God's House

1 Kings 8:27
"But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I build?"

Solomon fulfills the dream of his father, David, to build a house for the Lord, a permanent structure where all may come to pray, to worship, and to offer sacrifices to God. It was a spectacular, sprawling edifice, testifying, in all its grandeur and opulence, to the overwhelming love of the Jewish people for their God. In spite of all its wonder and resplendence, at its dedication, Solomon confesses that no humanly-created temple could ever hope to contain the greatness that is the Lord's. Of course, he is right. When we build a church or a temple to God's honor and glory, it is how and why we feel His presence in our hearts, minds, and souls when we worship as a community in that place which matters to Him and to us. That made me think about why certain churches appeal to some and not to others, and about churches which have meant so much to me during my life.
When we were in Washington, D.C. this past May, Danny and I were awed and inspired by our nation's cathedral. I don't know if I would feel comfortable attending services in the grand nave as it is overwhelming, but there are several smaller chapels within the structure that I found appealing and inviting. A visit to the National Cathedral should be on everyone's bucket list!


Here is an aerial photo of one of our local mega-churches. I have many friends who attend this church and love it. It seats over 7,000 people! Again, I would feel lost in this venue, but maybe Jesus likes the idea of feeding the 5,000+ in climate controlled comfort. :)

Not a great photo, but I was compelled to include Holy Trinity Parish as it was the first church I entered when the Lord re-entered me. My children were raised in this place and I have endless and fond memories of my years worshiping there.

This is the church Danny and I presently attend and at which we lead the contemporary praise service. Kennesaw United Methodist is, hands down, one of the friendliest and welcoming churches I've ever been in. If you are looking for a church home in our neck of the woods (Kennesaw, Georgia) or just visiting the Atlanta area, come give us a try!



Known simply as "The Old Church", it has sat on the outskirts of Emory at Oxford College (Oxford, Georgia) where my father was dean for 12 years. The church was constructed in 1841 and renovated several years ago. Although it is not used for regular worship services, the college and town employ it for special events and occasions.

I hope you enjoyed the photos today; there would have been many more, but Blogger decided I had uploaded enough. Has this ever happened to you? I'd sure like an answer to this one!

Be that as it may, being a member of a faith community is an integral part of the Christian experience. I hope you have a church home you love or, if not, that you are earnestly seeking one. In the meantime, know that God is everywhere, in everything, and living in you. He invites you to worship Him any time and in any place. May God bless you this Sunday and always!

Readings
Psalms 148, 149, 150 or 114, 115
1 Kings 8:22-30 (31-40)
1 Timothy 4:7b-16
John 8:47-59