The Good Word

Ever feel like you've been sucked into the vortex of article/blog overload? Everyone has an opinion. It doesn't matter what the topic is, somehow the writer manages to sway you one way or another. You may think you have kept your preconceived thoughts, and you are completely unconscious of the stronghold those written words have had on you. Influence. It's everywhere.

Today, as I was perusing my Facebook feed, I clicked on several "good reads." Some were local articles or news, others anecdotal, and a couple were of the religious/Christian genre. It's the latter that often sparks my attention the most. "What does this person have to say? And do I agree with it? I respect the person that 'shared' it...does that mean that this is what that person thinks? Should I share this post?" And so on. It was today, though, that I had stopped the dialogue going on in my head and said, "Enough."

The pause occurred while I was reading a fantastic blog. I had read it before, and I was going over the eloquent musings all over again. The author was sharing her thoughts on the importance of going to and bringing our kids up in church even when modern Christian-ish culture gives us countless excuses of why we shouldn't have to. My mind began racing. I was thinking of all the "good" sharing this blog could do. I thought, "It might make people question their priorities and make better choices." Then, the dreaded happened. A list of people started forming in my head. And it was then that I stopped myself. I didn't share it...I didn't even "like" it. Instead, I asked God's forgiveness.

I prayed, "Who am I, Lord?"

And then I thought of that blog writer..."Who is she, Lord?"

Thankfully, I knew that the answers were, "You are Mine, and she is Mine."

And that's just it!

Everyone that needed to hear that blog..."They are Yours, Lord...not mine."

Convicted.

Too often, I think, Christians rely on the thoughts of others to guide them through life. We buy the latest book from our favorite inspirational author at take notes in our journal. We attend the church Bible study and eat all the delicious desserts with some lovely people. We watch Christian movies and feel good about making good media choices. We scour YouTube for encouraging tidbits from our favorite pastors/speakers and think, "Ooo, that was a good word!" And I suppose these are all good things. I suppose we should do these things. Don't stop doing these things. But if these are the only things we're doing, then we've got it all wrong. We shouldn't be relying on the thoughts and studies of others, but rather the thoughts of God Himself and what he wants to say to us alone.

Convicted again.

I've got to read my Bible. Our church has been doing a series the past several weeks on spiritual disciplines. And after every Sunday I could honestly say, "Ooo, that was a good word!" Meditation, prayer, fasting, and Bible reading. I'm not doing enough of any of these things...and even if I was doing "enough"it still wouldn't be enough. I confess, I've struggled with reading my Bible my entire life. I've never stopped trying, but it's almost like I don't really know how to do it, how to start...it's overwhelming. I've stuck to the passages I know: the encouraging sections, the Psalms and Proverbs, the Gospels, and I've dipped my toes into the prophetic books. I know there's so much more. I also know God has a plan for me, and if I seek his Word, he'll help me find my way. I just have to start.

For the month of February I'm setting aside the pile of books that sits next to my bed. And for every night this month I'm planning to copy Bible verses in my journal from a list a friend shared. Seems so simple...a bit juvenile maybe...but I'm really looking forward to it. I'm excited to hear what God has to say to me through His "good Word."

Here's the list if you want to try it out too!

PS...

For Christmas I purchased the "Action Bible" for my kids to read. It is a book that has most all (if not all) of the stories of the Bible written in comic form. My kids know that it isn't a full Bible, but a fun way to read and understand God's story. It's a big book...and last night my son (he's 9) announced he'd finished the entire thing. The amazing thing is that he's now my walking Bible dictionary! He helps me figure Bible story details, corrects me when I'm wrong, and knows stories I've never read. Inspiring :) 

Heaven is for REAL!

**I apologize...blogger has AGAIN smooshed my post together into one big paragraph. I've tried to fix it with several edits and reposts...but it's not happening.** My Christian walk started at a very young age...I still recall, at age 5, asking Jesus to become my savior. It was at VBS, and quite frankly, I didn't fully know what I was asking...but God has a way of giving us the knowledge we need to move forward in our walk with him. Well, I've moved forward. I've finally reached a point in my walk with Jesus, that I can say wholeheartedly..."I'm going to heaven!" I thank God for my life, my upbringing, my country, my family. I'm so completely blessed. In the last couple of weeks, I've had a heavy heart. I can't help but think about our world, and how completely lost so many people are. I don't claim to have all the answers, and it is certainly not my purpose to place judgement. Last Sunday, during our church home fellowship group study, a very familiar Bible passage came up in our discussion, and 4 words have been resonating over and over in my mind ever since. Here's an excerpt from the passage... "...Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Do not be deceived"...4 words that our world needs to hear. I've heard it said before, and have almost been fooled into believing it myself..."well, I'm generally a good person, and that's good enough for me to get into heaven." Society has become so desensitised to sin that people are being tricked into thinking that their sin is okay. We've also made enemies of one another through misconception and confusion. Understandably so...considering the freedom we have to conjure up and announce our own non-biblical ideas, religions, and beliefs. There are so many words in our language that have lost their true meaning, and we have lost our ability to be respectful listeners. Words like tolerance, prejudice, acceptance, judgement...even compassion. Christians have been given a bad reputation by those who claim to be Christian. And what is a Christian? Well, I believe it to be a born-again follower of Jesus Christ who diligently pursues a life as it is defined by the holy Word of God (Bible). And just because Christians are pursuing a holy life doesn't make them perfect. Non-Christians are constantly looking for Christians to fail so that they can feel more justified in their own sin. Really, the only difference between the Christian and the non-Christian is Jesus. Accepting him as your savior frees you from sin and gives you entry into heaven. And once you truly accept him, he will begin to change you, convict you, and use you for his purpose. At the same time, your life will be blessed. I dunno...as I said before, I don't claim to have all the answers and it is not my intention to create controversy. All I know is that I've felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to share the above passage from 1 Corinthians. As I've grown in my relationship with Christ, I've gained a bit more boldness. Bottom line...we were all put on this earth to recruit all people for heaven. With that said, I encourage you to read this book:

I've read a handful of books on heaven and hell, and this one, because it is from the perspective of a child, is by far the best I've read. It's a quick and easy read, and is appropriate for all ages and all walks of life. I can say with all certainty that if you are even open to the "idea" of heaven then you will not be able to put this book down. It is hands-down incredible! I've already shared it with my family and many of my friends and most were able to read it in a day or two. One of my friends even shared it with her 11-year-old son who read it within 24 hours! This book is hope, and I "hope" you read it! I picked my copy up at Costco for less than $9...it's also available on Amazon HERE.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3