What's it all about?

I was watching a beer commercial the other day and it kept getting interrupted by a football game. Seriously, the world tries to tell us that it is all about sex, money and power. Power to influence to get your own way. Power to get sex. Money to get sex and power. The car you drive displays your money and attracts sex. So buy this car, wear this cologne or perfume and drink this brand of alcohol and you will have it all.

Folks, Christians sometimes look different, act different and are different in many other ways. Well it's supposed to be like that. You should be able to pick us out of the crowd. Although we are no different than others, in some ways. We like to laugh, have fun and enjoy some of the things of this world. However, they are not what we live for. For us, they are not "it all".

Christ, our Savior was born.  He lived with us and then died for us. The "it" for us is this example of Christ. He came to be with us. He shared with us and gave for us. There was no taking advantage of others. No selfishness. No attempts to acquire the most. This is how we live. And, it will look different from time to time. Some will laugh at us, at times to us and others behind our backs. They may think we don't know what we are missing living the way we do. But, we do. Most of us have lived it or seen it. But, we have found a better life. A life with our Christ. Because He came to be with us.

So we live differently. We love, we laugh, we eat and we enjoy life. But, we care, we give and we share. Our "it" is the fulfillment of life with Christ. Never perfect but always trying to play by the rules, live quieter, more humble lives. Family matters. Friends matter. The car we drive, not important. It doesn't define who we are. The way we live defines who we are. If they hated Jesus, there will be some who don't like us. That's ok. It isn't the number of friends but the quality friends that is important. Remember, you are in this world but not of it. You are a representative of Christ in this world. You are also a friend of Christ in this world. And, there is no better friend to have than Him. Oh, and by the way, He loves you. Hey, you have it all!

Born A Baby?

     The Bible tells us that God is the same today, as He was yesterday. He was, is and ever shall be. The same God of Adam and Eve is my God. He keeps his promises and He is faithful forever. My God is the God that the Bible says He is.

     Many people have their own thoughts on God. The "big man upstairs", is one. They have their own beliefs of God. They may believe he meddles in the affairs of man. Or, that he is watching us from a distance. Nice song, but bad theology. When their circumstances change, they begin to blame God. They ask, why did He do this to me? Or, how could He let this happen? They change their belief in how God operates and they ultimately change the one who is unchangeable. People change God to fit their circumstances, and to make themselves feel better. And, so when they feel bad, God gets the blame. Or, when something bad happens, it's God's fault. How many times have you heard someone say I don't believe in a God that would send people to hell? Well, people chose their path. God wants everyone in Heaven, but not everyone wants to be there. Man is given choice, and some chose to do evil. Since we are in this world, some of the evil may bump into us.

     That is why I follow the God of the Bible. My circumstances don't change God. God changes my circumstances. Because God is faithful, I have hope in the future. Because He is strong, I know my troubles will pass. I may have cancer today, but I have healing tomorrow. I heard a song with the line, even if the healing doesn't come. Again, nice song, bad theology. The healing comes. We may not see it , or it may not be the healing we though it would be. God thinks higher than us. We were convinced of His mistake when God sent us a savior in the form of a baby. But, it turned out better than just ok. A king, that did not rule? Not what we were looking for. And the savior dead on a cross? Wrong again. God has things under control. His plans work for our good. All things work for good, for those who Love God. God can take a bad circumstance and work it for something good. My cancer has brought our family closer together, for one. With His strength, I will continue to enjoy life, and not spend one minute being angry or bitter. And, my complete healing will come, from God through my doctor and God's creationg of radiation. When man creates a tragedy, God can help us to recognize a good plan, to cause a good outcome. Giving, praying, sharing, loving are good things that we can provide by the Grace of God to change a circumstance.

     So why doubt God? Is it that we simply doubt ourselves? Do we not know that we are God's children? But, if we don't know God, how can we know ourselves? You are on the Internet. Find a good site and start to look at who God is. Find a good Bible study, a good radio station, television program, find a good church, or just ask a friend. But, please get to know God. He knows you and loves you. He loves you right now. He loves who you are right now. Because you are His child, and He loves you. HE can help you be a better you. He can help you be  stronger, happy and living a fulfilling enjoyable comfortable life.

     I am everything I am because of God. Every success and joy in my life is the result of His love and strength. God helps us in Spirit. He is our strength, our Joy, our Comforter, our Healer and our Savior. People who follow this Christ have a purpose in their lives. They have fulfillment and fun. They live life to the fullest, every day. If you don't have this God, the God of the Bible, you really don't know what you are missing. Please invite Him into your life. Once you have found the true God, you will never let Him go. And He will never leave you. A saviour born a baby, just like the Bible says. He is you personal savior.