In one of my previous blogs, I wrote about the down side of doing things the wrong way, or more so, not God's way. Today I would like to reflect on how doing what God wants you to do can have the opposite effect.
Twice in one month my niece and nephew have come to spend the weekend with me and both times they have gone to church with us. The church that they sometimes attend is not like our church. We are a very "raise your hands" and "amen" kind of church with clapping, worshiping, and more than the occasional visit to the altar. Not that there is anything wrong with their church, it's just quiet (or dead, as I like to say!) They seem to enjoy our church a lot and clap and sing right along with us.
Chaz is the 9 year old. He loves my son Devin, who was 15 then, so everything Devin does he wants to do. Chaz always sits next to Devin, crosses his legs like Devin, and wants to be wherever he is. What caught my attention was this, as the praise and worship songs came on I looked down at Chaz who was in turn looking up at Devin, who was raising his hand, and Chaz was raising his little hand too! Is it possible that a teenager could be a positive example on a small child? This completely rocked my world! Devin, who the night before had chased them around the house in the dark scaring them, telling ghost stories, and just being involved with them, was teaching this young child how to worship and though Chaz probably didn't realize the concept of why Devin was raising his hand, the act of worship was conveyed to him.
Teenagers are our only hope in a generation that completely lives against everything the Bible says. If a seven year old can worship by watching a 15 year old, think how your home and your children could be affected by the way you are living. They may not understand why they are supposed to live that way, but you have effectively conveyed the message when they mimic the action.
Imagine a world where parents read their Bibles, go to church consistently, and love God with all their hearts, all their minds, and all their strength. Now imagine all the children living that way too!
The Bible says, "Be alert and sober of mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9. Stand firm today in your faith.
Think about it!
Evaluate your lifestyle today. Do you have any good spiritual habits that your kids or family members are seeing? What are you feeding your children about how they are supposed to live? Would you be proud of them if you saw them doing that action in public? Today let God live through you to set the example for your family of believers.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Are You Being a Christian Example?
Too many times as adults we feel entitled to do the things we tell our children not to do. Have you ever heard somebody say to their child "Do as I say, not as I do?" Well that's a hypocrite! The dictionary defines a hypocrite as a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs. Hmmm, is that how we want our children and others to perceive us, as people whose words don't reflect the way we live? That's how I used to live, but that's not how I want to live now.
When I was growing up, drinking, cussing, and partying were all part of the weekend scene. My family didn't take me to church unless somebody died or got married so I wasn't aware of any other lifestyle. Not to say that my family didn't do good things or love me, they loved me like crazy, they just didn't go to church or talk about God and so I carried on that tradition with my life and in turn passed it on to my own children.
As Christians, we sometimes get caught up in what's right for our children and what's right for us, you know as "Adults". The last time I checked, Jesus never said "Everybody over the age of 18 is completely exempt from all my commandments. Go ahead and live your life for you!" If you tell your children not to cuss, then you don't cuss. If you tell them don't drink, then you don't drink. And for goodness sake don't tell your kids to not have sex outside of marriage and then go do it yourselves! Outside of marriage, there should not be any kind of sexual immorality. This is what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NLT) says "When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or who are greedy or are swindlers or idol worshipers. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don't even eat with such people."
What if Jesus had said do as I say not as I do? What if he hung out at the local tavern getting drunk and coersing with prostitutes? Do you think the disciples would have followed Him and believed the things He said? Don't set a double standard for your life. Live like God wants you to. And when in doubt....get your Bible out! It is our way to live handbook you know!
Think about it!
Get your mirror out today and look at yourself and ask "Am I a hypocrite?" What are some things that you can do to change those habits? With God's help we can do some pretty amazing things. Set the standard high for your Christian walk and watch how the world, and your children, react.
When I was growing up, drinking, cussing, and partying were all part of the weekend scene. My family didn't take me to church unless somebody died or got married so I wasn't aware of any other lifestyle. Not to say that my family didn't do good things or love me, they loved me like crazy, they just didn't go to church or talk about God and so I carried on that tradition with my life and in turn passed it on to my own children.
As Christians, we sometimes get caught up in what's right for our children and what's right for us, you know as "Adults". The last time I checked, Jesus never said "Everybody over the age of 18 is completely exempt from all my commandments. Go ahead and live your life for you!" If you tell your children not to cuss, then you don't cuss. If you tell them don't drink, then you don't drink. And for goodness sake don't tell your kids to not have sex outside of marriage and then go do it yourselves! Outside of marriage, there should not be any kind of sexual immorality. This is what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NLT) says "When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or who are greedy or are swindlers or idol worshipers. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don't even eat with such people."
What if Jesus had said do as I say not as I do? What if he hung out at the local tavern getting drunk and coersing with prostitutes? Do you think the disciples would have followed Him and believed the things He said? Don't set a double standard for your life. Live like God wants you to. And when in doubt....get your Bible out! It is our way to live handbook you know!
Think about it!
Get your mirror out today and look at yourself and ask "Am I a hypocrite?" What are some things that you can do to change those habits? With God's help we can do some pretty amazing things. Set the standard high for your Christian walk and watch how the world, and your children, react.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What would you do for a Klondike bar?
Most of us are probably old enough to remember the advertisement for the famous Klondike bar. For those of you that don't know what a Klondike bar is, it is a chocolate covered ice cream square that, according to the commercial, people would do just about anything or give up anything to get.
For some reason this little ditty "What would you doooo for a Klondike bar?" (You have to imagine it being sung) popped into my head this morning and made me think, "If so many people were willing to give up anything or do just about anything for a Klondike bar, how much more would they give up for eternal life?"
My mind flashes back to that morning in March of 2000 when God called me into His Kingdom. I remember the feeling of abandonment and longing to be with the One that gave me life. I went down front weeping like a child knowing that my life would be forever changed. And it was. Don't get me wrong there were several years of backsliding and living a lifestyle that I knew didn't glorify God in the least, but God had a plan to bring me back.
On September 27, 2009 something drastic happened in our family. During revival at our church, my husband gave his life to Jesus. The transformation was unmistakingly the work of God! My husband was very much caught up in a lifestyle of alcohol, material things, and doing his own thing, paying no attention to his family, which was slowly leaving the scene. September 28 all the alcohol was taken out of the house and has never returned. The language, the desire to be better than the Jone's, and the need to be with his friends and not his family no longer kept him hostage. He was a new creation: A husband, a father, and a child of God! What more could I ask for?
It has been over 3 1/2 years since that momentous occasion that sparked not only his transformation but my renewed dedication to God. No longer am I held to meet the world's expectations. I had and still have a new better standard. A standard that God sets for me. I want to do what God wants me to and I will do anything and give up anything to please Him. In the meantime, I can buy a Klondike bar, I can't buy my salvation.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Think about it!
Are you giving up anything for God today? Have you taken time out of your busy schedule to spend with God? Do you want Him to have control over your life? Talk to Him today. Ask him what he would have you to do today and follow in complete obedience.
For some reason this little ditty "What would you doooo for a Klondike bar?" (You have to imagine it being sung) popped into my head this morning and made me think, "If so many people were willing to give up anything or do just about anything for a Klondike bar, how much more would they give up for eternal life?"
My mind flashes back to that morning in March of 2000 when God called me into His Kingdom. I remember the feeling of abandonment and longing to be with the One that gave me life. I went down front weeping like a child knowing that my life would be forever changed. And it was. Don't get me wrong there were several years of backsliding and living a lifestyle that I knew didn't glorify God in the least, but God had a plan to bring me back.
On September 27, 2009 something drastic happened in our family. During revival at our church, my husband gave his life to Jesus. The transformation was unmistakingly the work of God! My husband was very much caught up in a lifestyle of alcohol, material things, and doing his own thing, paying no attention to his family, which was slowly leaving the scene. September 28 all the alcohol was taken out of the house and has never returned. The language, the desire to be better than the Jone's, and the need to be with his friends and not his family no longer kept him hostage. He was a new creation: A husband, a father, and a child of God! What more could I ask for?
It has been over 3 1/2 years since that momentous occasion that sparked not only his transformation but my renewed dedication to God. No longer am I held to meet the world's expectations. I had and still have a new better standard. A standard that God sets for me. I want to do what God wants me to and I will do anything and give up anything to please Him. In the meantime, I can buy a Klondike bar, I can't buy my salvation.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Think about it!
Are you giving up anything for God today? Have you taken time out of your busy schedule to spend with God? Do you want Him to have control over your life? Talk to Him today. Ask him what he would have you to do today and follow in complete obedience.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
None are Good, No Not One
I participated in a Bible study a year or so ago called "The Christian Atheist". The focus for the night was believing in God but living like He's not fair. My eyes were opened to some pretty convicting truths.
Psalm 53:2-4 says, "God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on God." On so many occasions I find myself not understanding why something bad happens to good people. Why would God take somebody's child with cancer or in a car accident? My brain just can't understand it. One of my friends said, "I have two children. It's hard enough for me to decide which one I could give up, but God gave His ONLY son for our sins!" Oh what a sacrifice!
The author of this Bible study, Craig Groeschel asks, "Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen anything? Have you ever put anything before God? Then you are a liar, a thief, and an idolater!" Whoa now, I've done all those things!
In life it is easy to look at people, and even our own selves, and think we are good or they are good, when essentially, none of us are good, no not one. He doesn't owe us good, because we deserve death for our sinful natures, but He extends mercy when we turn to Him in humble abandonment. Thank God each day if you are saved that your sins are as far as the east is from the west. If you are not saved, maybe it's time to start listening to that still small voice calling your name. He's waiting for you.
Think about it!
Are you believing in God but think He's not fair? Do you think you are good? The Bible says that Jesus didn't come for the righteous, He came for the sinners. So if we are good, then Jesus didn't come for us. Think about that.
Psalm 53:2-4 says, "God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on God." On so many occasions I find myself not understanding why something bad happens to good people. Why would God take somebody's child with cancer or in a car accident? My brain just can't understand it. One of my friends said, "I have two children. It's hard enough for me to decide which one I could give up, but God gave His ONLY son for our sins!" Oh what a sacrifice!
The author of this Bible study, Craig Groeschel asks, "Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen anything? Have you ever put anything before God? Then you are a liar, a thief, and an idolater!" Whoa now, I've done all those things!
In life it is easy to look at people, and even our own selves, and think we are good or they are good, when essentially, none of us are good, no not one. He doesn't owe us good, because we deserve death for our sinful natures, but He extends mercy when we turn to Him in humble abandonment. Thank God each day if you are saved that your sins are as far as the east is from the west. If you are not saved, maybe it's time to start listening to that still small voice calling your name. He's waiting for you.
Think about it!
Are you believing in God but think He's not fair? Do you think you are good? The Bible says that Jesus didn't come for the righteous, He came for the sinners. So if we are good, then Jesus didn't come for us. Think about that.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Right Decisions and their consequences
I found myself, a few months back, having to make a very tough decision concerning my daughter. In February of this year she found out that she was pregnant. While this was not the situation that I wanted for her at 18 years old, I had raised babies before and knew that would be doable(if that's a word). With the semester drawing to a close, we had to make a decision as to where my daughter and the father of her baby would live. I had the grand idea to let them stay with us, in separate bedrooms of course, but still together in our house without being married. About 2 weeks later when we were taking my daughter back to school, my friend told me that she didn't think that it was right to let my daughter and her boyfriend live together even if it was going to be separate rooms. My heart sank as I realized that she was right. God knew how much I loved my daughter and He knew the plans He had for her and our soon to be grandbaby. After talking to a few close Christian friends, I came to the conclusion that this was not the right choice for me and my family. I still had a 15 year old son at home to raise. What would this teach him? How would he interpret our decision either way? It was too much to think about! I called my daughter and told her the bad news, that while she was more than welcome to come home and raise the baby here, her boyfriend was not going to be living here with her. I know it took her by surprise but she made her decision. They would move in with his family. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make.
Now I am the proud grandparent of one beautiful little girl and I love her so much. I miss her since we are two hours away but my heart and prayers are with her.
God says in His word: 20 This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. 21 In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:19-21)
Think about it!
What decisions are you struggling with today? Are there decisions that you need to make? Are you ready to suffer the consequences for the right decisions? Reflect today on what is important to you and seek God's will in it, maybe phone a Christian friend for backup.
Now I am the proud grandparent of one beautiful little girl and I love her so much. I miss her since we are two hours away but my heart and prayers are with her.
God says in His word: 20 This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. 21 In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:19-21)
Think about it!
What decisions are you struggling with today? Are there decisions that you need to make? Are you ready to suffer the consequences for the right decisions? Reflect today on what is important to you and seek God's will in it, maybe phone a Christian friend for backup.
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