Monday, June 6, 2011

Christian Pick-up Lines

1) Nice bible 2) I would like to pray with you 3) You know Jesus? Me too! 4) God told me to come talk to you 5) I know a church where we could go and talk 6) How about a hug, sister? 7) Do you need help carrying your bible? It looks heavy. 8) Christians don't shake hands, Christians gotta hug 9) Oh you are cold, Ecclesiastes 4:11 10) Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven? 11) What are your plans for tonight? Feel like a bible study? 12) I am here for you. 13) The Word says "Give drink to those who are thirsty, and feed the hungry". How about dinner? 14) You don't have an accountability partner? Me neither! 15) You want to come over and watch the 10 commandments tonight? 16) Is it a sin that you stole my heart? 17) Would you happen to know a Christian woman that I could love with all my heart and wait on hand and foot? 18) Nice bracelet. Who would Jesus date? I, I, mean "What Would Jesus Do" 19) Do you believe in Divine appointment? 20) Have you ever tried praying at a drive in movie before? 21) Excuse me, I believe one of your ribs belongs to me. 22) My friend told me to come and meet you, he said that you are a really nice person. I think you know him. Jesus yeah that's his name. 23) You know they say that you have never really dated, until you have dated a Christian. 24) Yeah I predicted David over Goliath. 25) What? Friends listen to Amazing Grace in the dark. 26) We have to hold hands when we pray so the circle won't be broken. 27) God has used you to teach me what true love really is. 28) Christians kiss before parting -- it's an old Jewish tradition."

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Devil Is a Liar and His Breath Stinks

In speaking to His Followers, Jesus says this; John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

In speaking to the Unbeliever Jesus says this; John 8:23-24 23 And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

In His words to the Believers He makes this promise; John 8:31-32 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

And to the Religious He says; John 8:44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Notice the differences between Follower and Believer and the similarities between the Unbeliever and the Religious:

You are not a Believer just because you follow Jesus. Meaning, just because you go to church on Sundays or pray for your food at meals, just because you are a good person because being good makes you feel better about yourself doesn’t make you a Believer. Jesus said that one must remain “faithful to His teachings,” (Vs 31 NLT). And not just on Sundays or when it makes you feel good, but at all times. To remain faithful means that even when it will cause you pain, discomfort or even shame, you still apply His Word to your actions. That is what makes you a Believer, when His Word is reflected in your life at ALL times.

Having some experience with being religious I know the one thing all religious people tend to do, they judge the unbeliever. To a religious person an unbeliever is condemned and not worth the sacrifices of Love. But Jesus, though He sternly admonished them, embraced them and drew them in so He can then lead them into all Truth. (Vs. 26 I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.)

His comparisons were not made to condemn or to set one above the other, but they were made to draw the other in and inspire Hope and Peace, to embrace them with Love and to express the promise of inclusion, that all are able to be adopted into the royal family of God. (Vs. 29-30 29 And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” 30 Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.)

I believe the biggest deception played out in man is that being religious will earn you a place in Heaven. Who will be more surprised when they wake up in Hell, the unbeliever or the religious person? The Good News is, that Jesus has made a way for All to repent and find Salvation. The Truth is, the Miracle of the Cross has broken the chains of the apathetic follower of Christ, the doubting unbeliever and the deception of religion! Jesus remains faithful to His promise made so long ago, He will dispel the lies of Satan and give us the Truth, and that Truth will make us Free!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Through My Valleys

I have found that God speaks to us in many different ways, He sends "His Word" to us, sometimes when we least expect it.

I have learned to listen for the "voice of God" when my faith is tested. Of course I search the Scriptures and I might choose a preaching CD or podcast on the topic of my trial, but mostly I spend my times of testing just listening. His voice may come in the form of something I see, or through a conversation with a total stranger, (yes I do talk to strangers, regardless of what Ronnie James Dio says, haha). The Word from God may come through a friend or a spiritual leader. It may come through a preaching or from a book. Regardless of where it does come from, one thing is certain; If you are not listening, you will miss it. If you remain focused on the problem then the solution may slip right on by.

What I love most about God, and there are many reasons I do love Him, but one main reason is, His still small voice. He comes to me with a still small voice and the quietness of it drowns out all the chaos and noise of trouble. He has taught me to listen when my world is crumbling around me and though sometimes this may seem impossible, and I can hear you now screaming at me 'But You Dont Know What I Am Going Through!' I can promise you this, He does.

If you find yourself struggling through trouble stop where you are, cease all effort to free yourself and listen for His still small voice. It will come. When your mind demands that you think upon your troubles, take that thought captive, make it obedient to Christ and be still and listen. If you can remain expectant and stand back from the worry or the pain or even the fear, then you can be sure you have positioned yourself to hear from God and even more sure He will be faithful and not leave you without direction.

I hope you find yourself on the far side of your valley today, ready for the trek up the mountain of promise. God Bless!