I am reading a book called, "Life Together" The classic Exploration of Faith in Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Now many of my church family have read this book last summer and just recently the Lord put this book on my heart to read. When I asked my mother in law for this book she told me, "it's going to take a while for you to read, it's so rich, you will have to take your time and soak it all in." Well, I will say she was telling me the truth. I have just started the book and I have only read the first five pages of the first chapter and I find myself not turning to the next page because it's so full of amazing insight that Bonhoeffer shares. So as I start this book, I just want to share what the Lord has laid on my heart and what He is showing me by reading this.
A little insight of Bonhoeffer: Martyred by the Gestapo near the end of World War II for plotting to assassinate Hitler, Dietrich Bonhoeffer left a legacy of writings that has become a prized testimony of faith and courage for Christians around the world.
Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren. ~Bonhoeffer
Oh, how I find this to be so true! I was never raised in church but how I remember clearly feeling lost so many times, and very helpless. Now that I am truly connected to a wonderful community, I know that it's only by God's grace that I am able to be apart of the Body of Christ. Nothing that I have done on my part but what Christ has done for me on the cross.
Being connected to a community of believers is so essential in the Christian walk. So many times we become lone rangers and allow ourselves to believe no one else in the world understands us, what we have gone through or are going through. It's especially in those times that we need each other and need to be connected. A passage I want to share from the book:
But God has put this Word into the mouth of men in order that it may be communicated to other men. When one person is struck by the Word, he speaks it to others. God has willed that we should seek and find His living Word in the witness of a brother, in the mouth of man. Therefore, the Christian needs another Christian who speaks God's Word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth. He needs his brother man as a bearer and proclaimer of the divine word of salvation. He needs his brother solely because of Jesus Christ. The Christ in his own heart is weaker than the Christ in the word of his brother; his own heart is uncertain, his brother's is sure.
Reading this passage indeed is very insightful. I find when I need some encouragement, who better than a brother or sister in Christ to pray with you and speak God's Word to you. We are in need of each other!
A quick story:
This past Sunday morning, I prepared to go to work rather than church. I actually needed to work a morning shift that day. I was helping with a play that our kiddos were going to perform that evening. On my part it totally slipped my mind to request that day off. Thankfully one of my managers helped me out and without any hassle switched my shift. So here we were, my husband and I heading out to work and missing our morning worship. Usually, if we do miss, it's because someone is sick or we are out of town and that's rare for us.
Well as I arrived to work and made my way to clock in and start my small shift, one of my coworkers looked at me and said, "Why are you sad?" to my surprise I had no idea I was giving out that kind of expression nor was I feeling sad. I looked at her and shared, I'm not sad and smiled at her.
Later on that evening I was sharing with my husband how I realized why it seemed as though I looked sad and in reality I really was sad. There was this great emptiness of knowing that I was not with my church family worshiping the triune God. Not being there at church was extremely hard for me and I know it was most certainly hard for my husband too.
The Physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer. ~ Bonhoeffer Amen!
There is nothing like arriving to church and being greeted with God fearing faces of people who love you and await to acknowledge you with a hand shake or a hug and ask you "How are you doing?" or "Welcome". Especially if you have children who get excited to be heading out to church. My daughter goes crazy and is filled with excitement when I tell her "Are you ready for church?" what an overwhelming feeling for my husband and I that my daughter loves to go to church and it's not because of the building but the community. She recognizes even at her young age and knows that there is strength and joy with belonging to a community of believers.
Sharing all this, I write to say that I only give such a little glimpse of what "Life Together" is about. I would encourage you to read this book. Do it and you will be blessed. I am looking forward to sharing more as I continue on.
In Him,
Rose
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
(Living The Life Conference 2010) Save the date!
Angel, Mendy and I volunteered last year.Okay Ladies,
This is just for you! I got an email reminding me about the Living the Life Conference this year.
I have had the wonderful privilege of volunteering for this amazing conference the past two years and every time I must add, the Lord always blesses. I am writing this just for you because I want to encourage you to come and enjoy this years conference.
It's a wonderful time to come and take a weekend for yourself to be encouraged and equipped for whatever may be taking place in your life. You will not regret it and you will truly be blessed! Here is the link:
Check it out! Most importantly see who our keynote speaker will be this year and our Theme for this years conference. Better yet, you can meet the Living The Life Team on the website as well.
So ladies, save the date October 1-2, 2010. You will not want to miss this!
In Him,
Rose
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