Salty?

I love to cook. I love to watch cooking shows on television. I like reading cookbooks and picking out recipes that I'd like to try one day. I follow a bunch of food blogs. I especially love to eat really good food.

One thing I've learned in my food explorations is that seasonings make a world of difference. Get the wrong flavors on your ingredients, and you mess up the meal. One of the best and most simplest seasonings a cook can use is salt. It's presence magnifies flavor bringing joy to the taste buds. It's absence is often quickly noted and sends one searching for the remedy.

Jesus called His followers the "salt of the earth". (Matthew 5:13) We are called to be a desired presence in the earth. We are called to permeate the world around us and change it for the better. The effects of our witness should be openly known.

Yet too many of us are hiding our flavor. We don't want to be judged, persecuted, or labeled as strange. So, we try to assimilate with the world around us. We don't go against the grain. We overlook what disagrees with God's Word. We shy away from openly standing up for godly principles.

Oh, we're okay being "salty" around other saints. We can preach, sing, and serve in the church. Our "amens" are loud and clear in the sanctuary. Our flavor is turned all the way up when we get in the church walls.

But, this behavior is ultimately defeating. No one eats salt by itself. No one has ever enjoyed a nice big ol' bowl of salt.

Salt is always used to affect something else. It flavors any type of food you can bring to the table. It's The same principle applies to your Christian walk.
effectiveness is only realized when it is applied.

If you aren't flavoring the world around you, you're not accomplishing what Christ wants you to do. In fact, Jesus says that a flavorless witness is "good for nothing". (read Matthew 5:13 again)

Are you being the "salt of the earth"? Is the world being impacted by your presence? When you show up, does change take place?

Don't let your Christianity be "good for nothing"!

Verse of the Day: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13 (KJV)

Stand Firm

First things first: Can I just ask for you all to forgive me? I apologize for leaving you blogless these past few months. It was necessary in the beginning, and then I just lost my mojo. I have no words. I am ashamed. I have prayed. God's forgiven me. Will you? I thank you in advance for your mercy.

On another note, I've missed blogging. I'm not sure if I will return to daily posts, though. But, I don't want to give up the blog totally. I will, however, be posting more regularly moving forward. I'm still figuring out how to make things work.

So, on to today's inspirational moment.

It seems like every single day there is news about how the church is being challenged to give ground to the world and accept the world's way of doing things. The church is consistently being asked to compromise what the Bible says for what is the current views of the day. And, far more frequently, the church is giving in.

I can only assume that many believers don't want to be seen as bigots or hateful or crazy or unreasonable. We don't want our friends, family members, co-workers, or society in general to place us in an unflattering light.

So, we find little ways to compromise. Maybe we misinterpreted that scripture on fornication. Perhaps a child really doesn't become a human being until a certain point during pregnancy. There are pastors who are gay now, so maybe the original thoughts on homosexuality were incorrect. God is so loving perhaps there are multiple ways to get into heaven.

Little by little, we keep giving in. Yet, how long until we have nothing left to stand for?

When Daniel was torn away from everything he knew and was chosen to serve a new king, he purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's provisions. (Daniel 1:8) There were other Jews who were taken into captivity as well. But Daniel was the one who chose to remain true to the Lord's will. He stood up for what he believed in. And the Lord showed him favor. Because of his stance, the Lord blessed Daniel with wisdom and insight far greater than anyone else in the king's service. (Daniel 1:19, 20)

Are you allowing the world to make you compromise what you know is right and holy? Are you standing for righteousness? Can the Lord count on you to stand firm in the midst of complacency?

Today, purpose in your heart to follow after God no matter who around you is giving in. Don't compromise what you know is right for the popular view of the day. The Lord will bless you and show you favor because of your faithfulness to His Word.

Verse of the Day: But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:33

Afternoon Ti: Lift the Savior Up!

Often, when Jesus ministered to someone they could not contain their gratitude and told everyone they knew about what He had done:

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. Matthew 9:29-31

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. Mark 1:27, 28

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? John 4:28 29

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:19, 20

How often do you share the greatness of what God is doing in your life? It's one thing to share during a testimony service with other Christians. But, how often do you share God's marvellous works with everyone you know?

You may share stories of your blessings - but do you give God the credit? Do you exalt your Heavenly Father to the point where others want to learn more about Him?

Today, I want to challenge all of us to put Jesus on blast. We should broadcast His goodness to all we know. We should share His wonderful works with our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers whether they know Jesus or not.

Today, let's give God His just praise, so others can see how great God really is.

Verse of the Day: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

Searching for the Lost

I hate losing things.

I'm naturally a pretty neat person, and everything I have has it's own "place". So, when I can't find something, it drives me nuts. I can't sit still or move on with things until I find it. I take time and thoroughly look for it. Every crevice, hiding spot, and space is looked at over and again until I find what I'm looking for, and I have to keep looking no matter how long it takes until the item is found.

It reminds me of Jesus' parable about the woman who lost a coin. Even though she still had nine other silver coins, she diligently looked until she found the one she lost.

Jesus was using this parable as an analogy of the great value God places on the lives of the lost. The Lord has a great desire to recover those that are lost. He is searching out their hearts and knows those that are ready to receive Him.

Yet, how many of us are looking out for lost souls? How many of us are diligently going after those who do not know the God we have found? Do we go after the lost with vigor? Or do we even care that they are lost?

You can help bring joy into the Kingdom of Heaven by going after lost souls. Every single person that comes to Christ brings celebration to heaven. Don't you want to have a part in that party?

It doesn't matter how lost a person may seem. God still values them and wants them to be a part of His kingdom. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it takes diligence. Yes, it requires focus and fortitude. But, the payoff is someone receiving eternal life! Today, allow yourself to be used in searching out the lost. Who knows how many souls can be added to the kingdom of God because of your witness?

Verse of the Day: Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:8-10

Shine Your Light!

Today, more than most days during the year, I am reminded that I am serving the LIGHT of the world. While everyone else is celebrating darkness, fear, horror, and gore in the name of a good time, I realize how much work needs to be done for the Kingdom of God.

Jesus told us that we are God's light. We can't hide our lights under bushels. We have to place them on a pedestal so everyone can see the great luminance of of our God. Everyone should see God's light shining from us every day at all times.

Too often, we do hide our lights under bushels. Many times we hide our lights in order to blend in with the world we are supposed to be leading to the light. We quench our own fires in order to be found more acceptable by people who are lost in darkness. We would rather not 'bother' or 'annoy' someone who is on their way to an eternal life of misery than show them the answer we have found.

We have the light! We know the way for those in darkness to see! We have the answers to their questions. We know the way they can find peace.

We cannot afford to hide our light. We cannot afford to hold back the message of Jesus Christ. The world is crying out for answers but can't find their way because there is so much darkness surrounding them.

Don't let your light be hidden. Don't hold back the gift of eternal life from those who so desperately need it. Choose to place your light on a pedestal. Choose to open your mouth and share your testimony. Choose to offer Christ's love to someone in need.

Let your light shine, so others can find their way to salvation.

Verse of the Day: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Taste and See!

The Bible says that we should taste and see that the Lord is good.

When you taste something, you have to put it in your mouth and allow your tongue to touch it for you to experience its flavors. Sometimes it takes the influence of someone else letting you know that the food is good for you to take the morsel.

That's the way it is sometimes with our Christian faith. People know about God, they've heard things, or even had a casual encounter with the things of God. From these surface experiences, they've formed conclusions about what it means to be a Christian and decided that Jesus isn't the flavor for them. But they haven't fully tasted and seen how great God really is!

Have you ever seen something you thought you would not enjoy only to taste it to find out that it was delicious? Sometimes, that's what it takes in order for someone to come to Christ. We believers have to let others around us know how great Jesus really is, and then encourage them to try Him for themselves.

This includes spending time talking with God (prayer), reading His Word (study), participating in praise and worship, and fellowshipping with other saints (church). When all of these cylinders are pumping and in sync - you can't help but notice how great it is to be a child of God!

So, this weekend I encourage you to encourage someone else to "taste and see" God's goodness! Invite someone else in on how great God can be. Don't just tell them about the Lord and leave it at that - help them to fully embrace the things of God.

Don't keep your good God all to yourself!

Verse of the Day: O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8

No Set Mold

When Jesus walked the earth, He kicked it with some folks and did some things that the upstanding religious people of the day frowned upon. Jesus went to parties with tax collectors and publicans, He actually paid attention and cared for the poor, He healed on the Sabbath... All of these things were not what the "esteemed" people of the day did.
Yet Jesus did them.

Today, many upstanding religious people have their "standards" of what good Christians are to do. They have rules of how they should and shouldn't look... where they should and shouldn't go... and who they should and shouldn't hang around.

I'm so glad that our Father doesn't look on the outward appearance but instead looks at the heart! Jesus told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Somebody's going to have to go to the "off limit" places and shine the light of Christ. Someone's going to have to go and touch the "untouchable" and guide them to the joy of the Lord.

Once these people are introduced to God, they may not dress or act the way traditional Christians think they should. Yet, the important part is that they offer up their lives to Christ. Once they allow His love to permeate through them and inward change will come that will far outweigh any outward action they could make.

So, don't be so quick to judge a person's Christianity by their outward appearance. Many of us are going to be surprised to see who's worshipping at God's feet when we get to heaven!

Verse of the Day: ...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:17

Beautiful Feet

The temps are hot here in Chicago, and people are breaking out the summer gear early to deal with the weather. Folks are rocking shorts, t-shirts, and... sandals.

One thing I can't stand is when people rock sandals without making sure their feet are presentable. Notice I said feet. Someone could have nicely polished toes while their heels look like they haven't even been touched. That's never a good look.

The Word tells us that the feet of those who carry the gospel are beautiful. Those who take the time to step out of their comfort zones to take the time to reach the lost have fabulous looking feet.

Have you carried any good news lately? Have you gone out of your way to minister to someone who doesn't know the Lord?

Or, are you too busy making sure that your personal agendas are being taken care of? Are you so concerned about your own business that you're not considering those who are in desperate need of God?

Make sure you are taking the time to witness God's love. One thing that's great about the warmer temperatures is that there are more people out and about. It just increases the pool you can pull from to strike up a conversation about Jesus.

Keep your feet looking pretty by carrying the gospel of Christ!

Verse of the Day: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. Romans 10:15

Living Water

It is so beautiful here in Chicago! It's 55 degrees outside! I'm loving it. Thank You, Lord, for this taste of spring!

I love water. All day, every day I have to have water around. You cannot tell me that a nice glass of ice cold water is not the best drink in the entire universe. Can. Not. I will go into restaurants and say "just water" and it's not me being cheap. It really is what I prefer. Hands down.

It's something about water that truly quenches my thirst. Everything else I drink, I have to wash it down with a glass of water afterwards. It's like my throat is not satisfied until some water splashes through.

The Word says that our belief in Christ gives us the benefit of living waters. These living waters enable our spirits to thirst no more. These waters satiate our souls to the very core. There's something about Jesus that makes your spirit satisfied. After tasting of His goodness, you don't want anything else.

We can't be selfish with what we've found, though. We can't just keep it all to ourselves.

There's a world around us that is trying any and every thing to try and quench their inner thirst. They're turning to drugs, sex, money, alcohol, their jobs, their loved ones, their hobbies, other gods, the internet... they're looking all over for anything that will ease their soul's cries.

But they won't find satisfaction until they drink from the living waters of Christ. And we have an unlimited supply!

Take some time to 'quench the thirst' of someone around you today. Make sure you pour out some of the living waters that flow through your soul. What you pour out could very well cause someone to tap into their own constant supply of God's satisfying goodness.

Verse of the Day: He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

Let The Lord Be Magnified!

A few years ago, my mother preached a sermon encouraging the church to allow the Lord to be magnified in their lives. I was meditating on this as I had to deal with a pretty challenging morning.

Allowing God to be magnified means that you make the Lord bigger in your life. You spend more time thinking of Him, reading His word, giving Him praise, talking about Him, sharing His love, living as He would want... Every area where you acknowledge the Lord, you turn up the volume.

When you allow the Lord to be magnified, it causes those around you to notice Him too. Often we tend to condense the Lord in our public lives. We don't talk about God too much because we don't want to be labeled as "super saved." We skip opportunities to witness for fear of other folks reactions. We shirk back from giving God praise to avoid getting curious looks.

But Jesus told us Himself that if we lifted Him up, He would draw all men unto Him. (John 12:32) We have a chance to have a perfect record where evangelism is concerned! All we have to do is magnify and lift up our Savior. He'll pull them in.

Magnifying the Lord also encourages us. It allows us to remember the greatness and splendor of our God. Giving Him greater space in our thoughts and behavior gives Him more opportunities to bless us and show us His mighty works. It brings us closer to seeing the fullness of who He is.

So, let the Lord be magnified in your life today! Let His love shine bright! Let His greatness be known everywhere you go! Lift up the Savior, and watch Him save and deliver those around you.

Verse of the Day: O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3

Afternoon Ti: Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

So, earlier this week I posted a video that was clever, but I wasn't too fond of the premise.

This is a video where I love everything! The message and the delivery are on point. Good stuff!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

No Words

"Lord, I don't know what to say."

This has been my excuse for not witnessing on many occasions. I'll have it in my heart to go and witness or I'll see someone that I could talk to, but I just don't have the guts to go and open my mouth simply because I tell myself I don't know what to say.

I've never been that outgoing, so striking up conversations with random people has always been a challenge for me. Adding Christ into the mix?? That's an uphill battle I would rather not climb.

Now, if someone enters the house of God looking for salvation, I have no problem pointing them to Jesus. I can talk anyone's ear off inside the church. But that's not where it really counts. Jesus said go into the world and preach, not sit in the pew and wait for them to come to you. (Mark 16:15)

The Holy Spirit has convicted me about my attitude. I have the King of Kings sitting inside of me, and I'm afraid to have a conversation. There are no words.

When God called Moses to go before Pharaoh, Moses brought up his inability to speak. God told him that He would be with Moses' mouth and would show him what to say. How much more will the Holy Spirit help us when we call on Him?

Maybe you're like me and don't jump to witness since you don't know what to say. Or maybe you're staying silent out of fear of what the other person will say. Maybe witnessing as you're out and about doesn't even occur to you.

Whatever your excuse, don't let the work of the Kingdom be hindered by your inaction. I am leaning on the Holy Spirit to guide my lips and trusting that the King inside of me will stand up when I open my mouth. We can't let fear of man keep us from advancing God's Kingdom on the earth. Man cannot get us into heaven or hell, but our message could save their souls from eternal damnation.

We have to be a witness. We can't stay silent. So, let's all put down our excuses, go out into the world, and be God's mouthpiece.

Verse of the Day: And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. Exodus 4:11, 12

What's Your Witness Saying?

Paul and Silas had been whipped, put in stocks, and thrown in the deepest part of prison. Yet they were not despondent. They did were not angry. They did not lose hope.

In fact they were so full with the joy of the Lord that they burst into praise and worship. As they sang praises to God, He was moved to deliver them from their situation. Their chains were miraculously loosed. The very ones who had beaten them, dressed their wounds and set them free. More importantly, a whole household came into the Kingdom of God.

What is holding you prisoner right now? Who has wrongfully "beaten" you and tried to put you in bondage? How are you responding? What is coming out of your mouth? What actions are you taking?

Often it is our greatest trials that will produce our greatest witness. When we are at our lowest points, our true character shines through. David chose to honor God rather than take revenge on Saul. Daniel chose to face death at the hands of lions rather than abandon his worship of the Lord. Jesus forgave the people while he languished on the cross. Paul and Silas sang praises while they were imprisoned.

Are you so full of God's joy that others can't help but hear your praises and worship to your Father? Is God witnessing your faithful spirit in the midst of your pain? Are your oppressors being moved to repentance because of the way you respond to injustice?

Or is your response like everyone else?

Verse of the Day:
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Acts 16:25-30

Worthy Walk

Ephesians 4:1 encourages us to walk worthy of the vocation we're called to. In short, we are to live our lives in a way that honors the job that God has called us to do here on the earth.

Often I rejoice because I don't hold an official 'title' in the church. I haven't yet been ordained for any office, I'm not addressed as 'minister' or 'pastor' or even 'evangelist.' To me, there is a heavy weight that comes with those designations. Those people have been singled out as leaders in the body, and as a result are (or at least should be) held to a higher standard.

I do know the call of God on my life though, and I do believe a place of that sort lies in my future. So, if anything, I should be heeding the words of Paul and living my life in a way that honors God's call on my life.

We all may not be called to full time ministry, but we were all called by Jesus to preach the gospel to everyone, lay hands on the sick, and cast out devils. (Matthew 16:15-18) Have you been walking worthy of that call lately?

If you opened your mouth to preach God's word, would some people have a problem accepting it from you because of how you currently live your life? Do you take the opportunity to pray for the sick around you, or do you shirk back in fear of being rejected or labeled as a fanatic? Is there a devil shaking with fear in the pit of hell because you used the name of Jesus and sent that little imp back to the pit?

Just some food for thought. How we talk, walk, and act should match the faith that we proclaim.

Verse of the Day: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy... 1 Peter 1:15a

All Eyes On Me! (They're Watching You Too)

This morning my heart is a bit grieved. I did my daily round of blog hopping to catch up on the latest news for the day. Folks, there's a lot of negativity going on in the Christian camp. From pastors getting DUIs to gospel singers wearing lingerie in their music videos to young women deciding that they can participate in pre-marital sex without guilt because God's love is not based on their performance. I won't even get into the pastors coming out as homosexuals and sanctioning it as okay or others stating that the Bible is merely a metaphor and not entirely true. I am appalled and concerned.

There is an entire world out there that is already skeptical of religion and faith in the unseen. Our only witness to the greatness of God's love is how we act within this world. We claim we are different, set apart, destined for heaven's gates. Yet when they look at our lives, can they truly see what makes us any different from them? What really would compel them to be like us?

Even more troubling is the thought of Christians embracing sinful behavior while continuing to confess Christ. How can good and bad fruit come from the same tree?

Our witness is on display every day. People watch what we say, how we act, and where we go. Their eyes and ears are alert to the promises we make, attitudes we catch, selfishness we exhibit, and thoughtlessness we show. They hear us praise God in the morning and curse out our neighbor in the afternoon. They see us trek to the club on Friday night and then sing in the choir stand on Sunday. What are we doing?!

This world is crying out for deliverance, but they will turn a deaf ear to Christ if we continue to blend in, compromise, and blatantly participate in sin. We have to do better saints. The world is watching.

Verse of the Day: Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. Matthew 12:33

Never Miss An Opportunity To Be A Witness!

This morning I was thinking about the thief who was on the cross next to Jesus when he was crucified. Despite of the pain and suffering He was going through, Jesus still made time to minister to the lost. As the thief acknowledged that Jesus was innocent and truly was the 'King of the Jews,' our Savior assured him that he would be partaking in the glories of heaven that day.

There was something about Jesus that made the thief recognize that He was truly from God. Even as they hung dying, the man could still see the glory that Jesus held.

We have that same Jesus living on the inside of us. Yet how do we go through our suffering and our trials? Do we still allow the glory of God to shine through no matter the pain that we feel? Can strangers look on us and still know that we are redeemed by God?

In addition to showing the glory, are we still making time to share the glory as we go through? At times our weights can be so heavy that we get wrapped up in our own concerns and pressing issues. However, there is still a sin-sick world all around us that is crying out for a Savior. We still need to make time to share His love with them despite what we are currently facing.

If Jesus could take time to save someone from hell's flames as he suffered the incomprehensible agony of the cross, surely we can share the love of God in the midst of our trials.

Verse of the Day: And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:42, 43

Now, Run Tell That!

Today is another day that the Lord has made, and I am so glad to be in it!

This morning I was reminded of the scripture: My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (Psalm 34:2) It got me thinking of how we saints love telling when God does great things for us to each other. It seems like whenever there's a Testimony Service, the line is extra long full of people excited to share their personal story of God's goodness.

But when was the last time we bragged on God to someone that didn't know Him? When was the last time we were excited to share our testimony with our unsaved co-workers or friends? Why do we clam up about the God's favor, when we speak with those who don't know Him?

For me, it was a fear of appearing to 'churchy' or 'religious'. Plus, I didn't want to offend anyone or make them feel like I was pushing my religion on them. So, even when I would tell the stories of my testimony, I would omit certain key words or phrases to make things more palatable for them in my mind.

Yet, when you think about it, sharing how good God has been is the best way to shine His light! What better way to prove the greatness of your God than to share things He has actually done expressly for you?

People today need proof in order to believe. For someone who's searching for the answer, your testimony and boasting in God can be just the key they need to enter into a relationship with Him.

So, you know what the challenge for today is, right?

Let's all make a point to 'boast in the Lord' to someone who doesn't know Him today! Let's give God the honor He is due with someone who doesn't know who God is. Let's shine forth His light in the darkness!

Who knows? By the end of the day, we may have another testimony of how our sharing helped bring someone else into the Kingdom!

Verse of the Day: O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Isaiah 40:9

Love, Actually

During the course of my day I visit many news/magazine/blog sites just to keep up with what's going on in the world. I make a point to visit both Christian and non-Christian sites to see where conversations intersect and to see what might be lacking.

Lately I have been saddened by the anger and vitriol that I see displayed on the Christian websites. With so much going on that is contrary to the will of God, I can see the need for increased discussion, petitions, forums, and the like. We are obligated to shine a light in darkness to point people to God.

Yet, I don't see how anyone would want to follow our lead when our words are tinged with what almost feels like hate! Who would be drawn to someone that claims to be coming from a place of love but there is no kind of love anywhere in their approach?

It's no wonder people are taking it upon themselves to justify what a God of love is to them based on their own ideas and desires. The saints of God as a body are certainly not displaying it on the larger scale...

Today, I would like all of us to evaluate what kind of love we are showcasing. We can disagree with someone without getting out of a loving character. We can point someone to the Truth without being disrespectful. Remember how Christ himself displayed a love that caused prostitutes, thieves, and other sinners to change their lives for the better.

Are you so caught up in proving your point that you are missing the point? We're not here to force people to change. We're here to bring others to Christ. Once we get them to the Cross, He'll take care of the rest.

Have a blessed, loving day everyone!

Verse of the Day: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.  John 13:35

Out With the Old, Time for Some New!

I am truly an American. I’m not a die-hard patriotic. I can’t recall all the details of our nation’s history. Yet, the culture, thinking, and ways of this place have seeped into my soul.

I am normally concerned with those things that affect my little microcosm world. If it doesn’t affect my family, my friends, my work, or my interests, I really don’t want to be bothered with it. Yes, being a Christian has widened my scope to some degree, but when it all boils down: I’m concerned about ME.

This year, I’m throwing that bad mentality out the window! There is a world out there that is lost and dying, and someone has to go out and let them know the truth. No longer can I sit in my church and pray that they somehow miraculously stumble into my path. I have to go out and stumble into theirs!

So, I am looking at some volunteer organizations to get involved with. I am investigating some charities (outside of my church) to support financially. More importantly, I am going to keep my spiritual eyes, ears, and my physical mouth open to what the Holy Spirit is leading me to do.

Usually I am in my own lane, zooming from one place to the next, barely taking notice of the swirling populace around me. No more! It’s time for me to slow down, pay attention, and go outside of my comfort zone. Too many people don’t know God!

I encourage you to take some internal stock as well. If you’re already out spreading the Good News – great! Help some of us come up to that higher level with you!

If you are like me, I challenge you to figure out how you can be more of an active witness for Christ on a daily basis. Christ told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel, but too many of us are sticking to our own tiny doorstep. (Mark 16:15)

Let’s make this a year of outreach and evangelism! They’re out there… Let’s go get ‘em!

Verse of the Day: Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32, 33

Speaking Up

So my mom declared yesterday “Family Day” and after church we all went to see a Chinese dance showcase. The show was okay, but what caught my attention was how blatant the performers were in promoting their Buddhist religion. Over half of the songs and dances were speaking on their faith.

It got me thinking. A lot of us Christians are very private with our faith. Think about it. When was the last time you talked with someone – outside your faith – about the love of God? (And I’m not talking about a debate either.) When’s the last time you spoke on how your Christianity strengthens your daily life? (Facebook statuses don’t count.) Has someone come to realize the greatness of Jesus because of a discussion they had with you? Do the people around you even know that you're saved?

I know that I can 'self-intimidate' myself into staying silent at times. I let fear of other people's reactions cause me to hesistate in sharinng the Gospel. But it's time for me to let go of fear and choose to obey the creed that Jesus left for all Christians. He told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel, and who am I to disobey His will? (Mark 16:15)

So, let’s challenge ourselves, shall we? Today, let’s purpose to speak up about the God we serve. Let’s make an effort to utilize the ‘windows’ that God puts in our path and shift someone’s focus to the Lord. Who knows what souls could be saved as a result of our boldness!

Today’s Verse: For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed… Luke 9:26