I Think You Know What I'm Getting At...

Wow, it has been some time since I last updated this blog. What happened? Simple, lack of drive, lack of inspiration, spiritual upheaval... Honestly, I just haven't felt my heart was right to write. Then I realized something, I can try righting my heart with writing. You see, when I update this blog, it requires study, as I write on the Truth and the very source for that Truth, the Bible. So, I think it is only far that I make time to do this, plus I do find this blog enjoyable.

But, enough of that and to the reason I fired up the ole Blogger site. I write this to Christian's today. So, if you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, this message is not for you. But I would say, you need Christ. Like the flowers need the sun and the rain, so too does the soul need Christ and the Holy Spirit. If you want to talk about it, my e-mail is on this site (unless you are viewing an import to Facebook, in which case you can feel free to Message me, or come talk to me if you see me day to day). One of these days I really should write a post on becoming saved, but that will have to wait.

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, we have a problem. For just one moment, I want you to think about the people around you. Now, eliminate from your thinking those around you whom you know to be Saved. If you are anything like me, you still have a large number of people in your thoughts. Now, I want you to think of how you've tried to reach those every same people.

Have you really done so? Or, have you done the typical American Christian responses. If you are confused or would like to see what I mean, please, read on. I have noticed an alarming trend the last couple of years, and I find it to be getting far worse. We Christians are gaining but two responses to those trapped in their sin. Neither response is what we should be using.

The first response, "I'm Christian, you're unclean, stay away." Or, as I like to put it, "This is my Light, get your own." Some Christians have this habit (I know I have some guilt in this as well) to cover up themselves from loving those around them, and just get disgusted by those in sin. Instead of shining as a light to a dark and lightless world, they cover their lamp. This should not be so, for:

¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. -Matthew 5:14-16.

Very clearly we are commanded to shine our light into the world. Yes it may be hard, but God gives us nothing which we cannot bear ( 1 Cor. 13). I know stepping out in faith can be hard, but we have to, for if we don't, who will?

The second response that bothers me, "I'm a Christian and I'm going to shove it in your face as much as I can." First of all, this response is so very prideful (I know I have been guilty of doing this myself). Yes, you know Christ, but don't forget those who still need Him! When we push it in people's faces that we're Christians all the time, it puts them off because all they see is our pride. Am I saying stay away from the fact you know Christ? No, I am not. I am Christian and will gladly say so, but I need only tell those around me once that I'm Saved, then I should let my actions and my words speak for themselves and if that fails me, let God take over.

Also, with the mindset that you're somehow better than those around you because of your faith, you fail to be able to teach the Truth in love which we know to do in Ephes. 4:15.

Do I write this to condemn my brothers and sisters in Christ? No, I write it as a reminder for us all, for we all a guilty of falling short of the Glory of God, but greater is He who is in us, and with Him all things are possible. This is also meant to lift up my brothers in sisters in Christ, we all struggle, but there is always hope as long as Christ remains, and He shall forever and ever. Peace be with you.

Late Night Wanderings....or....In the Still of the Night I Find You

It was one o' clock in the morning. In my hand was a steaming cup of Supreme Cinnamon Nutmeg Hot Chocolate (that is 7 Eleven's "Supreme" Hot Chocolate with cinnamon and nutmeg added in). I was walking to avoid coming back to my mom's apartment for my brothers were watching "adult" shows and I wanted no part. I felt kind of cold, for indeed, it was cold outside. I made the trip to the 7 Eleven and with spoils in hand, I walked on. I headed to this small church that was just within walking distance of the apartments. My plan was to go there in the morning, but I did not know my brothers would be up until 4:00 am watching t.v. So I didn't get to go to church yet again, but the experience I had was simply amazing.

It's funny how you find walking alone in the still of the night that you can come close to the Lord. I've had problems being with my family, for they, no matter how much I plead with them, refuse to look towards God. I thought I was supposed to be here to be a witness for them, be here to help them with coming to know the Lord. Truly, I am here to be a witness, but no more than I supposed to be a witness to my fellow man. The conversation of my soul with my God was enlightening.

"Lord, why am I here?" was the question that pressed me. I try and try, but only face opposition from these people that are called my family. I am attacked and assailed constantly and see no fruit for all my labors. The Lord reminded me of something last night. He is in control and He has a plan. I need to stop looking for the "fruits" of my labor, for that is not mine to keep track of. It is not mine to boast in. All my fruits are not even mine in the end, they are the Lord's. So what am I doing here? What is the plan?

"Remember who you are," commanded Mufasa in the Lion King. I loved that film, still do. In other words, remember where you came from so that you can do what must be done. I think this is the Lord's main purpose for me. I feel that the Lord wants me to remember what He has delivered from. He wants me to remember that I was once debase and immoral, and that I still have a long way to go. I am saved, not because I deserve it, but because He loved me enough to die for me. I am glad to know Him.