She is lovely.

All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

1 Corinthians 12:11

The church is beautiful in her diversity, made powerful by the work of the Holy Spirit among so many different people, and attractive to all those in need when she welcomes the neediest broken people into her community. God forms churches by amassing stories of diverse backgrounds and experiences. He then uses the one true gospel of Jesus Christ to save them and His one Spirit to enable them to be this kind of community with one another. The best churches celebrate how God fixes each unique broken heart. The best churches utilize each person’s contribution of time, ability, giftedness, and purpose. The best churches equip disciples not in cookie cutter programs, but in custom crafted cooperation with God’s unique signature written by the gospel transformation that is unique to each life.

For 35 years I have had the privilege of working in the local church exclusively, being used by God, directed by the Holy Spirit to do my little part to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. I’ve met thousands of people. I’ve been involved personally in hundreds of stories. And like fingerprints of gracious mercy, God has written no two stories alike! He gifts and places men and women where He wills, and each person is a beautiful part of a bigger, beautiful Bride of Christ. I am always amazed at the amazing people God transforms by His amazing grace! No story is ever a waste in His mercy!

Lord,

How beautiful is Your work. And how beautiful is each story of each person You have redeemed and called to Your side to be Your bride. I am uniquely gifted and given ministry passions as You write my story… which in itself has taken new twists and widened in plot this year. And so is every believer’s story! We are like a painting that is constantly flowing into a clearer, bigger, more impressive masterpiece of Your redeeming grace. Thank You, Lord, for the life I live within Your beautiful church. She is loved! She is lovely!

Amen