Burning Building

On my way to church today I saw a scene that captured my attention in a big way. There was an old building that used to house a church here in town. The church had moved to another facility several years ago and this building has stood empty since they left.

Today the parking lot and adjacent field was filled with fire engines, fire marshalls, many other official looking cars and a bulldozer. This was obviously a training event for the fire department.

As I drove by I looked at the burning building and thought of all the awesome things that church had experienced together as the body of Christ. There had been life changing events: decisions for Christ, weddings, funerals, baby dedications, people called into full time ministry, etc. That building had been committed to the work of God in Lacey WA.

Although the legacy of this church continues elsewhere in town, this building had witnessed so much and now was going down in flames sure to be rubble by the day's end. My first thought was tearful and I wondered if this was the state of the church today. Was it burning down?

My next thought quickly overpowered the first one. I am the body of Christ - I am the temple. Before I look at anything else I need to ask the question of myself... What's the condition of this church (me)? Is this temple going up in flames or will the foundation and structure hold? Will the ministry continue after this building is no more? What have I done or what I am doing to prepare for that?

In alot of ways I think, "burn the old building and start fresh today". There are structures within me that are worn out and need newness. There are opinions and attitudes that could use a fresh coat of paint. There is excess in me that needs to be streamlined and refined.

My prayer today... "God, please give me a brand new building. Refine me so that I can please you with every aspect of my life."

Heavenly Perspective

What is her name? When I first saw her she looked angry. She wanted to go in Starbucks but the Sheriffs were there. She started to walk in and stopped. She sat outside for a moment looking like she was trying to decide whether or not to go in. She was talking to herself and there was anger on her face. Had she faced these officers before? Did she think they would kick her out?

My feeling that I hoped was wrong is she needed the restroom for her fix. I hope I'm wrong. I just saw the driven look in her eye. I wonder where she is at and how she came to this place. I wonder if she is mentally ill or if her life been altered by substance abuse.

What is her story? Did she have a loving family or is she the product of a fallen society? Did she have parents who loved her so much and she loved the lifestyle more and walked away... or was she abused, lived in a family that never told her they loved her. Never hugged her, never told her she belonged.

Would my compassion change depending on her story? Should it? Not if I see her through God's eyes. God sees her lost... in need of a Savior. God loves her...He wants to rescue her.

Please let today be her day of rescue.