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Archives/Archivos Susan is only 55 years old. Her life has known heartache and loss—hopes raised and then disappointed and dashed—especially by men. Her recent visit to the doctor brought that dreaded word, “You have cancer.” But here is where the story takes an amazing turn. I do not believe in Jesus as Messiah because His life and claims offer a possibility that He might be the Son of God whose offer of forgiveness of sins and eternal life is real. I believe because I am forced by conscience to believe in overwhelming facts... Too many Christians blow it by first making the decisions and then asking God to bless it. The Lord is not in the business of blessing wrong decisions and loves us enough to make us pay for them. Always make a mental note of the bad decisions you have made in the past so you don’t repeat them. When facing big decisions, get all the advice you can from as many directions as you can...Keep your eye out for signposts or trends, but don’t base your decisions on them without checking further...The Bible is the final Supreme Court... I share this simple story because it is what Shalom does worldwide. Most Christians know little of the Scriptures. So I teach them the basics—a daily time alone with Jesus. Memorize special verses. Say “no” to self and “yes” to the Holy Spirit. Speak out boldly for the Lord. Basic discipleship stuff.
Someone once said, “People are like tea bags. What’s inside comes out when they get in hot water.” I saw again what comes out of a lover of Jesus, even after a crushing fall. Oh the love of Jesus! There’s nothing like it! Or Him! This lesson is not for dishonest Christians. It’s also not for Christians who, though honest enough to admit they are living in sin, still rebel against asking God for grace and new desires pleasing to Him. This teaching is for the Christian who is serious with God and who desires practical help in how to know God’s will in small and great decisions that will bring either happiness or heartache—victory or defeat—peace or turmoil—God’s will or Satan’s trap. What I have shared with you are not profound secrets. On the contrary, they are merely the honest lessons of life I’ve learned the hard way in how to witness to my loved ones, neighbors and friends when they don’t want to listen. Now go to work loving your family members and others like they have never been loved before. My mistake. So here it is.
All of us who know and love the Lord want our family members to trust Him also. I want to share some lessons teaching you how I share Jesus with others. Sometimes it can be so easy when we meet someone who is searching for truth and peace. Other times, it can be more difficult—especially with love ones who may not be so eager for spiritual discussion. So let’s begin there—right at home—with love ones or friends who may not want to listen to our words but who are watching our lives. We can earn the right to “talk it” when they see our lives that “walk it.”
May you take such delight in His Word that you determine to memorize those scriptures that burn as you read them. You'll find they will burn again - in the nights when you need them! |
