We have a new church home.
After almost a year of seeking God for answers to where we should be. Or rather, where He wanted us to be. We are finally home.
It was where we felt Him leading in the very beginning. Too bad we didn't listen to Him the first time. At forty-one years old, I still have obedience issues.
There has been so much I've learned these past few years about the body of Christ. So many things that left me hurt and disappointed,confused and discouraged. But also many things that blessed my heart and opened my eyes to my own less than perfect nature.
*I learned there is no perfect church.
*I learned that patience is worth it's weight in gold.
*I learned that God is moving in my life, even if I don't feel the wheels turning.
*I learned who my friends are, and who they aren't.
*I learned to cut those from my life who gossip. My weak flesh is not strong enough to make a stand against it, so I must remove it/them completely.
*I learned not to ever put someone where only God should be. No one is perfect but Him.
*I learned that sheep bite and the body has body odor. Me included.
*I learned my faith is even stronger now.
But most importantly I learned that a church family is a real and true thing. There are so many dear people from our old church home we love like family. I still share my life with them.
And for the first time in a long time we are learning to love on even more church family as we begin to serve in our new church. It makes me sad for those people who don't attend a regular church. They are missing out on so much.
I'm in my women's Bible study and am grateful for other women who love Jesus like I do. Ladies who are hungry for His word. What joy to be around this group of godly-girls.
Together Paul and I have taken another step on our faith-walk with the Lord. Knowing He has us here for a purpose. Grateful for another loving group of believers who love His word and seek Him daily, hoping to bring God glory while on this earth.
Once more I am at peace. My husband and I look forward to going to church on Sunday mornings again. Our children look forward to going to their Sunday school and youth groups - God is good...all the time.
It's good to be home.
"Behold, He makes all things new. Write these things down for He is true and faithful." Rev. 21:5
11 comments:
I'm so happy to hear that you have found a new church home where you feel part of the family! It's so important!
Praise God for leading you where He wanted you, I am very happy for you dear one.
Praise God! I pray that He will use you to bless others and you will receive His blessings!
This is HUGE friend. As I read your post..I had holy ghost bumps...seriously. God has AMAZING things in store...he's such an amazing Abba Father.
My your roots grow deep in your new church home!! :-)
How wonderful that you have found a new home and how blessed is that congregation to have your talents added to what is already there. You have learned some good lessons it looks like...that's something we should all do is make a list of lessons learned throughout the different seasons in our life--it would be a legacy to our grandchildren. Thanks for sharing your lessons..we can learn something too....
I am so glad you have found a new church home!
You're right, noone in church is perfect, including us, lol!
We just need to learn to love each other and quit having expectations of one another. Putting others ahead of ourselves.
Many time, we expect certain things from people, but people are human, and we all just need to lean into the Lord, because we will let each other down but the Lord won't!
We have been with our church for about 15 years, I think. Of course, since my hubby is the pastor we aren't church hunting. But I do know that it's just so wonderful when you're looking for a place and the Lord leads you to the one. Just feels like home!
Thank the Lord for His caring and direction! A church 'family' is so important...teaching us, loving us and supporting us! I'm so happy that you have found a place of family!
Bless you...
Susan
Great post Joanne! Alot of great lessons learned, and I so agree! I love my church family! Theya are precious to me!
I've been there too, Joanne. And yes you are right, sheep do bite. Many valuable lessons were learned through that horrible experience. We've been in our "new church" for about 4 years now and absolutely love it! Everyone and I mean everyone is open, honest and transparent. It's like a body we've never been in before...it's small - about 65 people - but everyone is involved both in the church and out. What a blessing it is to worship together with this group each week.
Blessings! See you soon!
I so happy that you found a new home church! I know there are many that miss you and your gang...me includeded when I'm visiting! So many changes for you this year and so many blessings! God is good!
I'm glad you did find a new church home - it can be a hard process - but God is in control! And of course, I realized long ago that no church is perfect.
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