“I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search.”—Proverbs 8:17 (CEV)

When I have something heavy on my mind, many times rather than sitting still and praying about it, I use my fingers and type in the Google search bar looking for answers. Now thanks to YouTube, with a few keystrokes I can watch as many videos as I want from sermons to step-by-step tutorials.

Not to date myself, but there was a time when if I wanted to learn how to do something, I had to actually read a book or the included instructions. It was the same thing with self-help. There are plenty of books on that topic, but now it is easier to search the internet.

Several months ago, I bought this hair dryer that I absolutely love. But I can tell you, had I not watched several (and I mean SEVERAL) videos of women with my length hair, I probably would have returned it. Before the abundance of online videos, I cannot tell you how many hair products/tools I have used that got dumped in the trash or donated because my hair NEVER even remotely looked like the models in the ads. I was still left with hair that stuck to my head without the promised volume.

It took me a few attempts for me to get the desired look. Had I only had the owner’s manual to learn how to use it, it would have been promptly returned to the store, because I wasn’t that impressed with it after the first few uses. 

Isn’t this what some of us do with God too? We give up when we don’t get the desired immediate results. We have been praying the same prayer for the same person for YEARS. We think, why pray? He doesn’t hear me. He isn’t answering, so I might as well stop asking. Or, maybe you have tried going to church and you think “It’s just not for me. I don’t have to go to a church to be a Christian. God still loves me if I don’t go to church on a regular basis. All those people are hypocrites.

These are all words I spoke before I found Jesus. The reality was that going to church for me was uncomfortable, so it was easier for me to not go. It took me being broken to not care about what others thought. I just wanted to feel better and “those Christians” seemed to be happy despite their trials. I wanted that too.

Could it be that you haven’t found the right church? Right now it is the perfect time to be searching online for potential churches in your area. Just about every church is streaming live services as well as having daily videos to encourage and give hope.

Pastors can change, so you don’t want to solely base your decision on them. Listening to past sermons or podcasts can help you understand the heart of the church. Being fed spiritually is what matters the most. Part of the reason I was drawn to my church was because one of their mottos is “Welcome Home.” Despite the church size, I have always felt welcome. During this pandemic, they are doing their best to try and keep everyone connected. 

My inspiration about writing about loving others and being a difference maker is because that is our church’s focus. They challenge and encourage us to do whatever we can to make a difference in our corner of the world. This is what pushed me to pursue my book getting published and setting up this website. God kept speaking to me through the sermons to do what God was clearly calling me to do.

Twelve years ago, we moved to a new area. It took a year for us to find the right fit church for us. Praise God, that I asked my next door neighbor where she went to church and I was led to Cross Timbers Community Church. Not only have I grown spiritually and been encouraged to step outside my comfort zone, I have also made some lifelong friends.

Do you belong to a church where you are being spiritually fed? Or are you searching for a church home? While I don’t encourage church hopping, now is the perfect time to do it. With all of the local churches broadcasting online services, you have the opportunity to visit multiple churches without ever leaving your home. God’s Word tells us in Proverbs 8:17 that God loves us and will be found by those who earnestly seek Him.

While I am thankful for technology, I look forward to when church doors re-open. Getting plugged in at the church campus is the best way to make connections and continue to grow in your walk with the Lord.

Dear Lord,
I thank You that despite church doors not being open, You are able to lead those to Christ that may not know You. For those that aren’t a part of a local church, I ask that You guide them to an online service that will give them a hunger to be a part of the church body. I pray for the church leaders that are having to minister in new ways to reach both the churched and unchurched in their community. Give me the courage to boldly share the love of Jesus with those that may not know You. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen

May Memory Verse

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” —Psalm 46:1

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