Am I Worthy To Be Called A Christian?

Have you ever asked yourself the question ... "Am I worthy to be called a Christian?". I have. I do it all the time. I have a hard time forgetting my past life. My life before submitting to Christ. I believed in God and I was aware of Christ dying on the Cross. But I didn't need to put this in the forefront of my life nor did I need to discuss it with others. I was not against God or His Message. It was just that I didn't feel I needed to read or live this everyday. I really didn't realize just how destructive I was being towards God and his Message. Now that I realize just how wrong I was I can't help but feel guilty. Guilty because I spent a good part of my life doing what I wanted, when I wanted and how I wanted. I didn't spend this time trying to win the approval of God but rather that of Man. It's because of my life of partying and trying to please man that I wonder how can God offer me this new life, this clean slate through the death of his Son, Jesus. Why would Jesus do this for me? Do I really deserve this? Am I really the example God wants for his church in today's society?

Then I read the book of Acts ... Where it tells of a man who not only wasn't living a God Fearing live ... he was actually trying to destroy those who were ... this man came to know Christ and was one of his most important preachers of the gospel ... This man was Paul (also known a Saul in Acts). If God could take a man that had so much hatred for Jesus and turn him into an apostle ... then there is hope for me yet! If you have never read the book of Acts, I encourage you to do so. You may be surprised just how much you and Paul have in common.

The answer I found for my question: "No I was not worthy to call myself a Christian in my earlier years but since submitting myself to Jesus through the waters of baptism just over eight years ago ... God has made me worthy to be called a Christian!"

I leave you with the following passage and question ... Does this sound like anyone you know?

Paul Called by God:
I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised God because of me.
(Galatians, Chapter 1: 11-24)

Worried About The Future...

It's funny ... well not ha ha funny ... But I find I'm have an awful lot of Global Warming conversations lately. It's amazing how worked up and worried people can get over this. They are so concerned about their future and that of their children. Yes, Worldly concerned ... global warming is changing the earth. And yes it looks like it's going to eventually cause great havoc in the future. But what about these people and their kids ... are they as concerned about their life and their kid lives in heaven? Are they focused on Christ and the sacrifice he made for them on the Cross so that they could be saved from this world ... the one they are so focused on saving? I know that we could be doing more to preserve the earth ... but in all reality ... do you really think global warming is our biggest concern? What about all the fighting that's currently going on?

Perhaps if we became more focused on reading the Word and living a life pleasing to God ... we would find that this global warming and all the fighting may possible start to slow down... Perhaps rather than explaining to someone how they can make their children's lives better by using energy saving light bulbs we can discuss how we can be saving our children's eternal lives by introducing them to Christ and the sacrifice he made for us on the Cross ... perhaps rather than showing our kids it's every man for himself ... we could show them it's even man for Jesus and his forgiveness ... Perhaps rather than focusing on pay back, we focus on loving back. Just a thought!

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet,"and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
(Romans Chapter 13: 8-14)

Right Place ... Right Path!!!

Ever find yourself in a situation that after the events have played out you can only look back and Say "Wow ... I got the message God ... Thanks!". Well this happened to me last Friday. I was getting ready to sit down in my quiet little study area to review my Canadian Securities material when I seen there was already a couple of guys sitting there deep in conversation. Now at this point I would usually go to the library because it can be distracting trying to study in this area with a lot of talking around me but I decided sit at the only remaining open table. Besides, I had my MP3 player that I listen to when studying so all the surrounding sound can be blocked out. Well I started studying and within minutes my MP3 player went dead. The batteries had died (and unfortunately these batteries don't rise again). So needless to say, I tried to block out the conversation from the next table but I couldn't. Mostly because it was very interesting.

At the next table was an older man telling a younger man about his life journey and some of the things that he had come across. The older man kept referring to these men of faith that had come into his life. He would tell stories about these men and how he felt they had the power to heal others through prayer because their faith was so strong. He also talked about how the church has lost focus on helping the less fortunate. How the financially well off see those in need but just walk by without helping. The older man then pulled our his bible and started to read some pieces of scripture and would then explain the meaning behind them to the younger man. I quickly learned a few things about the older chap. He was well off but he was also struggling with illness. As he talked he often mentioned how he would love to be able to get close to someone who is strong in the faith so that he could place his prayers with him. He also talked about how he has been trying to help those financially less fortunate.

This is where it got difficult for me. I could see that this man was searching for God and was trying to grow his faith. I could also see that from his explanations of the scriptures he had read and his feeling towards these "Men of Faith" and what they could do, that he was somewhat missing the mark. Then my internal struggle started: a)I was not part of their conversation and so therefore it was not my place to interject my opinion. b) this person is not afraid to discuss scripture in public and is not ashamed to let others know he is search for the path of God ... if I rebuke, will I discourage this man from sharing his take on scripture.

Now if I was part of this conversation I would have no problem giving my take on things but I was not. So I finally decided I did need to say something but it had to be encouraging while at the same time corrective. So as I left my table I told the older gentleman that I enjoyed hearing him openly discuss the scriptures and his walk. That it is encouraging to see someone who is so comfortable doing so in public. I also told him that I could see where he was coming from with his take on the pieces he read but I felt there was a greater message in these passages. I encouraged him to take a deeper look at what they were saying. Stated that I felt that God is saying we need to put our complete faith in him. That it's important to financially help those who are less fortunate but more importantly, we need to help people find God in their lives. Show love to others the way we want to be loved. We need to connect with God with our faith and lay our prayers on his ears for him to hear. We all can be men of faith.

I thought of this all weekend and realized that God presented an opportunity to show myself how much I have grown in my faith but that I still have a long way to grow.... and I'm loving every step of the journey!!!

Are You Going to be Living on the Holy Hill?

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?

He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
(Psalm 15)

Pretty high standards when you read them. But when you really think about it, don't we already do this inregard to our family and our closest friends. We never give it a second thought. When it comes to these relationships we are always willing to do and say what is right and honorable, no matter how tough or difficult the situation, because these are the people we love and care about. So then ... why is it so different when it comes to the Lord. I mean really ... read Pslam 15 again and tell me ... Is this really a bad way to live? Are people going to hate you for living a life like this? Are we going to hurt anyone by living this live? ... I know I would sure like to be surrounded by people who live like this ... perhaps starting today ... right this minute ... if you are not already trying to live like this for the Lord ... you can start ... WE CAN START!!!

Missed Fellowship...If Only I Knew Then!

Well as you see in my first post for 2007 I have been looking back on my "Walk of Faith". In doing so it has stirred up a lot of emotions inside me. Some of these emotions I have never really understood why they are so strong. Not until recently. You see. I can't even say Allan Smith's name without getting a little choke up. And it's not because he was a part of my life for as long as I can remember ... in fact it is the opposite. I didn't even meet Allan until I was 24/25 and unfortunately he passed away a few years later. But it wasn't as much the time that effected me ... as it was the message!

You see I grew up going to church and believed in God. I knew what Jesus had done for me. But I didn't really read my bible, learn the scriptures and apply them to my everyday life. I didn't pray daily. I believed I was a good person and as long a I believed in God and went to church every now and then I would be fine. My spot in heaven would be held for me. AND I sure knew I didn't need to be baptized as an adult because I was baptized as an infant.

BOY WAS I WRONG .... But Allan had a way about him that was a gift. He didn't push this on you and he didn't make you feel uncomfortable discussing it. However, he didn't let it slide either. He just knew. He knew how and when to talk, when to listen and when to give you a nudge in the right direction. I had a one-on-one bible study with Allan and in the begin I hated the thought of doing it. But I met with him each week. And each week it became easier and easier. Wouldn't you know it, by the end I was actually enjoying it. But in the end I still struggled with one big decision. To be or Not to be Baptized. I struggled with this because I now knew what it really meant and if I was to chose to do this then I would have to surrender my current way of living. I couldn't serve two masters. Again ... Allan never pushed but he often reminded. Allan did baptize me. But very shortly after this Allan passed.

I didn't get to have a bible study with him after my baptism. I also never got the chance to pick his brain the way I know he wanted me too. For that I'm sorry. I also remember how happy Allan was when I was baptized and I always thought it was because he helped to get me there. Now I know different ... it was because he could now stop worrying about me ... I had finally realized I couldn't do it my way and I was ready to let God lead.

I miss him and our fellowship ... but ... it is because of our fellowship that I am here ... And since I am still here ... I hope I can help others to find God in their lives the way Allan has done for me.

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
(1 John Chapter 1: 6-7)

New Years Resolution:Be More Foolish!

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
(1 Corinthians,Chapter 1: 18-21)

It is amazing when you think about it. For the most part, we are a society made up of people who care for others. If we see someone who needs a helping hand we stop and help. If we see a friend struggling or feeling down we try to help. Some of us have even taken jobs where our profession is trying to save lives. We want to let everyone know when someone does something nice to help us. But we are slow to share the Word of God even though we know it can truly save someone's life!

I am one of the fortune ones. The direction of my life took a 365 degree turn about 9 years ago. A beautiful lady named Meredith came into my life and changed it for the better. The Word of God and the Sacrifice made by Jesus was (and still is) very important to her and she made it clear that it was something she wanted for me as well. Because of her I made a connection that will for every change me. I met Allan Smith. A great man. But even more so, a proud and faithful servant of God that saw something in me that I didn't. He saw somebody who needed to be saved from his worldly life. Someone who could be used to not only to serve God but someone to spread the word of God so that others like me could be saved as well!!!

As stated in the piece of scripture above: I too at one time thought the message was somewhat foolish but I now feel completely different. I can only hope that God will be pleased through the foolishness that I try to preach in the hope that others can become believers and be saved.

Meredith and Allan will always have a special place in my heart for the gift they helped me to find and for that I am eternally grateful. I only hope that I can do the same!!!