Name Change

I have clearly struggled in being consistent in my blogging. I say that as if anyone out there has been really anticipating my next blog. I do long to make more time to express my jumbled thoughts on a more consistent basis.

Anyways... I decided to change the name of my blog from "Life in God's lane" to "ClayNation." I felt inspired in reading some recent posts on a blog concerning the controversy surrounding a famous pastor and his leadership style and church life. One responding post reminded people that we all have "feet of clay." This made me immediately think about the famous passage in 2 Corinthians 4.

"Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed." ~ 2 Cor. 4:7-9

As I get older I am seeing the fragile nature of life, health, relationships, this world - everything! How many times do I put way too much stock in the here and now and not the eternal things of true value?

ClayNation... not to be confused with the 15 fans of Clay Aiken out there (no offense intended :-).

ClayNation.  The great paradox of this life in Jesus - weak, but strong; in danger, but completely safe; broken, but whole; sinful, but forgiven... DEAD, BUT ALIVE!

That's all. Thanks for reading. I'll be back, I promise.

(the) Church

Make CHURCH a priority!

Now please hear me out. Not the GPS point on a digital map. Not a box to check off your weekly calendar or to-do list. Not just a place to hang out. Not a service time.

From my vantage point, the church in America is quickly losing sight of the Biblical understanding and value of CHURCH! Church has become a destination instead of a relationship, maybe even a "venue" to be entertained or a scheduled box to check.

CHURCH is so much more.

CHURCH is the body of Christ – a people of faith belonging to Jesus.

CHURCH is God’s people called to share the “good news” with a lost world.

CHURCH is sharing our lives with each other (the good, bad and in-between)

CHURCH is making time to join together in the praise and worship of God.

CHURCH is a community of hope and healing.

CHURCH is serving others meeting practical, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

CHURCH is more than my words can express.

Make CHURCH a priority!

For CHURCH to be a priority, you must make your relationship with GOD the most important priority! Spend time today growing deeper in your love and knowledge of GOD. When we do that, God will build up a mighty CHURCH for His glory!

So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. You also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit. ~ Ephesians 2:19-22