Why Do You Attend Church

I have been thinking a lot lately why people actually go to church. I see tons of people on Sunday morning heading to there choosen place of worship and I wondered why? Is it to get a word and encouragement for the upcoming week? Is it to see their favorite preacher? Are they attending to see friends or is it to serve God in every area of their lives?

Now what brought this thought on is because I have encountered so many people that leave there church home for some interesting reasons. Now, can you call a place your home and leave over simple things. If your toilet clog up at home you don't just pack up and leave. No you stick it out and fix the problem or call on the experts to fix it on your behalf. So why not allow God to give you patience to deal with church issues. Why not love the church body right where they are, just as Jesus did. Do you remember the fruit of the spirit, long suffering? No wonder people get a divorce quickly they don't know how to stick around over simple things, how can they maintain a marriage, but thats a topic for another day.

Here are some of the reasons I have heard personally why people left their church. “Well the church wanted to much of my time and I am not getting anything in return.” “The church is always asking me for money.” “He hurt my feelings and he is suppose to be a christian.” “I don't want to be around my ex-mate/friend.” Last but not least, “the pastor, first lady or other leaders in the church weren't there personally for me when I needed them and I give my money and time to the church.”

Now for the reasons I have received I have prayed for the individuals involved cause I know how it feels to go through each encounter but God has allowed me to see things differently and want me to share with you. You see, I don't go to church expecting perfection from people who are still a work in progress. This also includes the leaders of the house. The leaders are sheep, just as well as we are, following one shepherd (Jesus). I go to church for God, to build a deeper relationship with him, and corporate worship with my sisters and brothers. God allowed us the opportunity to base our walk on a foundation that is rooted in him rather than people in a church building (also remember the church is in you please). So stop judging your fellow christians please. Instead pray that God move in you and show you your flaws so you can work on the person in the mirror and love everyone in the body of Christ, no matter where they are in their walk. Then pray for your sisters and brothers that may have hurt your feelings, that God will get bigger in them.

Now this is not to judge anyone that have left the church for reasons above. I have expereinced the same things and more. I mean pain from people in church that made me cry and I wanted to flee. But God never gave me instructions to leave my church home instead he increase my duties to help me manifest the fruits of the spirit  (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance - Galatians 5:22-23) which Jesus instilled in me that day he died on the cross. When it all bowls down to it, it hurts me to see people leave and go from one church to the next because I know that they are not allowing God to teach them some important life lessons. The are running from a great lesson of enduring the pain. They are running from the true relationship with God, that can help them with every encounter they may have at church. So ask yourself right now, what is my reason for going to church and meditate on it.

Praying for you always

Love Freedom

Are You Affecting Lives

So lately I have been thinking am I making a change in this world for God. I mean is my life affecting others in a positive way and making God proud at the same time. You see there was a time when I thought I couldn't be a major affect in this world without a lot of money. Then God showed me that a penny can change a life. Then I thought I didn't have enough knowledge of the bible to change the world. I mean I know people that can quote the whole bible but God showed me he can use a rock or a donkey to get the job done. I thought to myself I didn't speak with flare so who would want to listen to me. But he showed me that I have the holy spirit and he can control every word that come out of my mouth. I even questioned my writing skills because I make grammar errors but God put a burning urge in my to write and every time I do he feeds me the words to help somebody.

So I came to the conclusion that I was finding flaws in myself and God showed me that I was made in his image and I can do all things through Christ. So I decided to do everything I can to help change this world. Whatever he need me to do I will do. I stopped looking at things I do for God as simple and not enough and realized that the simple things can change a life and even the world.

Let me give you a few examples. I remember one summer, for a few days, I was a camp counselor. I had anywhere from 6-10 girls. We had conversation, laughed, prayed and talked about life. I shared with the young ladies personal experiences. I had to leave early to go back to work but enjoyed every minute of it. The following year I couldn't go to camp but went to the departure spot for the campers to drop my niece off, who had taken my spot as a counselor. While standing outside I heard out of the blue, “Mom that's her, thats Crystal.” I turned around and the girl was one of my campers from the previous year but I didn't remember her name. She had tears in her eyes and hugged me so tight. Her mom came to me and said thank you for helping my daughter last year and changing her life. I was speechless because I didn't even remember what I did. I didn't do anything spectacular. Everything I did was simple but this young lady thought it was major.

God allowed me to see another example of simple things changing lives through my dad. The other day my mom told the UPS delivery guy that my dad had pasted away, since they use to have conversation all the time. The man started crying in disbelief. He said my dad was always so nice to him. He shared with my mom that my dad told him that if he ever needed safety or got into any trouble to know he could always knock on our door. Now he stated that this wasn't the first time somebody told him that but my dad was truly sincere and he could feel it. He even said he went back to his church and told the congregation about my dad and how nice of a man he was.

Now these two simple examples are God's way of showing us that it doesn't take much to change a life or the world. All it takes is a willing heart and you walking in the spirit. Look, you never know who is watching you. Your actions throughout the day could change somebody life. So give somebody a smile, stop and speak to the delivery guy, give that .50 in the cup holder to the man on the corner or simple give a hug and watch God move in the simplest things. I will end with one of my favorite quotes, “How many people are better of because you live?” Think about it and get to moving.

Love

Freedom