Monthly Archive

This past week there was a news story about a nine year old girl who died because her grandmother made her run for three hours with no rest or water. Apparently the girl was caught lying about some food she ate. The girl’s pregnant stepmother, who was in the house, did nothing to stop this.

I wasn’t sure which I was more upset by, the child dying, the grandmother’s callus disregard, or the fact that the step-mother and neighbors saw this, but did nothing. If I had seen a girl running up and down her road I might dismiss it. But if a half hour later I still saw her running, I think I might have gone over to see if she was practicing for a marathon. I figure God keeps me from those situations because he knows how my Christian walk would be harmed.

Some people are afraid to get involved. They don’t want to appear snoopy or make a mistake. And in this time we’re living, getting involved might even cost you your life. However, God means for us to take care of each other.

Philippians 2:3-4 reads, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Our job while we are here is to love one another. That means if you see something “off”, check into it. And if you’re afraid to get involved for any reason, contact the police. You can do so anonymously.

All it would have taken was one neighbor to get involved and this little girl would still be alive. Keep your eyes opened, and if you see someone in trouble, do something about it. Don’t walk by and ignore it. God will help you overcome any fear. And if you do make a mistake, at least you’ll know you did it with a good conscious. It’s always better to be safe than to know a child died due to your lack of actions.

Think about the last time you went shopping and bought a new outfit. One that fit in all the right places. You knew you looked good. A happy feeling came over you. That’s how it is when you’re a new Christian. You feel God everywhere you go, and you feel good.

That was in the beginning. But how do you feel now? Has some of that euphoria dissipated? It’s like the new outfit. The first time you wear it, you’re all smiles because you know how well it fits. But the more you put it on, the less you think about how great it makes you feel. That’s the way it is with your faith. You believe, but you don’t feel that elation like when you first became a Christian.

How do you get that giddy feeling back? One way is with reading the Bible. Psalm 1:2 reads, But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.

Reading the Bible brings you closer to God, and it helps get that feeling of closeness back. Also get together with other Christians. You’ll see God’s glory and joy in them. Look around at all your blessings, starting with the roof over your head to the floor beneath your feet. Sometimes we get so used to only looking at what’s wrong with our lives, we don’t see what’s right. Also sing loud during praise and worship. Remember, it’s God your singing to. He likes your voice, even if you sound off key, like me.

Another way to get that feeling of joy back is to stop and listen for God. Refuse to move until you feel yourself in His presence. Your heart will jump, and a smile will cross over your face when you feel Him. When you get that giddy feeling, go ahead and laugh out loud no matter where you are. It’ll not only make people wonder what you’re up to, but it’ll let God know you’re thinking of Him.

If you asked the person sitting next to you in church if they are a Christian, what do you think they’d say? More than likely, the response would be a resounding yes. Most people sitting in church do consider themselves Christian. It might even show in the way they smile, laugh with friends, or shake hands with visitors.

However, when they leave church, are they still a Christian? That is where the true test is. As Christians we should always put our best foot forward. There is nothing worse than a believer turning someone away from God because of their actions.

Do you know the worst day of the week to work as a waitress or waiter? Sunday. Wait staff say that’s because Christians come in expecting to be seated immediately. They get angry if their order is late, they stay longer than normal, and they don’t leave a good tip, if any at all. What type of message does that give to someone who might not be a believer. I know I wouldn’t want to believe in a God that had followers like that.

Mahatma Ghandhi is quoted as once saying, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” That should have been a wakeup call for every Christian in the world that we were not doing our jobs.

1 John 2:6 reads, Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. We are to be Christlike, which means showing love to others, no matter who they are.

Imagine how much better this world would be if Christians stopped leaving Jesus at church. We’d have no more children being raised without fathers. No more adultery. No more divorce.

I challenge you this week to show everyone you meet that you truly believe in Christ. Give them the warmth and love you’d give if you were sitting in church or if Jesus were standing right beside you. Don’t forget. He is.

Is it true that anyone who believes Jesus is the son of God will go to Heaven? If you listen to some ministers, that would be the case. However, wouldn’t that then make Satan a Christian? He knows for a fact Jesus is the son of God, and he believes in Him. So why is he not allowed in Heaven?

Believing in Jesus is the first step toward becoming a Christian. But in order to be a true Christian, you must accept Jesus into your heart, and live like you believe. That means doing your best not to sin or to drive others away from God. A lot of people go to church, but they leave Jesus behind when they go out into the world. Sitting in a pew doesn’t get you into Heaven.

If you’d like to get into Heaven, you need to lead a life that tells others you believe in Jesus. After all, actions speak louder than words. And no one knows your heart better than God.

Matthew 7:22-23 reads, Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Things happen unexpectedly. You can’t predict what the person driving the car heading your way is thinking. Are you living a life that is pleasing to the Lord? You might not have the time you think you do to make things right with God.

Ask yourself this very important question. “If I were to die right here, right now, would my final day show my true feelings about Jesus?” I hope you answered yes. But if you didn’t, take a moment to have a talk with God to see how you can put things right. After all, I bet there’s one great party going on, and I’d hate for you to miss it.