worshiping with. Now, as it always seems to happen when visiting a new church, there was a special service, so I was not able to hear the preacher. Yet, I was able to meet several people during Sunday School and the fellowship time.

It was at the beginning of the service though that the Spirit spoke to me. The Pastor opened up with one of my favorite Scriptures. Yes, I know I say that often, but this is one that I've even chosen to describe the women's ministry at my church. Hebrews 10:24-25  Let us... not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as some do but encouraging one another... (apx)

There were two things I learned. The first was a brief glimpse at the reality of my brothers and sisters who gather together all over the world to worship our Lord with one heart and one mind (Acts 2:46-47). I was reminded of how small the box of corporate worship I comprehend is. Though at times we may often feel alone, there are millions who join to worship Him every week. These all are my brothers and sisters. How blessed we are to have such family: What an amazing and awesome God we serve!

The second thing I learned was actually a reminder. Every Christian should visit a church for the first time at least once a year. Why? It's a good reminder. We get so busy fellowshipping with those of our local body that we love and doing our service duties that we often overlook visitors. Now, I'm not saying anything against the church I visited yesterday! They were all very sweet. However, I had forgotten how uncomfortable it is to sit there alone with so many milling around. Every minute feels like ten. I remember this being a passion of mine when joining our church because the memory was fresh. However, as time has passed, I've grown horrible at welcoming people I don't recognize.

It really doesn't take a massive number of people to make a visitor feel welcome either. In fact, if everyone would have spoke to me, I'd have been frazzled and overwhelmed. Really, just one or two people spending their time before worship talking to me with most others waving hello would have been perfect.

Honestly, I think the Lord had these people lovingly remind me of that, because I could see their love for the Lord written all over them!

When was the last time you visited a church where there was no one you knew? Have you ever? Take some time today to pray for the Spirit's prompting to be strong to you the next time you see a visitor at church. Then, make sure to take all the time you can to say hello. If you truly don't have the time, find someone who does and ask them to go chat for a while. For those who are still seeking Christ, that act of love may make all the difference.