Real Church is a Refuge

There were so many days that I entered into the walls of the church and it was far from what represented God. Through my blog, I will share my continued journey of my relationship with Christ, the ups and downs and the good and bad. I have no intention of mentioning names or specific situations but I do intend to encourage you along your revelations.

As I leave my new church today, I am reminded of what a gathering of believers should feel like. Safety, refuge and love are all attributes of God that should be exemplified in the church and are synonymous to His very being. Churches are made of people. People are not perfect but judgment, unforgiving hearts and putting each other on pedestals does not paint a very accurate picture of what God intended the church to be.

When I think of my Heavenly Father, the ultimate head of the Church I compare Him to my earthly father. My Dad loves me beyond what I could explain. He does not always agree with me and may share from his heart his concerns but he would never turn his back on me. He would never let me go, never turn loose other parents to judge me and would never, ever hurt me or shame me intentionally or publicly. If my own earthly father would not do these things how much more does my Heavenly Father love me and would do everything to protect me from these types of conditions that happen so often in a church?

I am slowly beginning to understand now He loves me just as I am, with all of my flaws and imperfections. He will show me the love of a perfect Father- there to pick me up when I fall or fail and there to guide me and guard me against harm.

If you are involved in a church, may it be one that always lifts you up and never tears you down. I pray that it is one that discerns truth and helps you to be a better you- the one that God created you perfectly to be.

I am 36 years old and am just now trying to grasp the unconditional love of God. This is a journey for me but I am excited to know more, learn more and have my eyes opened to true relationship and not the religion I have experienced in the past.

Let your light shine on us, let your grace fall on us, let your love come upon us. May your House always be a HOME full of refuge and family.

More to come….

By the way, some things I write in my blogs may not resonate with you. I still hope there is a word or sentence you can grasp that will make you think, make you ponder and create a sense of wonder as we go through this wonderful thing called life. If you disagree with me, its ok I still love you.

Much love,

JV