A Godly Life

      What does it mean to live a Godly life? Is there really a difference between you an me? Why do you think you are so different from me, what makes you better? These are all questions that we as Christians have heard numerous times throughout the years. Yet, oftentimes we answer these questions so awfully. We fail to point to the one that truly is Godly, to the one that makes the difference, to the one that is better than everyone else, we fail to point others eyes to God.
      When a person walks up to us and asks us why we live a certain way, we shouldn't feel the need to make excuses for why we don't work on Sundays (or maybe you don't even use God's given day of rest), why we bow our heads to pray before meals or throughout the day, for why we read the Bible, for why we go to church (isn't it just the same thing each week over and over again), or even for why we celebrate certain holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
      My dear friends, we should be ashamed of ourselves. We think that by offering the same answers that non-Christians do or minimizing the reasons that we do certain things, that should shout forth the glorious wonders of Christ to the world, we in some way can better ease people into understanding God. This is so backwards and so wrong. Instead of making excuses for what we do as a result of living out our faith, how about we stand by them, explain them to a lost world, show them why it is the ONLY way to LIVE. It is not through deception and misguided knowledge that the world will come to know Jesus, but rather through the active explanation of the gospel to those with whom we come in contact with. We cannot sit back and pray that Jesus will work through us, and then when we are presented with the opportunity to share the gospel we run and hide behind some fear that they may no longer like us or hold us in as great of a societal standing. WHO CARES!!! We sure as heck shouldn't!
      There has never been a time throughout all Christianity where the true church has ever been "liked" by all of its fellow man. The church has been persecuted, hated, and despised. Why should we even begin to think that it will be any different for us now? Sure, there are those that will hear the gospel and come to faith in Jesus. That is in fact what our calling is, to lead those souls to the throne of grace. But there will be those that do not appreciate what you say or do as a Christian. It is for that very reason that we must live out our faith. We cannot be ashamed of the gospel. If we are, how will we lead those souls that are called to the throne? Our lives must mean more than merely pleasing the general population of the world. Instead we should be focused on pleasing one alone! Jesus, the Lamb of God, who sits on the throne and the Father's right hand, He is the one that we should be striving to honor and proclaim. "For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:25-26, ESV)
     This is not merely a suggestion here in Luke. It is a declaration to us that if we do not stand tall and preach the gospel to those all around us, that if we do not live in such a way as to proclaim a different lifestyle, that if we do not act upon the truths that we hold so dear, the one who intercedes for us and holds us in the palm of His hand and gives us life will be ASHAMED of us. How humbling is that. That the Son of Man, ruler of the universe, savior of our soul will be ashamed of those that do not stand for Truth. I do not think that those who truly trust in Jesus as savior will continually fall in this area, if someone does, then the chances are that they were never "one of us". Therefore, let us not fall prey to the snares of the devil. For, it is not easier to brush aside a topic or opinion, for in the end, it will all come down to what we have done for the "least of these." (Matthew 25:45)
   "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:10-20, ESV)

Fatherhood

Many people know September the 11th as a day of sadness and sorrow for what happened in New York City in 2001. However, I will forever remember September 11th for what happened to me this September 2013. This is not to take away from the sadness of events from the past, but merely to express my deep joy.

My day began as each had for recent months with work at the hotel that I worked at. I got home around the same time and was greeted by my beautiful wife. After I got changed and more comfortable, she told me that she had a gift for me. I smiled, wondering what it could possibly be since it wasn't near my birthday or a holiday. As I began to open the package, I began to wonder if it could possibly be what we had just so recently began praying about. To my wonder and amazement there were some little outfits and some pregnancy tests inside. I looked up at my wife, wondering with my expression if it were truly true. To my great joy, she said with a deep expression of joy, "we are gonna have a baby!".

I was so excited and so filled with amazement at God's goodness and grace. Who was I to be given such a gift of love and mercy? I could not wait to tell the whole world of the goodness of my Lord. I know that with Fatherhood comes great responsibility and yet I welcome it with open arms, knowing that if God has given me such a gift as a little child growing in my wife's womb, then He will give me all of the strength and abilities that are needed in order to take care of and provide for my family.


"Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
(Psalm 127 ESV Bible)