I went back to my home church this last Sunday. I really miss the people there. Lucas and I made the trip down to be able to say goodbye to some great friends who are moving. When I found out that their last Sunday at the church was this week and knew I had to go. We loaded up the dogs and took off to get down there for the 10:45 service time.
When we pulled into the parking lot (after dropping Fletcher and Jack off at my parents house) I walked in the front doors to be greeted with hugs and smiles from all my dear church family. The last time I was at a service at the church was Easter, six months ago! I felt like I was back home amongst family. It so strange how being gone for so long makes you realize just how much you do miss things that are familiar and safe.
I made my way back to the youth group room to see the students and was so excited to see everyone there, and I think they were just as excited to see me. As I made my way around the church before the service I was constantly greeted hugs and encouraging words. I felt how much the people of my church loved and cared for me. I was even asked to drum with the youth group again that afternoon, which was one of the best things ever! I miss playing drums with those guys.
I can totally understand how Paul felt when he longed to see Thessalonians in 1st Thessalonians 2:
17 But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.I know that my leaving home was what I needed to do, but I still have a desire to be home with my family. But that longing is good, and I didn't leave them behind, I brought First Baptist with me. As I reflect on my time with my friends back home I want to echo Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in Ephesians 3, and pray it for the people of First Baptist:
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
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| fbcphilomath.org |
