Today I was thinking of how thankful I am for the sacrifice Christ made for me- and for you. One thought led to another... And my heart soon became heavy with sorrow.
I'd like to apologize.
-I'm sorry if you have ever been hurt by a Christian whose actions did not exemplify the love of Christ. I've been there- I know how frustrating it can be feeling that there's just hypocrisy. Please- focus on Christ and the love he proclaimed for you.
-I'm sorry if no one has shared the word of God with you. I'm often guilty of feelings of inadequacy when sharing my faith- worried that I might not have all the answers to all possible questions. Truthfully- I don't- but that shouldn't stop me from sharing. For those of you that know me just through the blog I do share my thoughts and reflections about my faith but it feels safer here somehow- I can ponder the things I write before posting... And well... Blogs tend to be monologues rather than dialogues. Please don't hesitate to ask me questions and begin a dialogue- if I don't have the answers I'll search to find them and point you in the right direction or let you know it puzzles me too- there are some points I view simply as leaps of faith.
-I'm sorry if you are a Christian and I haven't been part of the body you need. I try to be the person I should be- but often fall short. I myself have wondered why people haven't reached out to me when I've needed them and yet there are times I've needed to be the one to show the love of Christ to others and for various reasons I fail to be the person I long to be.
-I'm sorry if you are hurting right now and wonder where God is- or how there can be a loving God in the midst of such pain. I can't give some blanket answer- and believing in God has not protected me from pain- but I do know the comfort God has given me during my sorrows.
Today- this Easter Sunday- I challenge you to not view this as a day to search for eggs and candy but a day to seek God: Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart."
Read the Bible for yourself- pray what's on your heart- don't be afraid to ask questions.
Besides going straight to the source, I also recommend Lee Strobel's books "The Case for Christ" & "The Case for Faith". They're a look into his own search for solid answers about the validity of Christianity. If you're scientifically minded you may enjoy "The Case for a Creator" which examines DNA, evolution and such- but I confess- my brain went into overload reading it :)
Today, if I have caused pain- or someone professing Christianity and pushed you away from looking closer at a relationship with Christ, please accept my deepest apologies. People will fail you- I have no doubt that I will fall short again- but God will always be true to His word and His promises.
Why am I sharing this today? Because I know the difference in my life and I want others to know the same love and comfort I've felt. I don't want to give the illusion that a relationship with God and His Son Jesus mean a perfect and pain free life- I know from experience this is not true and the Bible tells us "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.
Despite the trouble I've faced- I have found peace in Christ and I pray that you might find the same peace and love in your own lives.
I'd like to apologize.
-I'm sorry if you have ever been hurt by a Christian whose actions did not exemplify the love of Christ. I've been there- I know how frustrating it can be feeling that there's just hypocrisy. Please- focus on Christ and the love he proclaimed for you.
-I'm sorry if no one has shared the word of God with you. I'm often guilty of feelings of inadequacy when sharing my faith- worried that I might not have all the answers to all possible questions. Truthfully- I don't- but that shouldn't stop me from sharing. For those of you that know me just through the blog I do share my thoughts and reflections about my faith but it feels safer here somehow- I can ponder the things I write before posting... And well... Blogs tend to be monologues rather than dialogues. Please don't hesitate to ask me questions and begin a dialogue- if I don't have the answers I'll search to find them and point you in the right direction or let you know it puzzles me too- there are some points I view simply as leaps of faith.
-I'm sorry if you are a Christian and I haven't been part of the body you need. I try to be the person I should be- but often fall short. I myself have wondered why people haven't reached out to me when I've needed them and yet there are times I've needed to be the one to show the love of Christ to others and for various reasons I fail to be the person I long to be.
-I'm sorry if you are hurting right now and wonder where God is- or how there can be a loving God in the midst of such pain. I can't give some blanket answer- and believing in God has not protected me from pain- but I do know the comfort God has given me during my sorrows.
Today- this Easter Sunday- I challenge you to not view this as a day to search for eggs and candy but a day to seek God: Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart."
Read the Bible for yourself- pray what's on your heart- don't be afraid to ask questions.
Besides going straight to the source, I also recommend Lee Strobel's books "The Case for Christ" & "The Case for Faith". They're a look into his own search for solid answers about the validity of Christianity. If you're scientifically minded you may enjoy "The Case for a Creator" which examines DNA, evolution and such- but I confess- my brain went into overload reading it :)
Today, if I have caused pain- or someone professing Christianity and pushed you away from looking closer at a relationship with Christ, please accept my deepest apologies. People will fail you- I have no doubt that I will fall short again- but God will always be true to His word and His promises.
Why am I sharing this today? Because I know the difference in my life and I want others to know the same love and comfort I've felt. I don't want to give the illusion that a relationship with God and His Son Jesus mean a perfect and pain free life- I know from experience this is not true and the Bible tells us "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.
Despite the trouble I've faced- I have found peace in Christ and I pray that you might find the same peace and love in your own lives.
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I finally got to get caught up on all my favorite posts. I just got out of the hospital again with complications from the pancreatitis. It's been difficult but knowing God is directing my care helps ever so much.
We prayed for you and Baby Pink this morning at church. We remembered all the families expecting life during this time of revival when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ arose from the dead. I brought you up at alter call. You and yours are loved. May the Peace of the Lord continue to touch your heart and let the comfort of God's all powerful knowledge guide you in all you do.
Carly B. (AKA Carlene)