Wow this still hits hard it’s a repost but with some fresh content
This year I have definitely learned more and grown more in the Lord. God has really stripped my heart of me.
I never want to cause another to stumble, when I speak I don’t want it to be my words but the words the Lord wants spoken.
Have you ever read the book of Jude?
When I was reading it, my heart was pricked and stirred.
It is such a representation of the church today. People being deceived by what sounds good . No fear of the Lord. Wolves dressed up like sheep. We have to be on spiritual alert and guard.
Jude warns that there are those sent to divide us. The church is divided over man made rules.
But there is a hope found in this passage
That hope is when we keep our faith and we pray in the Holy Spirit God will keep us.
Praying in the spirit is necessary. We need a spirit of discernment more than we ever have.
Jude
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
I am so thankful God has healed my church hurt. Hurts from years ago and recent hurts. He sent us to a church where just being there in His presence is healing . I am so thankful for this season we have been there and the growth we have experienced.
I pray God always helps me to show mercy and love to the broken. I never want to forget I was once the broken and lost and His love reached down to me.
It also gives us a command
We have to show mercy to those who are unsure. Help them grow. Encourage them . Love those who have been broken.
Church hurt is real and painful.
It destroys people so quickly. Many times people are well meaning and aren’t even attempting to hurt someone.
The reality is the devil uses this hurt to push people out of the church, to make the question their faith. It shakes people at their very core.
Be the one who restores the broken, love the prodigal because you have no idea how hard it is for them to come home.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt;
Those you love, snatch them from the pit of hell by speaking the truth in love. Live the life in front of them.
Get your knees and battle for them.
The enemy is fighting hard so we have to fight harder. Our weapons are mightier we just have to put them in action.
23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
I speak to you in love and say if you have been hurt by church people , forgive them. I say if you’re a prodigal and feel out of place where you are stay there, because God will use this for His glory.
Never think you are to lost, broken, or hopeless for Jesus. I was a lost broken mess. Completely devastated and broken but Jesus took my mess and made something beautiful.
