Dream Church :: Inspiration

I think Steve and I may have finally found a church that we can call our church home. It’s called Morning Star and we’ve been attending there for about two months. This past Sunday, pastor said a few things that really hit home for me. The title of the sermon was called Dream Church. The overall emphasis being on the Dream Church, defining what God’s Dream Church would look like — A light that will draw all people closer to him. In aiming to be the Dream Church, we have responsibilities to grow in our passion/intensity. How do we do that? The three points used to communicate that were as follows:

1) Deeper in Devotion
2) Selfless in our Service
3) Wider in our Witness

I’m sure most of us need to grow in all three of these areas, but that is something that must be recognized. Yesterday morning, I felt the Lord was nudging me, myself and I to recognize that I need have great deal of room for spiritual growth (period).

Deeper in Devotion. My hubby and I read a devotion and pray together every weekday morning before he heads to work. I don’t have a personal quiet time, this is certainly an area where I must take the necessary steps for change. I make time for TV, crafting and so many other less important things. According to Dictionary.com, devotion is defined as:

de·vo·tion (noun)
1. profound dedication; consecration.
2. earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc.
3. an assignment or appropriation to any purpose, cause, etc.:the devotion of one’s wealth and time to scientific advancement.
4. Often, devotions. Ecclesiastical . religious observance or worship; a form of prayer or worship for special use.

The question was asked, “What are you growing in your devotion for? Your family, career, TV, health/fitness, etc?” We tend to stretch ourselves thin these days, but if we are in a relationship with the Lord, we must have a desire to grow deeper in our devotion.

Selfless in Service hit home as well. My husband and I rarely hesitate to give and serve where we can, but I can’t say that I haven’t selfishly served either. Matthew 25:37-40 says, “The righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. ‘” A great passage to keep in mind when we see someone hurting or just feel compelled to do something nice for someone.

Wider in Our Witness. If I grow deeper in devotion and serve selflessly, I believe my light will shine further and more abundantly. Revelation 3:15-16 says, “I know your deed, that you a neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” I want to be hot — not lukewarm or cold! How about you?

In closing, pastor asked, “Has your light bulb blown out? Does God feel distant? Is it time to replace your bulb?” Excellent food for thought! So, I encourage you to evaluate your spiritual growth and the impact that you may or may not be having on the Dream Church!

Interested in hearing the sermon? Dream Church – Sept. 10/11, 2011 from Morning Star Church

If you live in the Lake Saint Louis, Dardenne Prairie, O’Fallon or Wentzville, MO area — you might visit Morning Star! It’s a great church that meets you where you are — friendly people that will make you feel right at home!

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