I remember as early as 4 years old going to church with my mother.

I knew when my mother would put on my suit and bow tie she would send me off to Sunday school and take me to church services. My mother was a wonderful Christian who sang melodiously in the church choir, and she would tell me to be studious in school because an education was the key to my success, and she would also tell me that I needed to know the word of God for without Him there would be no success.

As time went on and I grew older and had the opportunity to make up my own mind whether or not I wanted to go to Sunday school and church, I decided I’d much rather lie in bed and rest on Sundays.

For about 15 years I’d lie in bed on Sunday mornings and would not go to Sunday school or church, but when times got hard on me I’d go to church for a quick fix. I wanted God to answer me and help me solve whatever was bothering me right now, but God is not a quick fix God; however, He is an on-time God.

One Sunday morning I woke up, and I felt my life was empty. I knew something was missing, and what was missing was my being in God’s house.

I got out of bed, got dressed and went to Sunday school and I haven’t stopped going. It’s been five consecutive years of happy Sunday mornings.

I listen to so many people talking about the problems in the church, but we all have problems, some are greater than others, but always remember God is still in charge.

Psalm 9:9 says “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”

This clearly says that the Lord will be with you in times of trouble and I’m 100 percent sure of this because God has kept me safe from harm and danger, but the tongue of some Christians can be as dangerous as a double-edged sword.

In so many churches we have made the house of God a battleground. We must always remember that the church is only a building built on a slab, and we represent the church, therefore church should be in us.

The scripture says in Psalm 140:3 “They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.”

I suggest to all that it is time get on bended knees and ask God for strength, guidance and forgiveness for we all know that tomorrow is not promised. Amen.

Louis Shivers

Natchez resident