Your reputation precedes you...

There's a lot of truth in that statement "Your reputation precedes you." As a Christian, our reputation is one of the greatest tools we can have to be a witness to a world in need. If we aren't careful, we can do damage to our reputation and in the process damage our ability to be an effective witness for God.

Genesis 23 records the death of Abraham's wife, Sarah. As Abraham is looking for a place to bury his wife he approaches the Hittite elders. He asks if he can buy a piece of land to bury Sarah on. Their response speaks volumes as to the reputation that preceded Abraham. Vs. 6 "Listen, my lord, you are an honored prince among us. Choose the finest of our tombs and bury here there. No one here will refuse to help you in this way." Abraham was a foreigner. An outsider. Yet the Hittites thought so highly of him they called him an honored prince. Abraham's godly character had created a positive influence on the people around him.

As Christians we are often seen as outsiders to the rest of the world. The way we do things or see things seems foreign to those around us. The question is what impression do you leave on those around you? Do they see you as difficult to deal with? Someone who is easily angered? Someone who is over-bearing and pushy? Another Christian hypocrite? Or do they see you as someone who adds value and brings quality into their life? Do they see someone who reflects the love and grace of God?

How is your reputation positively influencing the world around you for Christ?

When they just won't listen...

Ever had those moments when you feel like God is calling you to reach out to someone? Or maybe God laid something on your heart to share with someone and you're just not sure how well it will be received? I think we all have had those occurrences in our life. Or maybe you did share with them what God told you and they just simply blew it off and didn't listen to a word you said. That can be even more gut wrenching. How can a person hear a message from God and refuse to listen? Should we just simply give up and quit trying to reach those who will not respond?
Ezekiel was just one of the O.T. prophets that knew exactly what this was like. He experienced a people who rejected God's word on a daily basis. You know what God told him to do? God said in Ezekiel 2:7 "You must give them my messages whether they listen or not..." It's up to us to share God's message of hope and salvation whether people choose to listen to it or reject it. People even rejected the message that Jesus himself proclaimed. So if they failed to listen to the Son of God I think some people are going to ignore us to. The Bible also says the road that leads to eternal life is a narrow one that few will be willing to follow. The majority are going to follow the wide road that's easier to navigate. That doesn't excuse us from our duty of trying to get them on the right path.
Our job today is the exact same mission that God gave Ezekiel way back in the day. We must give them the message of God and it's up to them to receive it or refuse it. But, if we don't share it than they will never hear it. I want to encourage you today to keep on sharing the message of hope God has placed inside of you! I know I will.

The best made plans...

So many times in life I have come up with this great set of plans. Some of them have worked out perfect. Really, better than I could have ever hoped for. Others have absolutely blown up in my face. They have gone on to cause me a lot of heart ache and pain. Why do some plans seem so great and than fail?

The Living Bible says this in Psalm 1:6. "For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom." God is watching over my life. He's watching over the plans I make and the paths I choose to walk down. As long as I am doing my best to remain faithful to Him, than all the thoughts and plans for my life are being watched over by God. He's watching me to assist me and help my plans succeed. So what about the ones that fail?

Well, the Word also says "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure." in Proverbs 16:9 of the Amplified Version. So I can make my plans, but I need to keep in mind God is trying to direct my steps and keep me on the path He wants me on. So maybe the next time things don't pan out the way I think they should maybe I should evaluate from God's perspective. Planning is good, but following God is best. Sometimes our best made plans aren't always the ones God has in store for us. So maybe failure isn't as much about failure as it is God trying to keep us on track with where He wants us.
Just a thought!

The Power of Christ

I was doing my morning studies and came across this verse in Hebrews. 1:2-3 - ...God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.
To think about the power that Christ possesses makes my life and all its problems seem so small. Things I once thought unconquerable, now look like they can be defeated. Look at what the writer of Hebrews is saying. He points out 4 things about just how powerful my Savior is.

1. That all creation is His inheritance. Everything in this world we can see or imagine all belongs to Christ. So if I find myself in need, I have a God who is more than adequately equipped to meet those needs.

2. The universe was created through the Son. If Jesus was able to create this beautiful universe we live in, than He can create something marvelous with my life if I will simply allow Him to.

3. The Son radiates with the glory and character of God. If I want my life to be a reflection of God, than I need to get my life in a position where I can soak up the Son. The moon has no power to light itself. It is dependent on the sun. I have no power to look like God or live the way I should. But, the power of Christ at work in me and through me gives me the ability to radiate the love of God into a dark world.

4. He sustains everything with His powerful command. This world is subject to the power and command of God. Nothing happens that surprises God. I don't have to try to run my world. Christ can sustain it. I just have to try to follow Him, and allow Him to lead.

No matter where you find yourself today, I know my God is able to prove more powerful than anything you will face today or in the days to come!