Back In 2020 there was a day, a Sunday, that I went to the church I had thought of attending.

The parking lot was empty on a Sunday but there were benches by the sidewalk leading into the entrance of the church. In the middle of the parking and driveway area there was a flagpole with a flag flying at half mast. Across the large empty parking lot was a side street with a bit of construction in front of it. It had a sign that said "Dead End".

I sat down on the bench in front of this empty church and parking lot and looked at that flag flying at half mast and wondered if this nation would rise or fall--if that flag would rise again or fall. I said a prayer for my nation that I loved so much, then got in my truck determined to find an open church.

I went to all the churches I could find in my town--and there were several--all of them closed.

Disappointed, I went back home. I wondered if that had been Jesus seeking his church, what would he think of his electronic replacement bride?

Sure, many pastors will justify their closures with their great reach on the internet. But for me, there is no replacement of the human church physical presence. The face to face unmasked countenance of a genuine smile, greeting or hug with shared tears and prayers.

I had stopped attending church. Then when I decided to give the church another try, the churches were closed. Deceived into closure. Like my beloved nation and world.

There is no substitute for the real thing. There is no substitute for TRUTH.

I am still wondering if our nation will rise or fall. I found a church that finally opened. In the meantime until that happened, my church was my own dining room table, my Life Application Study Bible, and you.

God bless you.

Have a blessed day.