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© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.
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Sometimes people can really get on my nerves. Today I got a phone call from our prescription company. It was voice activated... I have no desire to talk to a recording, nor do I need to be called to find out if I have questions. But, this verse says that I'm being sharpened. I'm sure their intent is to provide great customer service. Is it really that big of a deal? No.
We'll be married for 20 years this August. It was sooo rough at first. If you're newly married- the first 2 years are the hardest for sure! We've bent and groaned. Even wondered what we were thinking of at times. Now we're more comfortable and by God's grace have lasted this long. That's how God designed us- to sharpen each other. To keep us from drifting into complacency. Boredom is one of my biggest fears.
I was thinking of all the denominations I've attended. The many differences stand out. Southern Baptists excel in local evangelism and Bible Study. Presbyterians have a nice formal worship service and focus on people's needs, like sending water purifiers overseas. Love the organ and bells : ) Christian & Missionary Alliance (CAMA) is always spoken of highly for their work in helping people overseas. At the Methodist University, I graduated from, I met all sorts of famous Christian authors: Tony Campolo, Calvin Miller, JI Packer... (Wonder if God's trying to prod me on that). Some Churches speak in tongues. There's even a non-denominational denomination. Guess I'd be cross-denominational...
We are very different, but Jesus only has one body. I'm sure this is all part of His plan.
I wonder if the Churches grow when they open up to other denominations. I know in our town several Pastors meet and discuss things from all sorts of backgrounds. I'm sure some sharpening's going on. My husband and I still sharpen each other now and then : )
Feel free to comment, if something comes to mind.
I love this post. I grew up Pentecostal (Church of God Cleveland TN as a kid and then Assemblies of God as a young adult), and now go to an Evangelical Covenant church. I find myself at the moment looking for more to "sharpen" me. I don't get it at my own congregation right now, so we've started a family bible study with our kids to make sure they know (and we know) what we believe. I'm even planning to visit a few other churches from time to time just to freshen my experience. Thanks for the reminder that's all one great big church (or should be) in Jesus' eyes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila. I had a similar experience recently. I'd been attending a Church that played lots of contemporary music. It seemed to get louder and louder until it was like a rock concert. We were married in a Presbyterian Church and I remembered how smooth and easy the services are there. We've been enjoying one that's just a few minutes away. There's another story behind how I came to so many denominations. I should share it in another post : ) I still have to laugh at myself. But the good news is that we have lots of options to choose from as long as God is glorified and Jesus is the foundation.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThat has been one of my favorite verses! i need to be reminded about it often as I tend to withdraw when times get rough for me. That's when God wants to sharpen me, and He uses someone to do that.
I believe we are all 'CROSS' denominational!
That is if the cross is the center of our faith.
~God Bless~
Lisa
I like that! Thanks Lisa : ) CROSS denominational. I withdraw too when I get overwhelmed. So glad God's our strength and pokes us to move on.
DeleteI've always said that would attend any church that is Bible-based. If anything is put forth that seems contrary to God's teachings, I could not attend. My husband was raised a staunch Lutheran. I attend with him because I believe it is important to attend together. I do like a more contemporary service but the people and sermons are great.
ReplyDeleteI think that's great. I agree. If it agrees with God's teachings then it's ok. God bless!
DeleteInitally when I was young I came from a Baptist church. By now as a youth I'm attending a Pentecostal church. My church buddies were just talking about this subject of being members of the body of Christ, that we are not told to create unity; we are told to keep and protect unity :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great observation : ) I like that "to keep and protect unity." It's right on with Jesus' teachings. Thanks Joy! God bless.
ReplyDeleteHey Karen, I've awarded you the Kreativ Blogger award, it will be on my site in the morning. I'm so glad I know you through blogging!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila that's so nice of you! I'm glad I got to know you too : ) God bless.
ReplyDelete