I have been volunteering at our church’s Vacation Bible School. Last night, the children’s pastor had them play a game where one student went up on stage and was blindfolded. Then he hid a lantern on the stage. That student’s teammates had to “cheer” when the student was moving in the right direction toward the light and “boo” when they were going the wrong way. It was loud!
Watching the fun, I realized, shouldn’t we do the same with people who have not accepted Jesus? I mean, shouldn’t we “cheer” them on when they go in the right direction? And shouldn’t we be loud? Then, likewise, shouldn’t we show our disapproval when we see someone making bad decisions and or walking away from the Light?
People who have not accepted Jesus Christ yet and have had their sins forgiven are indeed blind to the truth. And the devil does everything he can to confuse, distract, or lie to them to keep them away from God. He tries so hard to convince them that they know the way and can do life on their own, their way. The Bible has some things to say about this.
This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. Mat. 13:13 (NIV)
If our Message is obscure to anyone, it’s not because we’re holding back in any way. No, it’s because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won’t have to bother believing a Truth they can’t see. They’re stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we’ll ever get. 2 Cor. 4:3-4 (MSG)
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)
One man bragged that he had a trophy wife. His buddy said, “Yeah, but she came in sixth place!”
I know a man, and the second time I had a conversation with him, the Holy Spirit whispered, “Watch out for this man. Don’t get too close to him and guard what you say to him.” He started sharing with me his religious trophies. In other words, what he thought he had done “for God,” but in reality, he did them for himself. There was one such trophy that shocked me when he shared it. He seemed proud of it, too, which bothered me. It was something that didn’t seem right, for one who claims to be a Christ follower, to be a part of.
I’m sorry I can’t reveal more about what he told me because it is possible that some who read these blogs know him and I have always strived not to expose people for what they are, but to make a point. Who this man is isn’t important, but his being “religious” is!
Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world. Jam. 1:26-27 (MSG)
Focusing on the part of the above verse that is labeled as “Real religion” is really about “love.” God’s love. Simply loving on people. Bob Goff wrote a book about it titled “Love Does.” I’ve had the opportunity to hear Bob speak in person. One story he shared I can’t forget.
He said he was picked up at the airport in a limo. On his way to his hotel, he asked the young driver, “Have you ever ridden back here?” “No,” said the chauffeur. Bob says he thought for a moment and then said, “Why don’t you pull over and get back here and I’ll drive for you.” “What?” exclaimed the driver. “Of course, if we do this, you have to let me wear the hat!” They exchanged places. The young man had never been shown or felt such love.
Doing something out of the ordinary for someone else gets their attention. They sit up and start paying attention to why this person is different than anyone they have ever met. Many times, they will even ask, “Why are you doing this?” Or, “Why are you different?” Jesus dined with tax collectors, and they were considered bad people. He became friends with a woman caught in adultery. He understood and didn’t condemn when a woman went against her culture to touch the hem of his garment.
Those people didn’t see “religion,” they saw “love in motion.” Jesus never dragged out his trophies of all the miracles he had performed and showed them off. He never had the disciples stop and polish them either. Jesus simply loved, and talked about his heavenly Father and a better way to live.
I can’t recall when or how God told me his secret, but He did. It might have been a dream, or perhaps a thought all of a sudden came into my mind. I do remember thinking, “Why me? I can’t be the best Christian on Earth right now. Not even close!”
My next thought was, “What am I to do with this secret? Keep it? Spill it to everybody? Convey it in a video blog and post it on Facebook and YouTube? I did feel honored, though. Actually, kind of special. Then I wondered if this was how Mary felt when the angel of the Lord revealed to her that she would have God’s Son, Jesus.
Wow! I know God’s secret. Before this, I only knew Victoria’s Secret. Do you want to know what God’s secret is? Of course, you do. Humans are naturally curious. If I tell you, will you respond correctly? Will you share it with others? Will you place the right amount of importance on it? I hope so.
Have you ever noticed those videos, like on Facebook, where they say they are going to share with you the secret to something? But all they do is talk around the secret or about the secret, trying to get you to click on a link and eventually get money out of you. Those are annoying.
Okay. Here it is; God’s secret is when his Son, Jesus, will appear in the sky above the Earth and call his church home. The religious word for that event is the Rapture. God didn’t tell me his secret. In fact, He hasn’t told anyone, not even his Son, Jesus. And here is why I think that is. If He did, people would live a life pleasing to God right before the event would take place, only to escape going to hell. God wants people to love him and accept his Son, Jesus, and then live a life in his presence, loving others and sharing the gospel with them, hoping they would enter his kingdom.
Share God with others as if Jesus’ return is today, and it very well could be. Compel them, Luke tells us in his gospel, to come into the kingdom of God, to join his family. Tell everyone about God’s secret. Now that I have told you, will you respond correctly? Will you share it with others? Will you place the right amount of importance on it? I hope so.
“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.” Mat. 24:36 (MSG)
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thes. 4:16-17 (KJV)
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23 (KJV)
“Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed.” The writer of Hebrews encourages us to show hospitality. “Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!” (Heb. 13:2)
Many years ago, I was the best man at a friend’s wedding. I’m sure there were many better men than me there, but that was the title and role I was asked to serve. Having a small amount of authority at the event, it was brought to my attention that a man was seen stuffing cake into a napkin and placing it inside his pocket. I approached the gentleman and started the interrogation. “Friend of the bride or groom?” I asked. The man put his head down and said he would leave quietly.
As I convinced him he was okay to stay, I soon learned he was homeless and hungry. The wedding and reception were ending, and I asked him to stay put while I completed my duties. He did.
I told him he could spend the night in my apartment. On the way there, we stopped at a Burger King. He ate as if it was his first time eating in months, and perhaps it was for a hot meal. After getting home, I realized he needed his clothes washed and a shower. I offered both to him, and he accepted. Then I found out that those were his only clothes, so we went into my closet, and he picked out a shirt and a pair of pants. The only problem was he was much taller than me. So, after he went to bed, I let out the hem as much as possible.
I slept on the sofa, and the next morning, I fixed him a hearty breakfast and packed a lunch. I invited him to my church, but instead, he asked to be dropped off in town. I did. Later, I started crying as Matthew 25:36 came flooding into my mind.
I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
Ever since that night, I have wondered if I indeed entertained an angel. Never once did I fear for my life while that man was in my presence. Instead, I felt good for helping someone in need.
Being able to help someone with resources means living within your means. That way, you can meet someone else’s needs. One of the reasons April and I got the upstairs of our home remodeled was so we could offer a safe, warm place to one who needs to feel full, comfortable, and secure.
“People don’t know how expensive it is to be poor!” From the movie “Straw.” It is hard for me to relate to the above quote. I’m not privileged or from a wealthy family, but compared to 99% of the rest of the world, I am rich.
None of us get to choose who and where we are born. If given a choice, most of us would pick a wealthy family in America so we would have opportunities. The movie Straw portrayed a side of life that a lot of people deal with every day. The movie was good, but the language was very rough. Honestly, it was difficult for me to relate to, but I feel for anyone who is struggling financially.
There are situations where individuals struggle due to their own issues and decisions. There are usually ways out of your current situation and ways or means to better your life. I’m sure doing so is a huge fight and it probably feels like trying to climb Mt. Everest, almost impossible. But there are stories of people who do it.
Struggling financially is certainly not the life God had wanted or planned for people. He placed Adam and Eve in a garden. And Jesus said in John 10:10 that he had come to give people life and to give it to them more abundantly. The one word that determines abundant living is “contentment.” Someone who is just barely making ends meet might say they are content. They have a warm, safe place, food on the table, and reliable transportation. For one who has limited resources, if any one of those needs more and they don’t have more, that is when they can get into trouble.
They can quickly find themselves without a place to live, struggling to put food on the table, or having a vehicle they cannot afford to maintain. They may suffer a physical illness that they can’t afford, or if they can’t get to work, they could lose their job, and that might cause them to lose where they are living. I can understand why someone would get depressed and potentially snap.
Living a life that is surrounded by sin and that is open to demonic influence doesn’t make life easy either. In the first part of John 10:10, Jesus tells people that Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Satan wants to influence people to the point where their lives are ruined!
I contribute what I have to God. He has guided me in making good decisions. I’m not bragging because it was God, and I am not a financial genius, but I was able to retire at the age of 55. I have a home that has increased in value by $134,000 from when I bought it eight years ago. I live within my means, and I tithe on the income I have. God upholds his end of the tithing thing. He closes the mouth of the devourer. (Mal. 3:10-11) I do drive an old, beat-up car that is 15 years old, but it is dependable. I give God all the credit and the glory.
Do life WITH God. Accept Jesus, have your sins forgiven, and get on a road that leads to contentment. Learn how to live life abundantly.
I met a guy the other day who admitted he wasn’t a Christian. I think he said he wasn’t sure about the whole man needs saving from his sins thing and that the only way to heaven was through Jesus. His wife recently asked Jesus into her life because of the change in her father after he did and then the miraculous healing that took place in him. Perhaps I’ll share his testimony in some post.
As the guy and I talked, I kept saying to myself, “Don’t be weird, and don’t be ‘religious.’” I don’t think Jesus was when he had conversations with those who had not yet accepted him and had not started following him. I wanted him to see that some Christ followers are just regular people who love God because He first loved us.
The man was highly intelligent and extremely funny, although some of his humor was a little dark. Speaking of dark, he told me he tried to get his wife to put some kind of balls in her pockets when she was baptized. He said it would have turned the water black. He laughed, implying that perhaps she hadn’t bathed in a while. I thought about it, and I said, “She should have!” He looked at me with a strange look. “I said that would have been symbolic of what happens when one accepts Jesus and gets baptized. Their sins, their filth, are washed away, and they come out clean, forgiven.”
As we were ending our time together, I told him that it was okay, as he was on his own private journey to God. I also told him that we (the church) loved him. He was surprised and asked, “Why? You all don’t know me.” I replied, “True, but God does, and He loves you, so we love you.” The Holy Spirit whispered that line to me. I’m not that smart.
I hope and pray those last words will become like a pebble in his shoe. As he walks and continues his journey, the pebble, those words will not depart from him, but will be like a goad that leads him to Christ.
And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice in the Hebrew tongue saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you continue to persecute Me [to harass and trouble and molest Me]? It is dangerous and turns out badly for you to keep kicking against the goads [to keep offering vain and perilous resistance]. Acts 26:14 (AMPC)
“What good is studying the Bible if you don’t apply it?” That is the question I had asked April a few times. She defends herself by replying that she is shy, scared, or not comfortable. I understand because I used to be like her when it came to sharing Jesus with people. Then one day, I realized,
I have nothing to lose, but they have everything to gain!
I have shown April different methods of approaching people. Most appreciate that you have noticed them and their need. Occasionally, someone will say, “No, thank you,” to your offer to help them or to pray for them. It’s okay, because at least they know someone cared enough to stop their busy life to pay attention to theirs.
That is what happened last Saturday. April and I were eating our breakfast at a local restaurant when I noticed a worker on break talking on her phone. I also saw that she was crying. I nudged April and whispered that here is her chance to minister. She resisted at first, but I think God has been dealing with her about this as well. She got up and approached the woman. She asked if she was okay and if she would like us to pray for her. The worker seemed embarrassed and waved us off. But before going back to work, she thanked us for caring.
I have written before that it starts with “seeing” someone in need. Then caring enough to get involved. That is what Jesus did. He was bold!
Recently, April and I were making a purchase. While the merchant was getting all the paperwork in order, he suddenly opened up about his grandfather, who had just retired and then found out he had a large polyp in his colon. As he shared, you could tell he loved his grandfather and was fearful of the family getting the worst results from the biopsy.
I ministered hope to him and assured him we would be praying for both. I asked if his grandfather was ready to stand before God and give an account of how he had lived his life. The young man assured me that he was. But as the conversation continued, it became known that this young man was living with a woman he wasn’t married to. His guilt was obvious. I didn’t judge him for his life choice.
As I have been praying for him and his grandfather, I get a sense that God is using his grandfather’s situation to pursue him. He texted me last week and informed me that our order was delayed. It gave me an opportunity to share with him what I felt when praying. He did say his grandfather has started receiving treatment.
Our world, your world, is full of people who are hurting or struggling with life issues. They need God. They need us to be bold like Jesus and to step up, step out in faith, and share the truth with them. You may never know what kind of impact you will make in their lives until you get to heaven.
He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” Acts 1:7-8 (MSG)
It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.” Rom. 1:16-17 (MSG)
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Mat. 5:14-16 (MSG)
We all like heroes. Marvel Comics has proven that with their highly successful movies. It can make us feel good knowing that someone can do something that we cannot do. Perhaps, inside all of us is a secret desire to be a superhero. To have the abilities to do things, hopefully for others, that would help them or better their lives.
Recently, when out and about, I may stop and ask someone for some help. For instance, last week, I asked an older lady at Aldis where they keep ricotta cheese. She told me that it would probably be with the cottage cheese. A few minutes later, I would learn that it indeed was.
I thanked her for her help and said, “You’re my new superhero. In fact, are you wearing a cape?” as I looked behind her. She started laughing pretty loudly and exclaimed, “Oh my goodness. You just made my day.” I have used that line several times, and it always makes people smile and feel special. There is also a popular song titled “Hero” by the Christian rock group Skillet.
Two of the lines in the song go like this:
A hero’s not afraid to give his life A hero’s gonna save me just in time.
One might say that Jesus Christ is the ultimate hero. He laid down his life for us because he was not afraid to die. He knew three days later he would be alive again. And he came here from heaven to save us from eternal death. By accepting him and what he did on the cross, which forgives us of our sins, we can live forever with him.
You need a hero. You need Jesus. Please accept or invite him into your life to save you and then to help you with whatever you need. With anything that matters to you, because it matters to him.
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16-18 (MSG)
I learned a couple of weeks ago about an older gentleman who passed away. I had only known him for about twenty years. He was always smiling and had such a sweet, gentle spirit of God about him. He was very positive in his attitude and way of life and very encouraging, too.
He was the kind of man that you never minded being around. When I met him, he had already aged. Wrinkled skin, and what hair he had was grey. If there were ever an “Adopt a Grandparent” program, he would be the first man to be picked. Hearing of his passing was difficult to accept, but knowing that he was now in heaven and that I was prepared to go there myself, I knew I would see him again. So I didn’t have to say, “Goodbye,” but instead said, “See ya later.”
If you are ready to stand before God and know that your sins have been forgiven by accepting Jesus Christ into your life, and a person you know has, too, then you have the hope of seeing them again. But if one of you has not accepted Jesus, then when death occurs, you or they will never be seen again.
I never did find out when his funeral was going to be, so I didn’t attend. But a few nights ago, I had a dream with him and his wife in it. The atmosphere was nice and sweet. The sun was shining very brightly, and the birds were chirping. We were trying to get somewhere but had trouble finding the correct path that would lead us to our destination. The three of us laughed at our struggle and kept trying.
When I woke up and recalled the dream, I had a good feeling in my spirit. I knew it was me saying to him, “See ya later.” Then, watching him walk ahead alone, leaving his wife and me behind.” I’m glad I had the opportunity to know him and spend the time we had together.
I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, Phi. 1:3 (ASV)
And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. 1 Thes. 4:13-14 (MSG)
When you are at a crossroads, it means you have a decision to make. Sometimes, what to do can be painful. Jesus faced such a time when he was talking to his heavenly Father about facing impending crucifixion on the cross.
He pulled away from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?” At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face. Luke 22:41-44 (MSG)
Since the entire Christian faith is based upon Jesus dying on the cross, I can’t imagine what we would do if he hadn’t. As a human, I can understand why he wouldn’t want to. After all, he was an innocent man. But he knew taking on all the sins of the world was the whole reason he came to Earth, to begin with.
Jesus’ Father did indeed help him face the cross and continue up the hill to do His will.
What decision are you facing? Are you going to do God’s will, or are you going to decide what you want? Your heavenly Father is waiting to help you if you will only ask. Doing what God wants may be painful and challenging, or it may not make sense to you or others, but I assure you it is the right decision and could change the lives of others for the better.
Today is “Good Friday.” The day we recognize that Jesus died on the cross. Every person on Earth comes to their own crossroad where they face the cross. They have to make a decision: are they going to accept Jesus and his forgiveness for their sins, or are they going to turn and walk away? I pray you nail your sins to the cross and begin to truly live life the way God intended, with Him and His love. Do it today, and today will be your “Good Friday!”
“Thank you, God, for giving us your Son. Thank you, Jesus, for doing the hard thing and submitting to the cross. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for raising Jesus from the dead and for rolling the stone away from his grave. I will be eternally grateful.” – Mark
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16-18 (MSG)
brady, mark a. 