Issue 981 – Stage Bound for Nowhere – February 13, 2023

Yesterday, Kathy and I enjoyed brunch at a delightful spot in Lynden, Washington, the Rusty Wagon. Decorated in a campy cowboy/country decor, it was terrific. With good food, fair prices and excellent service, it is worth a stop if you are in that area.

For those who know “the cowboy church” in Sherwood Park, think of Wes and Gloria Kreamer’s “thee ark,” and you will have a general sense of the place.

The outside artwork included plenty of country statuary like the “stage bound for nowhere” in today’s image.

On a stage bound for nowhere describes the life of most people. They search franticly for worldly wealth, fame and possessions that will not satisfy them. The stagecoach will take them anywhere except where they genuinely need to be… reconciled to Jesus forever.

It can even happen to Christians. I know far too many who hop from church to church, perpetually searching for “the perfect one” or the “next great move of the Spirit.” They stick for a bit, and suddenly they are dissatisfied and on the move again.

Of course, there is no perfect local congregation, denomination, association or affiliation on this side of glory. As the old saying goes, “if there is a perfect church, you and I couldn’t get in.” We are all sinners saved by God’s grace, works in progress. The Spirit is always at work, whether in great waves of revival or more subtle transformational work in the lives of the saints. He comes and goes as only He can. I don’t understand chasing something that we already have.

Ironically, these consuming Christians keep moving to find what is already there for them. If they were to commit, dig in and serve at their local church, they would probably find what they never will by bouncing around hither and yon.

There may be valid reasons to leave a local assembly, but that is seldom why people leave. It’s the little things or restless hearts that take them away.

True fellowship, joy and fulfillment come when we commit to one another and so do the things God calls us to do. We gather together, love one another, bear with each other, forgive and grow to be more Christ-like.

We study together and serve. We share the love of Jesus with others in our lives.

That isn’t always going to be easy. There will always be others we don’t like or disagree with. If it were easy, we wouldn’t need Jesus. It’s not natural; it is supernatural.

The Scriptures are images of the church working together as a body. We were created for community. There may be seasons in life when we look for a new community, but if our pattern is to shop and hop at the slightest provocation or on a whim, we need to look inwardly to find the problem.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8

My friends, what you seek isn’t on that stage. If you don’t yet know Jesus check Him out. He is the answer.

If you know Him but are restless, don’t get on the stage; anchor yourself in your local assembly and allow Him to provide what you need.

Time is ticking, my friends. We all have a limited amount of it, and none of us know when we will be called to account for our lives. May you be found to be a good and faithful servant, faithfully loving and serving your brothers and sisters in the name of the Lord.

Be Blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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