Body Building

Romans 12:4-5

4 For as in one body we have many members,[a] and the members do not all have the same function,5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

We are part of a church that happens to be in the building process. The "body" is newish, so we are " body building" and we are also building a building.  There is nothing that brings people together better than working side by side and sweating and striving together.  It's service and work that can bring a body together and build it in so many beautiful ways.  It's the sweating and working and praying together that makes a body strong and united.

 Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God.

Philippians 1:27( MSG )

Building up will always be work and it will make a person sore first and then stronger.

People are working and sweating and sacrificing for the "building" of the body AND for the building. It is building faith in people. 

 It is building strength in a body.

I am watching people take ownership of this "building process". 

 People are investing themselves because they BELIEVE in what they are doing,

 they BELIEVE in JESUS and what He has done for us.

 We see God at work and many are wanting and willing to be a part of it.

There will be, and has already been challenges in the process.  Challenges that need prayed through, talked through and worked through, but I KNOW that I KNOW, it's those challenges that makes us stronger. 

  

Colossians 3:23-24

23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

This goes for everything we do:

As Christians, we aren't doing what we do to compare or to impress man.  We are only doing what God has said in His Word, and what He has laid on our heart and
given us the time and resources
to do for His Kingdom and for His Glory.

  And if you don't know if you have the time and the resources to give to anything, remember this;

 EVERYTHING you have, the very breath in your lungs, is from HIM.

 We ALL have a prayer we can offer up with that breath.

My encouragement is this:  Remember that when you are working your buns off and sacrificing tons of time and money for the "thing" God has allowed you to be a part of, it's not for man, it's for God.

This goes for EVERYTHING He calls us to. 

As a wife and a mother there are days I just want to say, "ENOUGH"...and then, I remember that I'm not doing what I do because  I'm good at it or because it's easy or even fun at times. 

 I stick with it in the hard times because God has given me THIS to do. 

 He gave me these little treasures that can fill my eyes with tears because of the joy that they bring, or they can bring tears because I'm frustrated beyond words.

  I know the work that I have been given to do, and it is not because I am super qualified or even  good at it, or deserve it in any way, but because this is what God has called me to and allowed me to do.  

Colossians 3:17

 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 The joy tears far outweigh the frustration tears, 

and it will be so,

 with EVERYTHING that He gives us to do.

Luke 12:48

Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

We must continue and persevere in the places and the ministries and the jobs He has assigned to us.  It's very sad to watch people who walk away because of this or that decision or this or that person.
 Ministry is run by people and there will be mess-ups ALL along the way. 

 People are flawed.
BUT GOD, can use us people with all the mess-ups and the flaws.
 He is THAT good at what He does.

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.

We are meant to be part of a body...even if you are the heart (a really vital part), you still need a chest to beat in, you need body parts to pump blood to.  So never for a moment think you can do anything on your own. 

 God designed us to work together, and if we think we can function alone,

 that is called  pride and it will lead to destruction.

If you are only part of the body "virtually"....meaning online...good, but not good enough...the body was made to feel and touch and smell.

I'm so PUMPED about what the Lord is building. I want to encourage people to

 ASK THE LORD TO BE A PART OF HIS WORK, WHEREVER YOU ARE,  HE LOVES THIS PRAYER AND ANSWERS IT IN CRAZY AMAZING WAYS. 

 HE IS ALWAYS UP TO LOTS OF KINGDOM WORK EVERYWHERE AND HE  LOVES TO USE US ALL.