Urgent Message

Brothers and Sisters

I write to you now, begging, pleading for prayer for the spiritual wellbeing of our city.  For those of you who aren’t aware, Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS has targeted Sioux Falls for a potentially detrimental spiritual assault this weekend.  The message this group bears is one of hatred and condemnation.  They preach the wrath of God, and fail to preach his love, mercy and forgiveness.  While the Bible does show clearly that God hates sin, it also shows that he loves people…ALL people.

Take a look at John 4.  Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Galilee.  Coming upon a town in Samaria, Jesus sits down by a well, tired from his journey.  Soon a Samaritan woman approaches.  Without hesitation, Jesus asks her for a drink.  Now, this may seem insignificant, but keep in mind, Jews did not associate with Samaritans at this time and surely did not drink from the same cup.  She responds with shock, asking why he would ask her for a drink.  As their conversation progresses, Jesus reveals that he knows she lives a sinful life.  The woman not only has 5 husbands, but now lives with a 6^th man she’s not married to.  Although he does point out to her that she lives a life of sin, he shows her this with love instead of condemnation…and what happens?  She goes back to town, tells everyone what happened and more people come to hear Jesus speak.  Because he treated this woman with mercy and love, she believed.  And because of her testimony, many believed.

Turn to John 8. Jesus is at the Temple. As he teaches the crowd that has gathered, the Pharisees and the teachers of religious law bring in a woman caught in adultery. Standing in front of the crowd, they proclaim condemnation on this woman, saying the law of Moses commands them to stone her. After asking Jesus for his opinion on this, Jesus stoops down and begins writing in the dust with his finger. The woman’s accusers are relentless, demanding an answer, so Jesus stands up and says, “All right…but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he bends down again and continues writing. As his words sink in, her accusers slowly slip away until only Jesus is left with the woman. As Jesus stands again, he turns to the woman and asks her where her accusers have gone and if any of them have thrown a stone. She tells him they hadn’t, and Jesus replies, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” Of everyone witnessing this, Jesus was the only one without sin, and even he did not condemn the woman. He loved her. He freed her. While he didn’t condone her sin, he didn’t condemn her because of it.

The Bible says all of us have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Not a single one of us has the right to condemn souls to hell.  This is not to say we should not stand up for what is right.  Sin is wrong and I will never say any different.  Nowhere in scripture does Jesus excuse it.  But he never rebukes sin with protests, hate marches, malicious words or condemnation.  He convicts us with truth, redirects us with love, changes us with mercy.

Brothers and sisters, Matthew 7 warns us about false prophets.  Scripture says they come to us in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  We can recognize them by their fruits.  Does their message line up with the Bible?  Are they walking in the footsteps of Jesus?  Be on guard.

Our battle is not carnal.  We are in the midst of a spiritual war.  In Ephesians 6:12, Paul tells us that our struggle is against the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world and against the evil spirits in the heavenly realms.  He then urges us to be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.  We are to put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the devil’s evil schemes.

¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

So rise up, brothers and sisters.  Take a stand.  We are promised VICTORY in Jesus’ name.  We WILL prevail.  Speak truth.  Walk in faith.  Live in light.  Love all people.  Pray continually.   Be an example.  Be bold.  Be courageous.  Our weapons have DIVINE power and strongholds WILL be demolished (2 Corinthians 10).  NO weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).  Evil WILL fall.  The devil WILL flee (James 4:7).

In Jesus, we ARE victorious.

Humble Admission

I’ve spent over a week contemplating what to write to you.  Searching every inch of myself…my past, my experiences, my stories…  And yet, inspiration remains a distant, unattainable goal.  Naturally, as a writer, this has frustrated me to no end.

Tonight I had a revelation.  I remember a sermon once about being an effective Christian in a lost world.  During the sermon, the pastor said something that really hit me.  He said, “You couldn’t run a marathon without proper training and conditioning.  Imagine trying to do that without ever running before, without proper nutrition, without hydration.  You wouldn’t make it very far.  It’s the same with Christianity.  If you want to be an effective Christian, you have to have consistent, proper training.”  The thought crossed my mind tonight that as my life has gotten busier, the first thing I have cut out is Jesus.  I habitually tell myself that he will be there when I’m done with all this (ultimately unimportant) stuff that I need to do first.  And slowly, he slips further and further down my list of priorities until nearly everything comes before my relationship with him.  No wonder inspiration is so lacking.

As much as I hate to cut this short, I must put an end to this madness and get my priorities in order.  I leave you this little blessing.  Goodnight all my dear friends and forgive me for not being the blessing God has called me to be.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Carpe Diem

After a week full of chaos and pandemonium following my grandma’s passing, I finally have found a moment to sit down and write again. As I’m sure you can imagine, this week has given me a lot to think about. I’ve contemplated death over and over again. I will admit it scares me a little. I’m not afraid of where I’ll end up as I am quite confident in my salvation. What I fear is how I will die. I have a rather low pain tolerance and I am easily anxious, thus prompting my mind’s discontent with the subject.

This, however, is not the purpose of why I write to you. My purpose is to talk about life.

Oddly enough, this week has, in fact, sparked much thought about life and just how we spend this precious time we’re given. I, for one, don’t want to get to the end of my life and wish I had done anything differently. As I contemplate the short time I have here, Paul’s words in Philippians 1:20-24 keep coming to mind:

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.  For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.  But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.  I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.   But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

As humans, it is easy to get wrapped up in the mundane busyness of life – a snare I find myself falling into more than I’d like to admit. But when I read these words, I’m reminded of my purpose here on earth. As Christians, life holds invaluable purpose and meaning – an incredible honor which brings innumerable responsibilities. It is our job, our mission to share the Gospel with those around us – to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20). This concept is humbling to me. To know my life is part of such an incredible mission is truly overwhelming. But this knowledge also pushes me – I strive to know God more so I can be everything he’s created me to be, bringing glory to him and blessing to those around me.

Paul’s message holds more blessing than just a purpose-filled life here on earth for those of us committed to Christ. He also shares his hope and excitement at the prospect of spending eternity with Jesus. Death isn’t scary when Jesus is our focus. In reality, death for Christians is not death at all. It is just a passage from this life to even more life – a new life filled with immeasurable blessing and eternal joy. God promises in 1 Corinthians 2:9 that “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor mind conceived what God has in store for those who love him.” No matter how wonderful we imagine eternity with Jesus to be, reality will always trump our imagination. That is incredible.

So while we wait (patiently…) for our glorious eternity with Jesus, we must remember to use our time wisely.  In Isaiah 40:6-7, scripture says, “…people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people.” And in James 4:14, it is written that life is like the morning fog, “it is here a little while, then it’s gone.” Our time on earth is short. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. All we are guaranteed is right now so take right now and make it great. Use what you have to bring glory to God. Seize the day. Live to your fullest potential. Serve the Lord. Be a witness – be a blessing. And when you leave this world and meet your maker, he will look at you with love and say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

more about “Carpe Diem“, posted with vodpod

One Life To Love

33Miles

He never thought he cared so much about the minute hand
Until he started praying for, a second chance
If he could only do it all again
He’d trade the long nights that he spent behind his desk
For all he missed

He tells his wife “I wish that this moment in this room was not me dying, but just spending a little time with you.”

Chorus:
You only get just one time around
You only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don’t wanna miss
One day when it’s all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life…
To love….

She never thought she cared so much about those little hands
That held on tight the day she left
‘Til she was scared to death
Sitting all alone on a hotel bed, the end of the road
The sun had set on her big plans
To feel young again

She picks up the phone, dials the number, hears that little voice
That’s haunted every single mile, since she made that choice

Chorus

Give Me Your Eyes

Jesus, may we please see the world through your eyes today. We have no guarantee of tomorrow. Teach us to make the most of every opportunity we have to impact the lives of those around us. No one is out of your reach. We are your servants, Jesus. Use us as your ambassadors to the darkness, so we may bring glory to your name. Thank you, Jesus. We love you. Amen.

more about “Give Me Your Eyes“, posted with vodpod

The Zealous Life

“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made- I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving & dwarfed goals.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me & when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.”

http://www.wayofthemaster.com/confession.shtml

Can you imagine living with such conviction…such passion?  Would you be willing to take that kind of stand for Jesus?  Does your life reflect Jesus the way these words do?

A Rwandan man wrote these words in 1980 as a profession of his faith mere hours before his death. Many people have found inspiration in his words.  However, seeing them manifested in his life is what makes them truly convicting.  The writer was forced by his tribe to either renounce his faith in Christ or die.  He refused to renounce Christ and his life here on earth was ended moments later.

However tragic his story may be, it is not unique.  Stories such as these are being written daily around the world, stories of bravery and courage all for the cause of Jesus Christ.  The following is a story of a 15-year-old Indonesian boy, faced with a similar situation:

The teens could tell that the shouts and chanting were getting closer and closer. An older teen looked nervously at his friend. “The Muslims are coming. We’d better hide the kids,” he said. Others, following his lead, helped the smaller children find hiding places in the buildings nearby. Then they hid themselves.

It was January and a crowd of mostly Christian children and teenagers had gathered for a Bible camp at the Station Field Complex of Pattimura University on the island of Ambon, Indonesia. When the camp was over, cars came to take the laughing, rejoicing children back to their homes. But there were not enough cars to hold the young people.

Mecky Sainyakit and three other Christian men had gone to Wakal village to try to rent additional transportation to take the rest home. But they had not yet come back. What the kids waiting for rides home didn’t know was that on their way to the village, the men were attacked by a Muslim mob, who pulled them from their car and out onto the road. Mecky and one of the other men were stabbed to death, and later their bodies were burned by the mob. The two other men escaped with their lives.

Before long, the mob reached the University. They found many of the teens and forced

them to come out of hiding.

Roy Pontoh was forced from his hiding place and made to stand before the mob.

“Renounce your Jesus, or we will kill you!” they threatened.

Roy was terribly frightened. Though trembling, he answered, “I am a soldier of Christ!”

At this, one of the Muslim attackers swung a sword at his stomach. The sword hit the Bible Roy held, and ripped into it, knocking it out of his hand. The man’s next swing sliced open Roy’s stomach. His last word was “Jesus.”

The mob dragged Roy’s body out and threw it in a ditch. Four days later, his family found it. Even though they are wracked with grief, Roy’s parents stand proud of their son, who stood strong in his faith to the end.

http://www.jesusfreaks.net/excerpts/JF2_Indonesia.pdf

My heart aches as I read such stories. Although I do ache for the tragic situations these martyrs face, my ache reaches far beyond that.  What I find ever more gut-wrenching is the complacency I see in my own life – a complacency that has held me back from sharing the gospel – a complacency that has taught me to do what pleases me instead of what pleases God – a complacency that would, perhaps, cause me to deny Christ if faced with a similar situation.  I live in a country that offers a plethora of religious freedom…a freedom that I fear has bred such complacency in my heart and the hearts of churches across America.  By no means do I wish for torture, don’t misunderstand me.  What I long for is a revelation, a downpour of the Holy Spirit on his church.  I long to see hearts set on fire, hungry and thirsty for righteousness and truth. As I contemplate that thought, I’m prompted to ask myself why we as Americans aren’t desperately seeking God wholeheartedly.

When I was 16, I went to Jamaica on a mission trip.  As I prepared for the trip, I daydreamed about all the ways God would use me while I was gone.  Little did I know, God had plans of his own.  In two short weeks, God turned my world upside down.  I saw the ugliness of my selfish heart as I realized how much I take for granted living in America.  These people had no possessions, lived in shacks, wore rags, ate scraps, and yet, when they praised God, their joy radiated.  In the midst of incredible poverty, there was incredible wealth, a wealth my heart longed for.

America, in all her glory, bombards us with distractions.  Everywhere we look, something else steals our attention.  We live lives of comfort and ease.  If we’re dissatisfied with one thing, we replace it.  Nothing is out of reach; it’s the land of opportunity.  And yet, all that opportunity – all that distraction – prevents us from seeking the greatest joy offered to us.  We all have a void in our lives that can only be filled with Jesus.  Sadly, we try to fill that void with an array of meaningless ambitions – careers, toys, relationships – that ultimately lead to disappointment, which in turn cause us to seek after new meaningless ambitions. It’s a vicious cycle.

There is, however, good news if you’ll take a moment to look through the haze of disappointment and confusion.   I have found that God, in his wisdom and supernatural creativity, is the author of the greatest adventures, adventures beyond our imagination.  Living a life devoted to the Gospel is risky, dangerous, exciting, fulfilling and worth every second.  My eyes were opened to this truth as God pointed out story after story in the Bible of men and women who risked everything in God’s name.

Consider Esther.  She put herself at risk multiple times in an effort to save the lives of her people, first by entering into the presence of King Xerxes without summons and then by revealing herself as a Jew after one of the king’s officials had convinced the king to legalize the killing of the Jews.

What about Paul?  Following his conversion, Paul spent the rest of his life preaching the Gospel, in spite of local law.  He was imprisoned several times throughout his ministry and ultimately sacrificed his life for the sake of the cross.

Think about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refused (not once, but twice) to bow down and worship the golden statue King Nebuchadnezzar had made.  As punishment, the three men were thrown into the fiery furnace.

Or Stephen who was stoned for preaching about Jesus.  Or John the Baptist who was beheaded for his faith.  Or Daniel who refused to stop praying even when it became illegal, punishable by death in a lions’ den.  Or Mary who allowed herself to be impregnated by the Holy Spirit, in spite of the apparent scandal this would cause as unwed woman. Or Jesus who gave up his throne in heaven to come to earth and sacrifice his life so that you and I could be set free from the bondage of sin.

The list is endless.  But they all have one thing in common: they saw the reward and knew the risk was worth it.  This is my challenge for you and me, dear reader:  Give God a chance to write your story.  Take a step forward in faith.  Be bold for him and allow him to work in you and through you.  We will stand in amazement at what he does; I am sure of it.

As a lover of all things artistic, I find much inspiration in music.  The song below has been just that for me in the last several months.  It’s filled with passion and ambition in spite of the difficulties we face in this life.  Read the lyrics.  Listen to the song (http://www.myspace.com/aaronniequist).  Be inspired.  Go change the world.

The Resistance
aaron niequist

all creation waits bated breath in pain
for redemption’s day

all creation cries floods and charcoal skies
things are not alright

with brokenness and broken fists we beat upon the breast of falleness
we hear the call of kingdom come as one more train we chase to only miss

but we will never give up on it

we’re part of the resistance
we’re running in the revolution
we’re part of the insistence
that we are more than institution
we’re part of the tradition
of spirit- powered evolution
we’re part of the resistance
we’re running in a revolution,  revolution

all creation groans in one voice alone
for them to be shown

all creation cries floods and charcoal skies
things are not alright

we’re living in a world built on the walls between the haves and never wills
but we’re following a King who’s ears are bent to those forgotten and unfilled

and He will never give up on it

repeat chorus

we’re standing up
and we’re kneeling down
and we’re digging in
and we’re reaching out
and we’re loving more
and we’re holding less
and we won’t back down
from this holy mess
and we’re choosing hope
and we’re choosing peace
we were chosen by Grace
to bring flesh and feet
to the Loving More
to the Holding Rest
and we won’t back down
and we won’t back down
and we won’t back down
and we won’t back down
and we won’t back down
and we won’t, no,

repeat chorus

**For more information on the martyred church, please visit Voice of the Martyrs at http://www.persecution.com.

How He Loves

I’ve been writing a lot lately, but struggling to finish one thought before I move on to a new one. So while I try to organize my thoughts, I decided to post this video for you. Lyrically poignant, this song has impacted many lives around our nation, glorifying God in the process. Take a moment. Listen to the story and let the truth of the lyrics speak to your heart. Enjoy!

Verse 1:
He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and
When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these
Afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful you are and
How great Your affections are for me

Pre-chorus:
And Oh, How He loves us so
Oh, How He loves us
How He loves us so

Verse 1

Pre-Chorus

Chorus:
He loves us
Whoa, How He loves us
Whoa, How He loves us
Whoa, How He loves
Yeah He loves us
Whoa, How He loves us
Whoa, How He loves us
Whoa, How He loves us

Verse 2:
We are His portion and
He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean we’re all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart turns violently in side of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way

Chorus

Pre-chorus

Chorus

more about “How He Loves“, posted with vodpod

The Awe Factor Of God

Psalm 19:1-4 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

The more I know Jesus intimately, the more I long to see him face to face, to rest in his presence and feel his loving arms surrounding me. It’s hard to have an intimate relationship with someone we cannot see or hear or touch. Many nights I’ve prayed God would allow me a glimpse of his face, a whisper of his voice, a brush of his hand…anything to know he really is with me.Although I am still waiting patiently for the day I will see my king face to face, he’s teaching me to find him in the beauty and majesty of his creation. The Bible says the invisible things of God are clearly seen through his creation (Romans 1:20). Look around you.

more about “The Awe Factor Of God“, posted with vodpod

What’s The Problem With This Picture?

Provoked by the recent hysteria over the Twins victory in the American League Central Division Championship, I am petitioning to you on behalf of Jesus Christ.  Although I understand the passion people have towards sporting events as I too have my favorite teams, I am concerned about the state of my generation when we celebrate a baseball victory with such pomp and circumstance, yet barely make it to church on Sunday morning – if we make it all.  And even when we do, there’s still the question of true consciousness.

By no means do I intend to single out baseball fans, or athletics in general for that matter.  This problem plagues us in areas far beyond baseball diamonds, hockey rinks or football fields.  We idolize actors, singers, writers, models, comedians, politicians, co-workers, friends, family members… you get the picture.  Regardless of who you may personally choose to idolize, the fact remains the same that they are all human…just like any of us.

(Before I go on, I want to clarify.  I don’t think there is anything wrong with being passionate about someone or something.  God wants us to find pleasure in life.  The problem comes when we become more than a fan…when we become obsessed…when that someone or something takes the place of God in our lives.)

So why is it that we can so easily make ourselves look like we’re moments away from the loony bin because the Bears just scored the winning touchdown in the 3^rd overtime, yet stand silently by while the name of Christ is taken in vain?  Why is it that we will jump up and down in mosh pits, screaming lyrics to our favorite songs, crammed up against a thousand sweaty strangers, but we refuse make a peep when someone claims God to be archaic, boring and irrelevant?

Yet…He is the one that saved us from eternal damnation…eternal torture, agony, isolation and hopelessness.  He is the one that left his throne in Heaven to come to this imperfect world and humble himself to the status of a servant.  Then, he humbled himself even further by submitting to a gruesome and torturous death (Philippians 2:5-8).  He didn’t suffer because he had to; he suffered because of his deep, passionate and relentless love for us…for you. He’s the only one who promises never to leave us (and truly never will). So why is it that he gets the back burner?  Why do we reject him, dismiss him, refuse to give him even a fraction of the passion and devotion we offer to mere humans?

Something about this picture seems wrong to me.  Do you agree?

In the movie Fever Pitch, actor Jimmy Fallon portrays Ben, a young school teacher torn between his love for his girlfriend, Lindsey (Drew Barrymore) and his devotion to the Red Sox.  As the tension increases between the two, Ben seeks the advice of one of his students.  After much debating, the student renders him speechless when he asks, “You love the Sox, but have they ever loved you back?”

Now you can fill in the blank.  You love _____________________, but has/have he/she/it/they ever loved you back?

As I contemplated what to say to you, dear reader, I picked up Crazy Love by Francis Chan off my bookshelf, hoping to find inspiration.  I found more than that.  I found conviction.  This is what I read:

This book you have in your hand, Crazy Love, may just be the most challenging book outside God’s Word you will read.  The status quo and the norms of the so-called “Christian” life that so many of us are used to experiencing are in for a shock.  Isn’t it interesting that in Acts 11, at the end of verse 26, it says, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”  What I find interesting is the simple thought that the Christians didn’t name themselves.  But rather, they were called (or named) “Christians” by those watching their lives.  I wonder if it would be the same today.  Could someone look at your life or look at my life and name me a Christian?  A humbling question for sure.  Have you ever wondered if we’re missing it?  It’s crazy, if you think about it.  The God of the universe – the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor – loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love.  And what is our typical response?  We go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss.  Something is wrong with that.

(Side note: I don’t believe in coincidences.  I believe that everything that happens is orchestrated by God.  So to say I thought I read these words portraying exactly what I wanted to say by accident would be a lie.  I believe it was a “God-whisper,” one of those mysterious moments when the pieces of the puzzle seem to fall together so perfectly that I couldn’t have imagined it better, no matter how hard I tried.  And in those moments, God’s affirmation falls on me, gently filling me with a sense of peace and confidence, knowing I’m on the right track.  I am blessed.)

Jesus says in Matthew 22 that the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.  I beg you, friend, search your heart.  Is God your priority, your greatest passion, your deepest love?  Is he even close?  When was the last time you spent time getting to know him, reading his word, telling him what’s on your mind, listening to his voice?  When was the last time you took a stand for him in front of your friends, co-workers, family?    Could you really say you know him at all, or do you just know about him?

He’s waiting for you with open arms, ready at a moment’s notice to spend all the time in the world pouring himself into your life.  He’s passionate about us.  My hope and prayer is that we too may be passionate about him.  I pray that as we grow deeper in love with our savior, our lives would be radically changed and that love would begin to overflow into the lives of those around us, inciting a spiritual revolution.  What greater cause could you give your life to?

Now quit reading and go spend time with God.

Are You Ready?

The following video is an evangelistic approach to the rapture. The video was made by West Park Baptist Church and is designed to illustrate that Christ can return at any minute.  The Bible tells us that Christ’s return will be as unexpectedly as a thief in the night.  It could happen any day…any minute…  next year…next month…tomorrow.  We have no way of knowing.  All we know is that we need to be prepared.  For those who have accepted Christ into their hearts, the moment of his return will be glorious.  But for those who have rejected him, that moment will be only the beginning of something much worse.  Which side will you be on?  Are you ready?

more about “Are You Ready?“, posted with vodpod

The Ripple Effect

“The ripple effect of your life is enormous – give your life to something that matters.”
–Isaac Smith

Sundays usually prove to be days of inspirational bliss for me.    Seeing God’s people take time out of their lives to worship gives me goosebumps as my whole being floods with his overwhelming presence.  I love spending that time with Jesus.

Yesterday was no exception.  We had a guest speaker at church who talked about our lives as the body, the building and the bride of Christ.  Towards the end of his sermon, he told a story of a little old woman who lived in a small farm town around the turn of the century.  She devoutly attended the only church in town, giving her life to Jesus with every fiber of her being.

Slowly, people began losing interest.  Each week, the congregation grew more and more sparse as the business of life consumed the citizens of the small town.  Soon the church doors were closed for official services indefinitely.  The little old woman refused to give up that easily.  In spite of the lack of fellowship, she continued attending the abandoned church by herself Sunday after Sunday for the next year.

One Sunday on her way to church,  the woman ran into a boy in the streets outside the building.  After sharing the Gospel with the young boy, they prayed together and he accepted Jesus into his heart.  The two became quick friends as the woman poured her heart and soul into his young life.

Another year passed and the town remained spiritually lifeless.  The woman and the young boy spent every Sunday together reading their Bibles and praying that God would draw people into the church.  They began meeting in the middle of the week as well, yearning for God to send his Spirit to their town.

A year later, their prayers were answered.  A pastor was passing through the area and noticed the little building standing in the center of town.  He asked some of the townsfolk about it and they directed him to the home of the little old woman.  Overcome with joy, the woman accepted the pastor’s offer to preach the following Sunday.  Over the next several weeks as the pastor continued to preach, curiosity flooded the town and the congregation began to grow.  People’s lives were being changed and prayers were being answered.

This story may seem insignificant if I stop there.  But we are far from the end. The little boy in the story felt a calling to ministry after everything that happened to him in those few short years.  As he grew up, he pursued that calling and was entrusted to shepherd a congregation in a neighboring town.  During his years as a pastor, he had the opportunity to share Christ with another young boy.  This boy grew up and shared Christ with his son, who grew up and shared Christ with his son, who grew up and became the pastor of a church with one of the largest congregations in South Dakota.

Because one woman didn’t give up when everyone else had walked away, innumerable lives were changed.  As she sat in that church building virtually alone, she couldn’t even have imagined the kind of ripple effect her devotion would have.

Our lives have the ability to transcend time and space, both for good and bad. So I must pose a few questions: What are you living for?  Is it worth giving your life to?  Are you leaving a legacy to be admired and praised?  Do people know you love Jesus or is your faith hidden beneath layers of fear, compromise and worldly pursuits?

God made you on purpose.  He has a plan for your life.  No matter where you are or where you’ve been, it’s never too late to embrace the life God has in store for you.  He’s waiting for you.  What are you waiting for?