I woke up this morning definitely not wanting to go to church. Not only was I tired, but I lacked the desire to go. My latest church experiences has certainly created a tear in my heart and soul. I used to enjoy going to church, but individuals recently took that joy away from me. I am now more understanding, through personal experience, why it is so hard to get people to church and put their trust in the Lord and Savior. It seems to me that some "religious" people are more interested in tearing each other apart and destroying their fellow believers instead of focusing on the main picture. I think non-believers have encountered this, and they walk away disgusted. I have been disgusted and torn by recent events, but I thank God Almighty for giving me the strength to not walk away! If you are a non-believer, do not let a minority of Christians block your view of Christ. He has such a wonderful gift for you that you need to receive. Please do not be discouraged by the few that create grief and heartache; ignore them "for they know not what they do." I beg you to find a church and a pastor that you can trust; let them show you the way. I did not want to go to church this morning, but I went anyway. I, at first, felt scared and tormented by the idea of going back to any church. God, however, intervened; He blessed me so dearly by the message delivered today. I walked away refreshed, and I felt so much closer to God. Non-believer or discouraged Christian, go to church and let God do the same thing in your life; He will surely bless. Now for the Christians, I beg all Christians to unite and put away the senseless destruction of others; stay focused on God's plan. We will not be able to help anyone if we cannot help ourselves. Let's be more interested in helping others instead of tearing each other apart.filed under: personal, christianity
Thanks for the support, trinity. :o)
ReplyDeleteShawn, my heart went out to you when I read your post today. I can really relate to how you feel. Christians are meaner to each other than any other group of people. No wonder being a Christian gets such a bad name - it's because of the folks we've just had an "experience" with that make people say, "I don't want to be like that."
ReplyDeleteIt's really hard not to be bitter, but in my scripture reading (and yes, Mr. BAE, I do read my Bible) I found this verse......."Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengenance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lord." Romans 12: 19 I KNOW God is true to His promises, and those folks who hurt you will receive chastisement.
I'm proud of you for going back to church after all the hurt you have experienced. It's hard........I feel the same way. But I do know God has a plan for us, and we will find a church where we can worship in spirit and in truth......not one where all they are concerned about is money..........for themselves!
Satan will continue trying to destroy your life and your testimony for your LORD. If he succeeds he has defeated you and whoever you may come in contact with that you can witness to. Stay strong with the LORD, stay in church and read your Bible. I'm proud of you that you didn't let him defeat you this past Sunday. This trial will make you stronger if you just keep your LORD first. Satan comes in many forms such as our foes, he will also deceive you with "one who you think is a friend", but now can be classified as a foe, or in one who you think you can respect. Not all people put in a position can be respected or trusted, which has been proven to us this past few weeks. We are all flesh, but with the help of God, there are pastors out there that have compassion and have burdens for lost souls. If you keep seeking your God for strength, he will give you back your enjoyment to go to church, but for those who try to tear you down, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes if he so chooses to punish them. Keep us in your prayers as we search for the church that God wants us in, and we'll pray for you.
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MOM
I thank you all for your love and support! I have some of the best friends and family; you all are so special to me! Your words over this whole ordeal has certainly been a huge comfort to me, and I cannot thank you all enough for that. I love you all dearly, and I always will!
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