As I was looking out my kitchen window this morning, at the new beauty of Spring, I thought of our Father, the Creator of all that we see. The wonder of everything, and as always, I could not imagine my life without my faith. I could not survive a half a heart beat without it. I am not strong enough or good enough to go it alone. Which leads me to our question of the day, church or no church. I know I am tilting at windmills, with this subject, however I must.
It is a very serious subject and one the world, but I rather believe, the United States is more in danger of dismissing. Why dismissing, because we think of ourselves so powerful and wealthy that Church is no longer needed as a Nation to be great. Yet our "Founding Fathers" thought it was most important. But this morning I am not addressing the Nations belief or its political position, I am talking about our personal belief.
Let me say straight up, I am a Church person. And I have gone to and belong to many, many Churches. I am comfortable in all of them, because I just love Church. My Aunt use to say of me that even as a little girl, it was Church first, then the Easter Egg hunt. That was the greatest complement that she could ever pay me.
But, for all of you naysayers, no, I am not advocating one particular Church. On the contrary, to me, it doesn't matter which Church a person goes to. It is being with a body of believers, a gathering in the Lord's name, of sharing ones knowledge, joy, sorrows, and learning about the greatness and mercy of our Lord our God and His love for us. It is also the support as much as the experience that is so important.
A new buzz word, that I almost choke, as I say it, in retail today, is "they" want their customers to have a pleasant "shopping experience". Of course "they" do, the longer you are there, the more money that you will spend. My point being, your "Church experience" is free.
What a person receives from gathering with other believers is so great and good, one can't imagine, unless you have been there. The feeling that you have as you step outside, renewed and refreshed, is wonderful. And the Church members are your extended family, the Leader, is the voice of the Word, (the Bible, God the Father, Jesus, the Lord, the Holy Trinity). Even if nothing that you are going through, is any different, when you leave that Church, I guarantee, the experience, will give you new hope and straight to carry on. And the time spent in that Church will be peaceful, calming, and for that short time all else is forgotten. The real and sometimes harsh world, will be waiting outside the door but you will be better equipped to handle it, again, I guarantee.
Another point that is so sad, is we, as a nation, are raising generations of non-churched children. Taking for granted that these children will never need the help or strength of God's presence. This is not only selfish but so unkind to ones own children. My Mother and Father went to Church as young people, but not as adults; however, they always sent me to Church. They were sweet and old fashion believers. My Dad, was so sentimental, but quiet about his faith, but you knew it was there. And I remember always saying my prayers with my Mom, at bedtime. I give them so much credit for giving me this foundation because I have certainly needed it, through out my life. Whatever, has happened in an adults life should not keep them from giving their children the opportunity to know our heavenly Father. So much separates us from God in this World today, don't let it be you.
I have known so many people that have been raised in Church by their parents, then something separates them from the Church; divorce, moving, despair (just when you need it the most), jobs, so many reason, and never go back. Sometimes they think they are not worthy to go to Church, that is so sad. We all have gifts to give to the world, as pointed out Sunday, but we need to be reminded of how important we are to God and His plan. God opens His arms to everyone. Just open the Bible in the New Testament, at any place and you will read of God's great love for us. He gave His only Son for us, what more could a Father do!!! I have heard people say, "I am divorced, I can't go to Church, of course you can. There is a Church family out there for you, no questions ask, just that you need God's love, understanding and are willing to listen. God takes broken souls and mends them as perfectly as a fine Tailor.
I could go on and on and have, but one last point. Many people have said to me over the years, "I don't need to go to Church, it is only a building." Well yes, it is only a building, but it is the House of the Lord. Look at it as visiting a friend or family; you are always welcome, always a shoulder to cry on, always an encouraging word and always a sweet lesson to be learned. What more could a person want from a friend. And please please, always remember the song, "Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus".
God's Blessings to you always and Joy in abundance, RM
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