The Way

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

He renews my life; 
He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.    Psalm 23:3 (HCSB)

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.            1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)

My husband and I watched a young child jump off the school bus today into, what we thought, were her grandfather’s arms. As we drove past the two, it was a bit more apparent that the man was probably her father. His hair was gray and he walked stoop-shouldered and with a shuffle that was in contrast with a face that appeared much younger. The cares of this world and the man’s life experiences had left their marks on him.

I often refer to “burdens” here in these devotions and the word has a right sound to its effect on my life. Cares and worries have weight that will bend my life like a reed in a hurricane. But God promised He wouldn’t let a “bruised reed” like me break, didn’t He? (Isaiah 42:1-4) I’m reminded about lugging my suitcases through airports, especially when I traveled outside the U.S. and had to go through Customs. No matter how frugally I packed, the suitcases were heavy and cumbersome.

Worry, fear, grief and despair are like that. They not only beat me down emotionally but physically with high blood pressure, ulcers, headaches, and depression. And sin. When I choose to walk my way and disobey my Lord, then I take on a bag of guilt and separation from the One who made it possible for me to have a relationship with Him. Father wants to have a relationship with His child.

The path to this “right relationship” (righteousness) is a winding, sometimes rocky path up the hill to the Cross. There is the “drop off” for all that luggage that I am carrying. The burdens that I drag around with me.

Jesus wasn’t about “How many ‘anybodies’ can I attract around me?”. He wasn’t about numbers – He was about disciples! It is heresy, my friends, to think that if we have pews full that we have successfully fulfilled Jesus’ Commission (Matthew 28). Jesus said it’s about “making disciples”. Jesus has extravagant, everlasting love for us but He also has expectations about our relationship. He expects:

Commitment. What is my commitment? An hour per week? An hour per day? How would my marriage be working if I gave it an hour per week? How much would my children know about me if we spent only an hour per week together as they were growing up?

Growth. Growth comes with commitment. As I turn my thoughts and time to Jesus, the seeds that are sown grow. I am in Jesus’ school. It is not a stagnant place. He wants me to move on to the “next level” but He moves me on because I use what He has given me. Growth will not happen if I just “bury” His gifts or ignore them (Matthew 25:14-30).

Sacrifice. Jesus is God. Jesus shows me how to be a servant. He said that “whoever wants to be GREAT must be a servant” (Mark 10:42-45). My life is not about what I can get but instead what I can give.

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.     1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)

Jesus shows me The Way through this life that is about joy, peace, kindness, patience, faithfulness, purity, loveliness, and right-ness in Him. Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6).

Come to Me by Jessie Rogers (1997)


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Daily Workout

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.                     Titus 3:5-8 (NLT)

I read Titus last night for the first time – in months. It’s a “little” book within the Bible and so maybe I skip past it and Philemon on my way to Hebrews or James. But the Holy Spirit knew what I needed to hear.

My prayer list these days is long. There are so many who need miracles in their lives. There isn’t a Plan B. There is only Plan God. That isn’t a “bad” place to be but it is a place of faith. It is a place of trust that God is going to be right there no matter the steps that must be walked; no matter when and how the miracle will occur.

Since Moses hid in the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:19-23), God has been merciful to come near and reassure us that He is and always will be with us until the end of all time(Matthew 28:20), which means always! No matter what disease or pain may come to my body or mind, I can tie myself to the anchor (Hebrews 6:19) that is my Hope that I shall weather all storms because I know the Creator of the wind and oceans. My name is engraved on the palms of God’s hands (Isaiah 49:16) and Jesus said that no one can snatch me from His hands (John 10:27-30).

It may seem like I have quoted more Scripture today than usual but, my friends, we need to steep ourselves in God’s promises! If you have a long prayer list, if you are worried every time you fill your gas tank or go to the grocery store or maybe your child came home today with more information about graduation or college fees for next year – worry and its partner, frustration, are not going to make it better. Yes, we need to do our part in the physical world and work and ask God for wisdom on how to manage our money as good stewards. Yes, we need much less than we want but at the end of most days, after the hard work and frugal spending, medical treatments, exercise and good diets, there are things that happen in our lives that just are. And the answer to “What next?” is with God. There are no shortcuts, no microwave or instant Bible studies that will give me the spiritual strength that I need. Just as physical strength and good health comes with routine workouts so my spiritual health will improve with a daily commitment to time with Jesus.

Tonight, unless the Spirit tells me different, I will be spending time with Philemon. I like to “mix up” my workout routine!

In Your Presence by Lynn DeShazo, Song led by Paul Wilber

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Who Are His Chosen?

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Jody note 2/28/12: God has been speaking to me about His promises, His covenant. I am meditating today on something He said to me four years ago. He continues to build our relationship.

[reprinted from June 12, 2008]

[God said,] “Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”              Genesis 18:18-19 (NIV, emphasis mine)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priest hood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.         1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

How wonderful and truly unimaginable to be CHOSEN by God! Makes me feel all warm and SPECIAL! But that isn’t what God meant by being ‘chosen’. He didn’t mean for Abraham or for me as part of the generations to come to be ‘special’ and then just rest on that feeling. He said that Abraham was to “keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just”. Paul described us as being God’s ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:20) We are to LIVE as examples. We are to work in God’s Kingdom. We are to “Go and make disciples”. (Matthew 28)

Peter said that we are people chosen by God and we belong to Him. We are not chosen or priests just to get but we are chosen to give. We testify to what God has done. We give Him all the praises for the blessings we receive. The Pharisees thought they were chosen just to get because they were special. Jesus admonished them over and over for their ‘exclusiveness’ and told His disciples that they were to serve and not burden people down with laws and traditions. They were to set captives free and restore and bring Light into the world!

God only has one requirement to belong to His chosen people. Jesus said that “no one can come to the Father except through me”. (John 14:6) Believe in Jesus as Messiah. That’s it. How often have I made my beliefs the ‘law’ for others? How long is my list of absolutes? Am I looking and working as Jesus did to reach out to those who do not feel ‘chosen’? Remember the story of how Mary Magdalene was seen as such a sinner, a ‘bad’ Jew, as a woman of ill-repute so she couldn’t possibly be ‘chosen’ to be noticed even forgiven by God! Could she? Yes! Jesus reached out and she was chosen to be His ambassador. WOW!

Remember how I said the other day to read a different translation to a familiar Scripture? The CEV uses the word ‘special’ instead of ‘chosen’ in the following verse. But again, Paul is telling us that we are to be examples of His characteristics if we are truly His chosen people. Forgiving and loving; welcoming to those who would (and might come to) believe in Him.

God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.          Colossians 3:12-14 (CEV)

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My Imperfect Faith

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.         Romans 4:18-25 (NLT, my emphasis)

Lectionary texts: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38

This is one of those passages of Scripture that I want to pat Paul on the back and tell Paul how good it sounds. It’s a real encouragement; an exhortation, in church-y terms. But when read for content in the context of the reality of Abraham’s life story, well it’s a little to the left of truth!

We need encouragement and we need exhortation in the Church. We also need to hear the truth. Paul and the writer of Hebrews (specifically Chapter 11) speak of those who have gone before us as “saints”. Throughout the Bible, we, who believe and seek to be in a good relationship with our Heavenly Father are called “saints”. But that doesn’t mean we are perfect or that we do not stumble or have doubts.

Abraham did not have a written testament, or Bible, like I have. He’s told by God that he will have child, not when he is 30 years old but when he is over 100 years old. Though they may have had limited medical knowledge in that time, they did have some knowledge about where and how babies come! Abraham did stumble in his faith. He created a Plan B and conceived a child, Ishmael, through a servant. He wasn’t convinced that God was going to keep His promise.

There’s a scene at the end of the movie, Evan Almighty, where Evan apologizes to God for fighting Him and not getting on board with His plan sooner. “God” tells Evan “But you did it”. And that is the word of truth for me. Yes, the goal is for me to respond obediently to God’s call and commands and stay faithful to that obedience. But if I stumble, if I have doubts, it is the getting back in the game that is important to God. It is building the relationship that is foremost in God’s heart. Like Evan found out, the world is changed through the messengers of God’s kindness, His love.

It is Jesus that fulfills God’s promises to His saints that they would have a relationship with Him. Because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, I can move obediently forward toward a righteous relationship with my Father. A “right” relationship with God is characterized with who He is – good, kind, gentle, wise, patient, loving, merciful, serving and giving, – there’s more and I am going to be giving that some thought this week as I read the lectionary texts through again. Will you join me?

Holding On by Jamie Grace (2011) 

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Walking With God

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced.“The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.       Mark 1:14-18 (NLT)

The Good News. What does that mean? When Jesus spoke these words the people who were listening wanted God to make good on His promises – but they had the idea that meant God would overthrow the Roman government and establish His Kingdom on earth. God had a bigger plan.

Jesus did not change the message that John the Baptist was given to speak (Matthew 3) but reiterated it and built on it. John said he was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. He was to plow the hard ground and warn the people who had become complacent about God’s promises and remind them that He was coming! Soon!

From the beginning, God told us, His people, that to live with Him – we must be holy (Leviticus 11:44). We must listen and obey Him. A father, like our Father God, teaches his children principles that will give them life tools and parameters that will grow them up to be productive. What children produce come from what they are taught. It seemed that God’s children were not listening very well and so God sent His Son to save and also teach His children how to produce good fruit.

“Come and follow Me and I will teach you how to fish – for people!” Jesus came to reaffirm that God’s Kingdom was coming but it was no longer just for the Jews. It was for everyone! And those who followed Him, learned from Him, and spent time with Him, were to keep spreading His Good News.

Jesus’ first disciples left their nets “at once” to follow Him. They left what they knew, their livelihood, even their families and followed Him. There’s the example. Follow Jesus first. Keep my eyes on His Kingdom (Matthew 6:19-21, 33) and He will take care of the rest for me (1 Peter 5:6-7).

This week I have been reading the lectionary texts and really thinking about God’s promises. They are many and cover every aspect of my life. He is Father who loves me so much and wants to spend time with me. His promises are about our life; the life He wants to have with all His children.

It is Lent. What am I willing to sacrifice as an offering to the One who sacrificed so much for me?

Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you:
to act justly,
to love faithfulness,
and to walk humbly with your God.       Micah 6:8 (HCSB, my emphasis)

That’s Good News.

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God Blesses

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

reprinted from May 10, 2010

[I have numbered the lines, not as verses, but as reference points.]

1. God blesses those people who depend only on him.  They belong to the kingdom of heaven!

2. God blessed those people who grieve.  They will find comfort!

3. God blesses those people who are humble.  The earth will belong to them!

4. God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink.  They will be given what they want!

5. God blesses those people who are merciful.  They will be treated with mercy!

6. God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!

7. God blesses those people who make peace.  They will be called his children!

8. God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right.  They belong to the kingdom of heaven.                                          Matthew 5:3-10 (CEV)

I think it is a very good idea to read a familiar passage in a translation that you do not normally use.  It may bring a new insight into the passage.  I see more about God.

#1 This translation tells me that when I am “poor” in my own spirit – I have nothing to do but depend on God.  When I weakest, God says, “You are mine, child, and I will take care of you.”

#2 God sees my tears.  He knows what grieves my heart.  God’s comfort covers my questions, my depression, my pain, my confusion, my anger, and brings it all back into alignment and total healing!

#3  I think of Mother Theresa and some others I personally know who do so much – but look for nothing in return.  They quietly go about doing what God has asked of them and receive their reward at the hand of God.  We talk about what they do – too often when they have moved away or died.  They have power in this world because they see no power in themselves…just in their Lord.

#4 To desire such a close relationship with God that there is nothing to do but be obedient will fill me like no baby-back ribs or chocolate éclair ever could!!!  I want that!  And I claim the promise that God will give me what I want!

#5 Mercy – undeserved forgiveness.  Do you know someone that you need to extend that to?  Is there something that you need to ask for forgiveness from God?   Do it today.  Quit putting it off!  There will be a time that you will need forgiveness so make sure you are making deposits into your Forgiveness Account.  Deposits come when God forgives you and it happens when you extend that same forgiveness to another! You do not want to be caught ‘overdrawn’ in your Forgiveness Account.

#6 What makes your heart pure?   The word ‘pure’ means ‘clean’, ‘untainted’, and ‘not polluted’.  So what in your life is a pollutant to your heart?  I think that to answer that personally and truthfully, you have to be willing to let God examine your heart and y our lifestyle and see what that is.  For me it’s not the TV and movie theaters.  It is un-forgiveness and injustice and suffering of the innocent that can take root in my heart.  It contaminates that place where Jesus wants to live.  So – sweep it out!  Don’t let it in the door!  “How do you avoid temptation?”  “Run the other way!” says Rev. Steve Hill.  Good word!

#7 I don’t think a peacemaker is necessarily a pacifist.  If you were raised in a family with many siblings, I would imagine there was a peacemaker.  Someone who wanted everyone to get along.  Someone who tried to connect with ‘dueling parties’ and tried to help them find a point of common interest to ‘get along’.  And so there are peacemakers in God’s family.  They do not battle because they know that God has already drawn the lines and He is the only one who can judge who crossed it and who didn’t.  He is the Father.  I am the child.  I need to keep my place and not try to take His!

#8  I only need God’s approval.  If I know that then I also know that I will receive criticism from others, even friends, who do not see me on the ‘right’ path.   When I seek God and seek His way, check my path against His example and His words, I learn the sound of His Spirit and I walk in His Way.  It’s about God’s Kingdom.  It always is.

 

 

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Ash Wednesday

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

And He said to Adam, “Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’:

The ground is cursed because of you.
You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life.
It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.
You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.”    Genesis 3:17-19 (HCSB)

Today is the beginning of Lent, a 40-day preparation for Easter. What does it mean and what will prepare me for Easter?

If you attend an Ash Wednesday worship service, you may very well hear part of this Scripture. For over 20 years I attended such a service and the priest would take palm ashes and mark a cross on my forehead and say, “Remember, daughter, that you are dust and to dust you will return.” I can’t say that I thought about what was said much past that I knew I was mortal and would one day die and my mortal body would decompose. In context, there’s more to think about.

Because the first man and woman chose to turn their own way and to disobey God, we have all inherited the consequences of that disobedience. God says that we will have to work for our food and shelter. The work will not be easy, in fact it will be painful. There will be no “free rides”. We will die.

Now some may read this and think that the amount of painful labor and sweat is not occuring equally and that some people are receiving some type of “free ride”. Whatever the cost in my life, the ride will end. Where the ride ends is depending on the decision I make about a relationship with my LORD.

Easter is the celebration of the Christian year. The depth of the joy that will fill my heart that day is affected by the consideration I give to the Father and the gift that He gave to me in the perfect sacrifice of His Son. Lent is a time of focus for me to “give up” the distractions and instead put that time with Jesus, listening and growing in my relationship with Him.

I weep today as I think about the depth of God’s love for me, a sinner. I cannot express in words what my spirit knows. Jesus gave us His Spirit and so, in prayer, spirit speaks to Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). Take six minutes and listen to this beautiful hymn and allow it to speak to your spirit and then offer it to Jesus, in thanksgiving and praise.

What Wondrous Love Is This, Words by Alexander Means, Music by William Walker, 1835, Sung by Connie Dover 

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There Is A Famine

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Hear this! The days are coming— 
this is the declaration of the Lord GOD—
when I will send a famine through the land:
not a famine of bread or a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the LORD.
People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east,
seeking the word of the LORD,
but they will not find it.            Amos 8:11-12 (HCSB)

How much time did I give out of yesterday’s 24 hours to reading and thinking about what God was saying to me? How much time did I give to talking to Him (that’s prayer!) about concerns, whether they were about myself or family or friends or even people I do not know? Did I “miss” time with God? Did I notice?

It is so easy to get caught up in all the many demands on my time and energy. Most demands are “good” things. They are about family, my job, and people who who have many needs. I love doing things that encourage people. All of these are “good”.

Does the fellowship that I am a part speak “the word of the LORD” or just tell me what I want to hear? Is there an expectation in the culture of the group that participation in small groups or Sunday School for study and learning is just part of discipleship? God’s messages are not always ‘easy’ or pleasant. Sometimes God has a message that will address the difficulties in my life. Are those who are gifted to teach and preach willing to talk about suffering and the silence of God or what it means to be a disciple instead of a Believer? Is there outreach to the whole community without filtering for race, ‘class’, or even if they are Believers?

I cannot walk through Wal-Mart without seeing people who are hurt and starving for what Jesus has for them. There is a ‘famine’ or lack of fellowships that will be the places of healing that Jesus described (Mark 2:17) despite the fact that we have enough church space for everyone to have a seat in a pew in the United States. We are too often only long-term care facilities when we need intensive care units and rehabilitation centers for those whom Jesus looks at and is moved with compassion and feeds them.

Do we think there is plenty of time for the next generation to do the work? There are many excuses that come to mind but it all comes down to priorities and obedience. How long will I plug my ears and avert my eyes and pretend I just don’t see?

Take a step today. Make time with God the #1 task. Eat of His fresh Bread and drink the Living water He offers It may be 10 minutes but try 10 minutes more than we did yesterday. Listen. And then let us do what He puts into our hearts. Maybe it is committing to a small group. Maybe it is giving time to read or share about Him with those who are shut-in. Let us take fresh Bread or a cup of Living water to someone who is staggering and roaming before they die from the famine.

 

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A Covenant With God

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

O LORD, I give my life to you. 
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O LORD.

The LORD is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.                Psalm 25:1-10 (NLT)

Lectionary texts: Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15

The lectionary texts this next week are all about God’s covenant and His faithfulness to that covenant. It is a principle that we all need to soak in and live in.

In God’s eyes, a covenant is more than a promise. It may be closer to a vow. When Abraham and God entered into their covenant, it involved animal sacrifice (Genesis 15). It was a serious, binding contract. A person did not back out of the agreement because it became too hard or inconvenient. Once a covenant was struck, the parties knew they could count on the pledge because breaking the covenant usually involved serious consequences, even death.

In our 21st century society, marriage and business agreements are made and broken daily. When I think of entering a covenant do the words “binding”, “promise”, and “eternal” enter my mind? The Scripture passages today are worth reading and taking time to meditate on how the words effect how I think about my relationship to others and how I view God’s relationship with me.

As I read through this psalm (read the other 12 verses!) my thoughts recalled times in my life when God showed me the road to follow. When God taught me a new truth. When I had nothing but to hope in Him. When I read stories in the Bible and from other sources of how God showed His extravagant, compassionate love to others. How God didn’t just forgive my sins, He totally erased them from existence. How God doesn’t just tell me what to do but He actually is my example.

I hope you will join me this week in reading these passages of Scriptures not just once but several times this week. We hear junk all day every day from the world that are just out-and-out lies. Let’s take some time to absorb truth that will change our “stinkin’ thinkin’” to “right thinking” – righteousness.

LORD, I give my life to you.

Lord, I Give You My Heart written by Reuben Morgan, performed by Michael W. Smith


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Open the Eyes of My Heart

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

A lot of Samaritans in that town put their faith in Jesus because the woman had said, “This man told me everything I have ever done.” They came and asked him to stay in their town, and he stayed on for two days.

Many more Samaritans put their faith in Jesus because of what they heard him say. They told the woman, “We no longer have faith in Jesus just because of what you told us. We have heard him ourselves, and we are certain that he is the Savior of the world!”     John 4:39-42 (CEV)

I know people who can tell you the day and time that they accepted Jesus as their Savior. I also know people who grew up knowing about Jesus and because He has always been a part of their life they do not have a single defining moment. As I talk with them, they have such a “glow” as they relate how Jesus has been there to guide them and hold them through different times. Both have testimonies to tell.

One of the biggest lies that the enemy, the accuser, will whisper in my ear is that whatever I am going through – I am the only one going through it. There isn’t anyone else going through exactly what I am so there is no one I can turn to. What a lie! First, it’s arrogant. Second, it’s a way to keep me isolated and spinning in my knowledge. I will get no input of truth, will I? I am hearing only one voice – mine.

Jesus could have gone out and ministered to people all by Himself. He didn’t need others because He wasn’t just a man. He was God! Jesus showed me the importance of having the “three” who are there to see it all. I don’t know it’s about the number but it is about an intimate number who really know who I am and are also actively growing in their relationship with Jesus. They are willing to love me and hold me accountable.

I often share here what J. Lee Grady writes and this week he wrote a blog, Whitney Houston and the Silent Shame of Addiction. I am appalled, disgusted even, at discussions about whether Ms. Houston (or anyone else for that matter!) is saved and in heaven. When did Jesus say that it was my job in His Kingdom to speculate or proclaim who has a saving relationship with Him??? Mr. Grady said, “What I can do is plead with Christians today to stop ignoring the monster of addiction that is killing so many people, including those who may be sitting next to you in church.” Whether it is alcohol or drugs or any other behavior that is placing someone that I know on a slippery slope, it is part of my life as a Believer to be willing to go and speak to that person in love and say, “I want to hold out a hand and encourage you. I am praying for you. Come on, dear one, let’s make a turn in the road to a better place. Listen to the One who loves you best.”

Let us not be “isolationist-Believers”. Let us follow Jesus’ example and live every aspect of our lives like He did. Be open to opportunities that His Holy Spirit may us direct us into, gently sharing what Jesus has done and encouraging about what He can do. May people we meet only remember Him and leave us closer to Him than when they arrived.


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