Blog by Timna Jones
I became a Christian at the age of 19. It wasn’t until I became a Christian that I planted my roots in church. I’m truly grateful that when I encountered Jesus nine years ago, I immediately found an incredible Church home. I often wonder, “What if I had that God encounter but didn’t follow it up with finding a church home?” I am absolutely convinced that I would not be the person I am today and would even dare to say that I may not be a Christian any longer.
You see, after I became a Christian, there was so much work to do. I needed a total re-haul; imagine an episode of Fixer Upper, but with a person instead of a house – that’s what I needed! Walls needed to be knocked down. Pipes needed to be cleaned out. I needed a total renovation! I had to relearn EVERYTHING. I had to renew my mind MOMENT BY MOMENT (side note, I still have to do this)!
I can honestly say that I learned to do this in church. When I would slip back into patterns of my former self, I would sit under the word on a Sunday morning and the message would speak right to me. Like right to me! And on the occasion when I still wasn’t getting it right, I had people all around me who lovingly led me in the right direction. I felt like I couldn’t escape God if I tried! If I wasn’t in church, it would have been so much easier to hide and ignore that still small voice.
I don’t know exactly what my future holds, but the one thing I am absolutely certain of is that I am called to build the church. I’ve never felt the feeling of belonging more than I have from being planted in the House of God. I have found my closest friends IN CHURCH. I have found healing and redemption and grace IN CHURCH. I found my husband IN CHURCH (HALLELUJAH!). When I think about the legacy I want to leave for my children and my children’s children, it’s that they BELONG IN CHURCH.
Can I encourage you today that you too BELONG IN CHURCH. No exceptions! No excuses! I love this verse…
Acts 20:28 NIV
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.”
Jesus paid a very high price for us to have this incredible home called “church”, and no matter what lies the enemy has fed you, YOU BELONG IN CHURCH!
Today’s Prayer:
“God, let the passion and revelation of the importance of church burn in the deepest places of my heart. Help me to never take for granted the church that you sacrificed everything for. Show me where my place is in church so that I can use my talents to build your house. AMEN!”
YOU BELONG at Devoted Conference 2017
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