How Good and How Pleasant

May 21, 2015

There's an excitement in the air. Change is happening. That's not to imply that what went on before wasn't good: no, not at all. But this--this new. This difference. This attitude. It's quite refreshing and--like most things that stir one's soul--I just can't help talking about it.

Guess you know what I am talking about, huh? Yep, you got it: Clark's Chapel Baptist Church. Friends, I must share with you my experience yesterday and last night, for you see, that's part of what is making this tiny little church stand head and shoulders above the rest.

I had lunch with the pastor's wife. Again. Let's see: I believe this made our third "date" since January. Add to that the supper we shared with our spouses at JD's Smokehouse (always gotta brag on them too) and you may think "Whoop Dee Doo, Stef. I eat with my pastor and his wife all the time." Great! You should. But you see, for me, I've kind of been fasting in that sense. I've been without a church family for nearly seven years now. And this one? This family? They are reaching out to me! I'm not having to track them down nor beg for their attention. Do you know what a relief, what a refreshment, what a joy that is?!

So, anyway, back to my story. Charmeyne and I shared our hearts as we are getting to know one another. She's so easy to talk with and fun to be around. We share a common background of sorts, which helped to forge our budding friendship. Coincidentally (ahem), her hubby Dale and Steve do too. Methinks something--or Someone--has His hand in this.

Do you remember the blog I wrote the other day about how I came into church one Sunday night and felt like Norm from "Cheers"? Well, last night it happened again. No, the congregation didn't holler out "Stef!" as I appeared but the waves? The smiles? The greetings as Steve and I made our way to our seats? My my! How my heart trembled at the love.

And that's it, folks. Love. Welcome. Acceptance. Warmth.

Shouldn't all churches be this way?

Indeed! They should.

So then, what's so special about Clark's Chapel Baptist Church, you might ask. Great question! What is that difference?

The best I can tell it's about a fresh start. The pastor is new and has his ways of presenting the Word of God--which he does unflinchingly, without compromise, and without condemnation. God doesn't condemn, you see. He convicts. God uses men like Dale Payne to share His Word, His love, and His desire for all of His children to know Him. He uses women like Charmeyne to greet His kids each service, to ask about their days, to check on them during the week. He uses His congregations to reach out to newcomers like Steve and me to make us feel we are welcomed. He uses people like Robert and Marsha Marshall to present music to set the tone for the services and to lift up our hearts in praise to His mighty name. He uses the "unknowns" to just smile, to wave, to greet, and to privately pray for folks like me, folks like you, and folks from all over.

Psalm 136 repeats over and over and over about how we should give thanks to the Lord because He is good and because His mercy endures forever. The message was too great to say just one time. The psalmist repeatedly (four times to be exact) spoke of giving thanks to the Lord. And twenty-six times (once each verse) he spoke of God's mercy enduring forever. Aren't you glad that God uses us, friends? We may not even be aware of it, of how our smiles brighten another's day, or how our kindnesses warm hearts that have been hurt and cold for so long. Mercy. In its purest form evidenced in the simplest acts of friendship.

The people of Clark's Chapel are being used to invite hungry hearts into their fellowship. The pastor, his wife, and their children are devoting themselves into making this church a refuge for God's kids to call home. Not for their glory; not to make a name for themselves. Nah, they've already got that. So do you. So do I. Brothers. Sisters. Saints. God's people. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?  The congregation is expressing love and a sense of welcome to newcomers, as well as continuing on in their love for the "regulars" that attend. And the newbies? The ones like Steve and me, the ones who recently joined, the ones who are trickling in to see what all of the fuss is about? Well, we're pretty tickled to be there too. That's why there are so many smiles on our faces and why I just can't keep from singing the praises of my God.

A long time ago in the church I grew up in, I once made cards for us women to use to pray for one another during the week. The verse used was this one from Psalm 133:1: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" I changed "brethren" to "sistren" and because our church's name was Unity Baptist it helped us to memorize it and apply it as we prayed and loved together all those years. No, I don't make it a practice to change the Word of God (except when I need special provision--kidding!!) so rest assured that I don't think too highly of myself.

In conclusion, I am thankful for the "sign" that led me and Steve to visit Clark's Chapel Baptist Church. If you're looking for one too, maybe this blog is for you. Maybe the road sign on your usual drive is speaking to you about giving a certain church another try. Maybe your eyes will alight on something today that leads you to a place where you can feel welcomed, feel accepted, and then leave full yet still hungering for more. Hope so!

Let's pray!

Dear Lord,

I give thanks to You, for You are good. Your mercy indeed lasts forever. It doesn't run out; doesn't run dry. When I falter, when I buckle from the loads I too often try to carry on my own, Your hand reaches out to steady me. Your ears are inclined to my prayers. Your eyes are always on me. You will never leave me nor forsake me and for that Lord God, I thank You, praise You, and love You.

Thank You also, Father, for this new place to worship You. No, You aren't confined to one building, to one church alone, nor to one denomination. Your love exceeds all of man's boundaries and reaches as far as the east is from the west. However, You deigned it that for this season of my life to put me and Steve in this place and my prayer is that we can be a blessing to Clark's Chapel, that we can grow closer to You than ever before, and that we may be co-laborers with the folks there in sharing the news, the great news, of Your Son Jesus.

Love you much, God! Thanks for loving me first. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen!