A Simple Roofing Nail

I must share a story I read that I believe applies to ourselves as believers in Christ. It's a great lesson. The story goes like this: There was a congregation that built a beautiful new church building. In fact, folks came from far and wide to see it and admire its beauty! On the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure — except the nail! No one even knew he was there, so he became angry and jealous. “If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit!” So the nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud. That night it rained and torrential winds blew. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The rainwater streaked the walls and all the beautiful murals hanging there. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was stained, and the pulpit Bible was ruined by all the water. All this because a little nail decided to quit! But what of the nail? While holding the shingle, it was obscure — but it was also useful! Buried in the mud it was just as obscure, but now it was useless and would soon be eaten up by rust!


The moral of the story I'm sharing is this: Every believer is important to the church! Like the nail, we may feel obscure at times, but just like the nail, our absence is felt. Each of us should make certain that we’re a help and not a hindrance to the future spiritual and numerical growth in the body of Christ. Unlike the little nail, let’s never quit. Why? Because it is important to remember that:
1. We Are Members of the Same Body, The Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) — As members of the body of Christ, we belong to each other and we need each other. Each member of the body has a function to perform so that the body as a whole will grow and remain healthy. Each part is needed, and no one part should think it’s more important than any other part. Remember, a spiritually healthy church is one in which the various members know their God-given gifts, and use them to serve and edify others in that local body (Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12:3-16).

2. We Are Soldiers in the Same "Army" (Ephesians 6:10-18) — The church is an army designed to fight against Satan and the hosts of darkness — not to fight each other. Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." We also need to understand that in the Lord’s army, each individual soldier (Christian) is expected to wage war and fight (1 Timothy 1:18-19; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3-4). Our weapons must never be carnal or our struggle will be useless and eventually deadly (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). Therefore, as scripture instructs, "Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6.13).

3. We are all a functioning part (Ephesians 4:13) And in truth, to be functioning at its peak, a physical body needs every part to be working effectively just as our role as the body of Christ is to equip and build one another up “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." To this end, those of us who are stronger, more mature or given gifts, ought to use what we have to empower and equip others in their journey. Some of us will preach, some will teach, others will encourage, some will testify openly, others will pray for those in need, etc. This doesn’t make anyone of us more or less important than another—quite the opposite actually! We are required to have an attitude of servanthood. In fact, in God’s kingdom, the way up is actually down. Jesus Himself told us that in His Kingdom, "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" thus signifying servanthood, humility, meekness. Look at Jesus words, "I've given you an example. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them" (John 13: 15-17).

We serve each other. We need each other. And no one is above another. The blogs I offer to help Christians grow is no more important than the faithful lady who prays quietly from her bedroom each day. In God's Kingdom, the spiritually mature mentor the spiritually immature. The elders instruct the younger. The rich share with the poor. Those who have gifts equip others for acts of service. The powerful defend the powerless. The strong bear with the failings of the weak. Whether you consider yourself a "nail," a shingle, the soffit, flashing, ridge, eave, fascia, or gable in the roof of the house of God, you are more important than you realize! 1 Corinthians 12:26 says (speaking of all believers) "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." Just as without the nail, everything was affected in a negative way. Today I want to encourage those who feel they have no influence as a Christian, or somehow believe they are insignificant, or that they haven't any ability to affect the conditions of the world, politics, the growth of the Church, overcoming Satans evil devices, whatever it may be, to please realize you are needed! You can and do affect change in all these areas and so much more! And that, regardless of how you have been called by Christ. If you are a Christian, YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED to serve in some capacity regardless of what little part you may think you play. In fact, I would venture to say the private prayers of an 80-year-old Christian woman may be more effective than any blog I write that will more often than not fall upon deaf ears.

Finally, don’t minimize your role! All Christians collectively form the body of Christ. The body is formed of many different parts (Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). All are important. It does not matter what part of the body you are: You have a purpose. As these Bible verses say: "On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it" (1 Corinthians 12:22-24). How could something as insignificant as a little nail be so important? Now you know! Your purpose no matter how big or small is to serve in edifying the Church and to glorify your Father in heaven! It's time to serve!
Until next time,
-Pat-

Naked And Ashamed

As a Christian woman, I would never think of wearing short shorts or any apparel for that matter that insufficiently covered my body. In the same manner, I would never consider leaving my soul insufficiently covered or naked. What do I mean? Physical nakedness has always stood as a symbol of shame (Genesis 9:23; Samuel 10:4). I imagine all of us at one time or another, even as early teens, had a sense of modesty and didn't want anyone to see us naked. Why is that? Because we are born in purity of mind and with innate qualities of morality. As we grow older, these values erode and become tainted by the immorality of the world. If physical nakedness is a shame, how much more should we be embarrassed about the spiritual nakedness of our souls? People don't seem concerned. Why? Is it that others cannot see how we neglect our own souls or the ugliness of sin we hide there? God can.

The church at Laodicea thought they were spiritually rich and "clothed" (safe from judgment), but our Lord said, "and know not that you are wretched (desolate), miserable (unhappy), poor (needy), blind (unperceptive), and naked (spiritually uncovered)" (Revelation 3:17). He counsels them to purchase "white raiment that you may be clothed" (Revelation 3:18). More on this in a minute. It is possible to think that you are sufficiently clothed spiritually yet have no clue you are naked and the shame of your unrighteousness is laid bare before the eyes of God. Nothing is hidden from God's eyes. In fact, "all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 90:8). Thanks to Jesus, there is a remedy for spiritual nakedness. It is clothing the soul by HIS righteousness. What does it involve? It involves the purity of character or "white raiment" (same as being "clothed in white" - as Jesus describes it), LOVE for God (1 John 4:16-21), and complete submission to HIS will (Matthew 7:21). Jesus was totally submissive to His Father's will even in the face of death- "not my will but Thine be done" - and so should we be -- that we do not appear naked and ashamed before God on the day of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

In the parable of the marriage feast, located in Matthew 22:1-14, we see one man in attendance that did not have on the proper wedding garment (Matthew 22:11), he was not "clothed" properly even though he knew that he should have come prepared by wearing one (verse 12). Jesus is telling us something very important here. That is this, spiritually speaking, without the proper wedding garment the man was considered NAKED (2 Corinthians 5:3; Revelation 3:18; Revelation 7:13-14) ** it would advisable that you look these up sometime today.** The man was invited to the marriage feast, just as you, me, and the entire world are invited to come. However, just as with a black-tie event here, you may not attend a black-tie event unless you are dressed appropriately! You might arrive at the door but you'll be denied entrance. With that in mind, spiritually speaking, what kind of wedding garment should the man have had on so he could enter? Scripture says a white wedding garment (Revelation 7:9-13), same as "white raiment" mentioned in Revelation 3:18 which is made white by the blood of the Lamb- Jesus sacrifice on the cross for sin (Revelation 7:13-14; Revelation 1:5-6.) This is all symbolic language of course. Your covering (garment) can only be made "white" (spotless, sinless) by the Blood of Jesus (accepting and believing His atonement for your sin by His sacrifice on the cross.) How do you acquire it and how can you put it on?

We can only acquire this white wedding garment (a symbol of purity and holiness) by being "clothed" with Christ. Another way of saying it is when we are "clothed" with Christ ... we "put on" Christ. We "put on" Christ when we are baptized "into Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Then, when we "put on" Christ in baptism, we immediately become "clothed" with the proper wedding garment (Revelation 19:5-8). Without Jesus, there is no hope. Wearing a cross around your neck, going to church on Sundays, or believing you're a Christian because you consider yourself mostly good is not the proper "garment" to attend the wedding supper of Jesus Christ. You'll be stopped at the door! When Christ (the bridegroom) comes again to receive His holy Bride (His faithful believers- see Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 21:1-2,9; 2 Corinthians 11:1-2), and all the members who were invited, they MUST BE CLOTHED IN "white raiment" according to Revelation 3:18 or they will be considered spiritually "naked" and thus be ashamed before the King (Christ). Notice in the scriptural parable I gave, EVERYONE was invited to the marriage feast (refer to Matthew 22:1-10) even though some refused to come (find that in Matthew 22:1-3). That's the world today! Spiritually speaking, every last person on earth is invited to the marriage feast THROUGH THE GOSPEL CALL (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Revelation 22:17) but even so, many will refuse to come (Matthew 22:14; Acts13: 44-46). One of the most poignant verses in the Bible is this, "For the message of the cross, (which is that Jesus died for you for the remission of sins) is foolishness TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING, but to us who are being saved (the believers) it is the power of God" (1Corinthians 1:18)-emphasis mine. How many times have you ever approached a family member, friend, or even a stranger with the message of the gospel and that person thought it foolish or you foolish for believing "such garbage"? Those people are perishing!

Finally, it is God's desire that every person come to the saving gospel of Christ (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4), thus being clothed in the appropriate wedding garment (Galatians 3:27) in preparation for the marriage feast of the LAMB (Jesus) and His Bride (the church body of believers) (Revelation 21:2; verse 9-10). Are you ready to attend the marriage feast of the Lamb [Christ] and His bride (the church – Ephesians 5:25-32)? When the bridegroom [Christ] comes, only those who are “ready” (Matthew 25:10) will be allowed entrance into the marriage ceremony. All others will be rejected (Matthew 25:11-12).
If you have not already “clothed” yourself with the proper wedding garment, won’t you seriously consider doing that today? (2 Corinthians 6:2). Clothe yourself with Christ (Gal. 3:27), so you won’t be found “naked” or “ashamed” (2 Corinthians 5:3; Revelation 3:18) when the Bridegroom [Christ] returns to receive and rapture His bride; the church (Matthew 25:10; Revelation 21:1-2,9). Naked or clothed — ashamed or not ashamed. It’s our choice (Joshua 24:14-15). "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame" (Revelation 16:15 KJV) Here it is in the NIV "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed."
Until next time,
-Pat-

You Must Be Born Again. What???

So often we hear the line from John 3, "You must be born again" as a prerequisite to being saved but do we understand it? Even non-Christians have heard the term and sometimes refer to us as, those "born-again Christians." We say it, they hear it, but what does BORN-AGAIN really mean? First of all, let's look at random versions from five different Bibles to confirm that anyone who wants to enter the Kingdom of God MUST be born again.
1. NIV (New International Version): Jesus said, "Verily truly I tell you, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again."
2. ASV (American Standard Version): Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except one be born anew he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
3. CBS (Christian Standard Bible Version): Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
4. KJV (King James Version): Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
5. NRSV (New Revised Standard Version): Jesus answered, Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born from above."

You can see that regardless of what Bible you pick up, every version agrees except or unless a person is born-again they will never see nor enter the Kingdom of God. Those are the direct words of Jesus. No version has ever changed that truth. However, people usually stop at verse 3 and never continue reading to find out what Jesus meant by being "born-again." So often we just seem to ignore verse 5 which expounds what being born of the Spirit is. Here is the full verse (Jesus Himself speaking), "Very, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." Do you see anything of significance there? Let me highlight it for you. Jesus Himself has told each of us that most assuredly and indeed, unless and until (barring no other way) you are BORN of WATER and of THE SPIRIT, you will never enter God's Kingdom after physical death. Being "born-again" is conditional. It is subject to a requirement. It requires water and Spirit. The word "water" has a significant meaning in this verse. This is what I want you to know. Most interpret the verse to mean a person has to be literally baptized in H2o ... submerged, dunked, engulfed, etc. and then you're saved. And though Christians do participate in literal water baptism as a way to acknowledge their faith and a symbol of washing away their sins, baptism in literal water is an indication of what actually happens in a spiritual sense. Jesus is telling us something in the spiritual sense! Watch closely, Jesus said you must be BORN of water. Born of water?? Born? Not dunked, dipped, or sprinkled? What does that mean? How can you be BORN of water? You can be submerged in water (baptized), but born if it? That's an entirely different thing.

Literal water baptism symbolizes "cleansing." It is an act of obedience symbolizing a persons belief in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior ... the believer's death to sin, the burial of the "old life," and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. But Jesus desires more than a symbol from us. He wants a deeper cleansing. Paul speaks about this deeper cleansing. What is it? It is the cleansing of our minds! It means a renewal of our minds by water but the "water" Paul is talking about is GOD'S WRITTEN WORD (the Bible). It is God's Word (Spirit and truth) that cleanses and washes our minds which have been bombarded and infected with all types of worldly lies, deceptions, and sins. The significance of water in a spiritual sense is so important! Consider this: All throughout the Bible believers are referred to as a "she," the "Body" or "The Church" of whom Christ is the head. "She" is also referred to as His Bride (the bride of Christ) since we are married unto Him in faithfulness. To be His Bride, she must be washed, cleansed, spotless and pure (symbolized in Revelation by being dressed in white) and the only way she can be made white is to be cleansed by Him; The WORD who was made flesh (John 1:14.) At the last supper when Jesus said, "Take, eat. This is my Body" He was spiritually referring to HIS WORD! We have communion with Him when we partake of (eat) His Word. THAT is fellowship with the Lord. Why? Because it is only through His Word that our minds, thoughts, and actions are changed. Look at Ephesians 5:6. It speaks about Christ giving up His life for her (His Church), "that He might sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing of the water BY THE WORD." Continuous washing and cleansing, growth and maturity come by "eating" THE WORD. It is Living Water and every Christian needs it daily to feed their spirit as the physical body needs food.

Now, this is key ... Jesus also said (watch closely) "The WORDS that I speak are Spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). So then, not only does the WORD cleanse and wash that same Word is Spirit and life! Jesus Words ARE God's Spirit and it IS the only means by which your heart, mind, conscience, and soul changes from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18) as it transforms us into His likeness with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit! You must understand the importance of reading, taking in, and digesting THE WORD. Scripture clearly tells us JESUS WAS THE WORD MADE FLESH AND LIVED AMONG US (John 1:14). JESUS WAS AND IS THE WORD. According to John 1:1 THAT WORD was from the beginning. It was with God and was God. And that WORD was made flesh (Jesus) and lived among the apostles, disciples, Sadducees, Pharisees, people of Rome and every other person. The disciples were witnesses, "and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This, therefore, proves Jesus WAS God who came in the flesh as man, to depart to us His Spirit, His Truth, His WORD, that we might be born-again in newness of life, transformed into a "new man" (2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:10); Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ezekiel 11:19) and find our way back to Him. God's Word is living and God speaks to us through it. His Word is Spirit and it is life.

The Holy Spirit is the only one who can reveal and communicate the Bible's spiritual truths. Those who read the Bible apart from the Holy Spirit teaching them cannot understand it because, unlike all other books, it is spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2: 6-16.) It is not a mental exercise but a spiritual one. "We (believers in Jesus) have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. The man without the Spirit (of God) does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2: 12-14). The more time we spend reading the Bible (taking of His body in communion) the more the Spirit QUICKENS us (arouses, awakens, strengthens). He reveals and shows us what His Word means, bringing us into alignment with His one, absolute truth ... JESUS THE WORD MADE FLESH!

You must be born again. Exactly this: First, we have to hear the Word of God. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). That is the first step. “It pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). It sounds foolish that words from a Bible have the power to penetrate our hearts and change our lives, but they do because they are God’s holy words. Then there is the work of the Holy Spirit. He convicts: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). He changes us. He changes our wills, our affections, our objectives for living, our disposition. He gives us a new purpose and new goals. “Old things pass away, and everything becomes new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Then He indwells us: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Jesus Christ says that we must repent of our sin. That means we are willing to change our way of living. We say to God, “I’m a sinner, and I’m sorry.” It’s simple and childlike. Then by faith, we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Master and Savior. We are willing to follow Him (HIS WORD) in a new life of obedience, in which the Holy Spirit helps us as we read the Bible. You don't have to worry that you haven't the strength to stop sinning. You'll never have it within your own power to do so but I promise, stay in God's Word, remain faithful to read, learn and grow and HE WILL DO THE WORK IN YOU! He gives you His power to overcome and live the life that pleases Him. It's a beautiful thing.
Until next time,
-Pat-

Welcome To ...

There are various franchised fast-food restaurants across America. I believe most of my readers will recognize these... Subway, Burger King, and FireHouse Subs to name just three. In the area I live, each of these fast food places shouts out a unique greeting when you enter their establishment. For instance, you may have been greeted with, "Welcome to Subway," , OR "Welcome to Burger King, home of the famous flame-broiled burger," OR "Welcome to FireHouse Subs" where it is then immediately echoed by every employee behind the counter. In my opinion, "mechanical greetings" leave something greatly to be desired. Employees in many franchises always vocalize the same words ... "Welcome to ..." (fill in the blank). These greeting would be fine except for the fact they are not sincere. There's never any passion or sincerity in their voices because it's just something they have been trained and instructed to say when customers enter their place of business. It feels cold and programmed. Sometimes the same thing happens at funerals when relatives of a deceased family members fly in from different locations around the states. People who have never bothered to write or call you will approach you with a plastered smile and a big "HELLO, how have you been? What have you been up to?" You just want to respond, "Well, had you bothered to call on your own or answered my letters you would know how I've been and what I'm up to!" Their greeting is as programmed as the business establishments. There is no real caring, there is no real love in their words.

The Apostle Paul speaks of sincere, authentic, uncontrived love and faith in 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:5 KJV. Paul emphasizes "unfeigned (sincere) love of the brethren." In the very next thought, he defines what that unfeigned love consists of ... "see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently" (1 Peter 1:22 KJV). As believers in Jesus Christ, when we speak words from our mouths, they should be sincere words; words of love, care, and concern for one another AND FOR OUR FELLOW MAN despite his or her opposing beliefs. Only God knows what effect our words of sincerity may have in encouraging those who are outside of Christ. Here is an example. One summer during my medical externship at a Well-Woman office I entered an exam room where there was a patient waiting to see a doctor about her unwanted pregnancy. As I knocked on the door and entered the room I saw a petite, young lady in her late early 20's sitting in a chair next to the exam table. "Good morning, Sandi. I'm Pat and I'm here to take your vitals and get a fetal ultrasound." As the girl look up tears were streaming down her face. I immediately felt empathy. I pulled up a chair beside her and took her hand in mine asking, "What's wrong? This test isn't going to hurt at all. I'll take your blood pressure, get a heart rate, and then you'll lie over there on the exam table. The FHT will require that I put a small amount of a jelly-like substance on your abdomen and run a transducer over your tummy. The transducer will send and receive ultrasonic sound waves and turn them into a picture so the doctor can read it when he comes in. It won't take more than five minutes and will be completely painless." At this point, Sandi lowered her head and began bawling. I sensed it wasn't fear that was bothering her but something much deeper. I felt a sudden urge to console and encourage her with God's love.

"Is it the pregnancy?" I asked. She nodded yes. Looking down at her chart I read that she was single and without insurance. Taking her other hand I asked, "Are you scared?" She nodded yes. "Because you're single?" She nodded again. "Has the father ran off taking no responsibility for this pregnancy?" Once again she nodded yes and mumbled, "I hate myself! My pastor said I'm going to hell. I don't know what to do!" "Look," I said, "There's no need to feel ashamed for what's happened. We all make mistakes. I've done some pretty wild things in my lifetime that I'd be too embarrassed to tell anyone. The most important thing is God understands how you feel right now, but He has not given up on you and He does not hate you! You're not alone. Others may reject you for this but God doesn't. And I don't. Your unplanned pregnancy may alter the course you have to take in life but it by no means has to ruin your life. There are plenty of women in your same predicament that come see us every day. On average I see about three each day and as many as seven per day. You are not alone. You can get through this." She finally raised her head and peered straight into my eyes. I wiped a tear from her cheek. "I'll tell you what. I'll give you a pamphlet that will help instruct you how to take the next steps to keep and raise this beautiful baby you have inside you. I'm not promising the road will be easy, but it will be doable if you trust God with every decision you make. It's what I did and I still do each and every day. Don't be ashamed. It is what it is and soon you'll have a beautiful little child who will love you more than anyone on earth. I will give you that literature before you leave but I would also like to pray for you. Can I do that?" Sandi nodded yes. And I did. There was so much more I encouraged her with not written here today.

Although I never saw Sandi again, three weeks after our brief encounter the head nurse practitioner called me into her office. I became nervous thinking I had fouled up a procedure, forgotten to clean a speculum, or had forgotten to change out the exam table paper! Cautiously entering her office, I sat down on a brown- studded, leather chair nervously anticipating what was about to take place. After all, I was in my 8-week externship which would determine if I was employable, and she had the authority to release me at any time. "I have something for you!" she exclaimed. She was holding a white envelope. My palms became sweaty and my heart began racing. This is it, I thought, she's going to let me go. I took the envelope from her hand. With a smile on her face, she shouted, "Open it. Go ahead, open it!" I reached inside the envelope and unfolded a crisp white letter and began reading.
To: Madelene Swainhart, NP
Hello. My name is Sandi __________ (name left out for privacy purposes). About three weeks ago I was in your office for my first pregnancy - out of wedlock I might add! There was an RMA working there at the time of my visit. Her name was Pat Phillips. I want you to know she saved my life. I wanted to commit suicide that day but she changed my mind. She said some pretty powerful things to me but more than that, she treated me with respect, acceptance, and empathy. You should give her a raise. It's the first time I ever felt cared for or cared about since becoming pregnant. I think you should know you have a great employee and you should commend her. I entered your office feeling dirty and worthless and wanting to commit suicide but I left feeling confident and okay about myself. Things are good now and I'm looking forward to having my baby. Please thank her for me!
Sincerely,
Sandi ______________

We need to wholeheartedly think about how we treat people and show the characteristics of Christ because just like Sandi, you never know how your words and actions may affect the unsaved world. I had no idea I had that kind of effect on her had she not sent that letter. Let us sincerely think about how we treat others and what we say to them, then make any necessary adjustments to our character and disposition. Let's be passionate about our Christianity because the eternal souls of men, women, boys, and girls are at stake.
Until next time,
-Pat-

Standing Alone

Have you ever found yourself standing alone for something and as a result, felt the loneliness and isolation associated with holding fast to your convictions? Maybe you stood for an unpopular political opinion, a cause close to your heart, an anti-abortion position, or maybe it was something that took place in a classroom discussion and everyone disagreed with you. It can be the most terrifying thing in the world to "stand" for your convictions and then to be ridiculed, rejected, or even despised by others. However, the moments that define you will always be those you choose to stand by while everyone else remains seated. The same holds true in Christianity. Jesus instructed believers to choose the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14). That "narrow way" has few people on it but the way that is broad (the popular worldly path leading to destruction) is crowded with people. And when the world realizes that you are not going their way, they will ridicule you and pressure you to conform, lest you be rejected and despised. Jesus knew this would happen to those who would stand for Him. He prayed for us to the Father. He said, "I have given them Thy Word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

Standing alone for God's truth means going against the crowd and making decisions based on what is right, not on what is popular at the moment. Far too often, we incorrectly reason that the popular side (the broad road) “must” be the winning side and that to follow the unpopular road (the narrow road) of our inner convictions might place us on the losing side. Notice, the Bible "it's not filled as much with mass movements as it is with individuals who were willing to stand alone" (Charles Stanley). There were only 12 apostles to begin Christianity. Can you imagine the odds against them? No one ever desires to stand alone. In today's chaotic world, we like to think peer pressure only affects the young. Not so! How many times have you been to a restaurant with a group? Your normal pattern is to pray before meals. When the food comes, you look around to see what everyone else is doing. Everybody else digs right in. So you do too. To stand alone for biblical truth means to go against the crowd and make decisions based on what is right, not on what is popular at the moment. Our actions should not be merely reactions to people; they should be the results of wholehearted love for the Lord and a wholesome fear of Him (Psalm 119:24-26; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Do you remember the following illustration? You can take a frog, drop it into a pan of hot water, and it will immediately react to the liquid and jump out. But you can take that same frog, drop it into a pan of tepid water, gradually turn up the heat, and the frog will sit there. In theory, at least, you can boil the frog alive if you turn the heat up gradually enough. It slowly adapts and accepts the temperature change until it’s too late. That’s what has happened to many of us, isn’t it? Those of us who are over 50, think of all the changes that you have experienced in your lifetimes. Take something as obvious as television programming or movies. Who would have imagined that the standards could have changed as much in the last thirty or forty years as they have? If it had happened all at once, most folk would have screamed bloody murder. You would have been shocked and offended beyond measure. And rightfully so! Many of you would have permanently turned off the television and never went to a movie again. But it didn’t change all at once, did it? Gradually, bit by bit, the level of decency and morality eroded. Sometimes we noticed. Often we didn’t! Because it happened so slowly, we conformed. Now many of us accept and watch things that would have once angered us without even blushing. When it comes to motion pictures, we don't even flinch when watching a brutal murder. We overlook the horror of rape and move on to the next scene. We accept lying and deception. Oh, and don't forget about fornication and adultery playing out before our eyes. All we want to know is who winds up with who at the conclusion of the picture! Even our children's cartoons are permeated with fighting, brutality, witchcraft, and even provocative half-clad female figures! We went from this:

TO THIS!

Why is this even in a movie for children?

Have you personally ever experienced the following? A conversation is taking place at the lunch table at work you are uncomfortable with. Perhaps an off-color joke, maybe just a bit of salacious gossip or a topic with some moral or spiritual undertones. You don't like it. You couldn't disagree more. Or an opportunity about your faith develops. The door is wide open. You know you should speak up. The pressure is on. Do you stand for biblical truths or do you remain quiet for fear of ridicule and rejection? Standing against the odds is never easy. As believers, we must be willing to stand for what is right in this godless society in which we live. It is vital! To do so requires scriptural convictions that we are willing to live for and, if necessary, die for (Revelation 2:10). Are YOU committed - at all costs - to following the Lord on the narrow way? Are you prepared to stand alone when necessary? Can you speak up in the midst of your co-workers when they express or uphold anti-biblical teaching? Every movement starts with one person who is brave enough to stand alone. That person could be you. If you are supporting what you believe in, it is always better to stand alone than not at all.
Until next time,
-Pat-