It has been a busy, fun, and blessed summer! Unfortunately, a lot the busy-ness carried over to Sundays and I have not been to church in a while. It felt really good to be there today!
My Mom shared something on Facebook the other day that said, "The danger of missing church is soon you won't miss it."
That's real talk right there.
That's also proof y'all just go to church out of habit and so it doesn't mean anything to you.
Honestly, some Sunday's that's true. We do just go out of habit. Don't forget, brushing our teeth is also a habit, but that doesn't keep it from benefitting us and those around us.
Sunday is the one day I get to sleep late.
I. Hear. You. So does God. There are many bible references that discuss the importance, the need, and the benefits of getting enough rest. There are many bible references that let us know He gives us rest and He renews our strength. Look closer. It's probably the other things in your life that are draining you, not church. Church is where you can go to renew and revive, not the something that's "gotta give."
The outdoors and nature is where I feel closest to God not in a building.
I am so happy that you have found a place to commune with God. How blessed you are! Many of Jesus's disciples were outdoorsy (fishermen) too. Makes sense to me. God has created some amazing lakes, prairies, mountains, beaches etc. for us to enjoy. He also reminded us to gather together to encourage each other and to build up each other. So go out there, get right and get filled up; but then come back to church and lift up others, because some weeks it's not about you.
One time someone who went to church treated me awful.
First, I'm sorry you were hurt. That is not okay. However, taking a step back from that incident, I bet you can think of people who have been ugly to you that didn't go to church. Did that keep you from going to school? Or to the grocery store? Or from driving in traffic? Someone else's ugliness should have nothing to do with your beauty.
Church people are all so "judge-y"!
Good news! If you feel like ALL the people of a certain group behave a certain way, then you should have no problem fitting in with judge-y people! We all know no group is absolute. Some might be, many will not be.
Yeah, well Christians are supposed to be and do better.
That would be so awesome! Except that's not how it works. The difference between Christians and other people is that we acknowledge the presence and accept the grace of a living God. We have not been guaranteed freedom from a sinful nature or from life's trials. Sadly, We don't always act or even react as we should. Thankfully, we do have the promise of forgiveness and the assurance of an eternity in heaven, and so can you.
Just let it go. Just forgive someone. Just go.
Amen!
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