One By One

I went to a baby shower today. I really didn't want to go, as I figured I wouldn't know most of the people there, and I was busy and didn't want to lose the time out of the day. But I went anyway, since the girl it was for is very dear to me.

When I got there I saw a woman I hadn't talked to in quite a while. Several years, I think. She is a Christian, and has been raised in and was still attending the Catholic Church. She asked me if I was still going to the same church. When I told her I had stopped attending church, her eyes widened, and she said "I haven't been either!" She has, for a month and a half, been staying home from church. She talked about all the reasons why; she wanted to deepen her relationship with God, she was weary of the church thing that never brought about real change, she believed we should be meeting in much smaller groups, etc. etc. Pretty much all the reasons I left.

We were very engaged in our conversation, and both of us were exited, as we knew that God had brought us together to encourage one another. We are going to meet again soon, and I look forward to that. For me, that will be "church". To meet with another who is, not so much running away from church, as running toward Jesus.

I am blessed to have several friends that I meet with regularly, and their hearts are desirous, as mine is, to be together in Christ, and to celebrate Who He is in our lives. I am so satisfied with Jesus, and with the others that He brings my way. That includes all of my "blogging buddies". I know He is calling His people out, to come aside and deepen that love for Him and for others. I am so encouraged today. I pray you will be too, knowing that He is building His church, and getting His Bride ready for His return.

"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18)