Trees and Churches

I have done a bit of traveling in the states. You know, weekend get aways and short vacations. Now, I wonder Europe,  ( for God’s calling). On both sides of the pond the commonality for me is I am attracted to two things…..trees and Churches.

Where in the world could this possibly be going you ask? Well…the spirit has lead me, so let us, together, find out!

Genesis 2:9 NIV
The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Trees, I see beauty in their branches, life. Green leaves flourishing. How creative are they that they can change. Vibrant colors as the season changes to fall. The beauty gets you all excited, one last hoorah before winter and dread sets in.

The trees become barren, lifeless looking from a distance as they conserve energy trying to survive to the next season. I imagine their roots, dug deep and expanding. Holding strong through storms.

Spring comes and the leaves begin to grow again. Some branches don’t make it, while on others, new growth begins.

Looking at the trunks, they are sometimes straight and smooth, pristine. Those aren’t the ones that catch my eye or my camera lense. Its the knots, the twists, the roughness of the bark where maybe an animal has been. I look down, roots protruding, exposed,  just a glimpse.I love the trees with the roots showing, like hope.

Going from the singular trunk to the this intricate root system, I can see the top, but it goes so deep, hidden, expansive. Expansive to me reminds me of God’s reach, the hidden parts. I know they are there, I see the beginning of them. And so strong! But I have no clue whats beneath. How far, how strong. Where are they leading?

When I need strength, when I need God…I think of the trees I have seen. The roots, strong, deep seated, supportive, giving life, strength, always providing. Each tree is unique, and beautiful, just like each of us.

Luke 21:29-31 NIV
      He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.  When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.  Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

                            Churches

I attend more than one Church. Each brings something to me in the form of, style…. the way the Pastor presents a message. In its congregation….the people I get to know. In what that Church chooses to support,  how they serve. How I can serve for them.

Church should be a safe place, feel like home. Thats how I want to feel, like I am with family. But , I don’t,  or haven’t yet. As I have traveled around the world I always enter Churches and take pictures. My mind always goes to one place and it bothers me……..excess! Just too much. Maybe I feel like the Apostles that were upset at the expensive perfume used to wash Jesus’ feet.

God lead me back to the Old Testament, where he instructed Moses to build him a butiful tabernacle. God was so specific and God deserves more than we could ever give , well because it’s all His to begin with, but more so because God is everything!! However, have we outgrown the need for such places? ( Numbers 9:15 speaks about how God dwelled among them ).

I can’t get over the pang in me that says “yes we have”. I am not saying we do not need places to gather and worship. A place to tithe to, a central place that has people to manage God’s earnings and put them to good use……but….do they have to be so excessive?

                  OR…what about this?…..

As part of my journey I was introduced to “Home Church” and on Sunday we went to Central teaching. Why not have all these home Churches, give our tithes and let each small community manage what projects to do. That way everything helps a smaller area but more people are served? The people right in your community! In this you would be living to serve everyone and what better demonstration to others of God’s power then to be serving right where you are?  ( thats the simplistic version of this, just to give the idea).

                    Think about it..

John 4:23
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

John 4:21
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

Acts 2:1-4 NIV
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:45-47 NIV
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

      Your Church is wherever you are!!

Colleen Moore
Works Inspired in Faith