So How Are We Supposed to Do it?

People fuss about the guys that yell and scream on the street corners with Bibles in hand. I understand. They often look very angry. Other folks get squeamish when another talks about sharing Jesus with a stranger on an airplane. Others get antsy about using a two-question test to gauge someone's spiritual condition, followed by the sharing of Scripture. ---Meanwhile, many followers of Jesus expect their sub-par lifestyle to lead people to Christ on its own. Then, some dazed and confused on what way is not confrontational are conflicted and do nothing. ---So how do we share Jesus with others the right way? The Scripture is plain. We have to share the Gospel somehow. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?(Rom.10:14) ---People don't get saved unless someone shows them the way. Jesus is clearly the way found in Scriptures. We need to lovingly tell the people the truth. I certainly don't recommend yelling, screaming, or name-calling. Treat people as you would want to be treated. You do need to live a lifestyle in such a way that people would even consider your beliefs. People will listen to a person of integrity. People will listen if they see your love for others. But when compelled by the Holy Spirit to share Jesus with a stranger, just do it in his power. Always be ready to give witness of the hope that is in you. Take them to the Scriptures and let the Word of God speak. Stop making excuses and just do it. Your last resort...your parachute: invite them to church. They will hear the Gospel preached there. How will they know unless someone tells them? Yes, there are people in this country that have not heard.

Sensible

Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.---Prov.17:24 (NLT) These words remind me of Jesus dealing with the religious leaders of his day who were determined not to believe him to be the Messiah. Describing their stubbornness to accept the truth he said, "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."---Here Jesus was doing miracle after miracle as signs of who he was, and yet they acted like that was too tough to swallow. Today, people will go to far away places in search of a "real" experience with God or a god or even multi-gods. They act as if going to a country in the Far East into a remote village with an unpronounceable name makes the experience more real. On top of that, to get the real experience they need to smoke who knows what out of a pipe that really makes them feel spiritual. They are wandering the earth in remote places when God is not hiding. Jesus was crucified in public. There were eyewitnesses. There were many people that saw Jesus after his resurrection. They have testified of that, and even died for that. The heavens declare the glory of God (Ps.19), but that is not enough for some. God made it simple. Instead of going with what we know, people will pick something obscure to use as an excuse to not believe. Yet, they'll do extra-weird things to foster another belief. ---Use the brain the Good Lord gave you! Stop straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel.

There is hope

As we read the news in the paper and on the internet, it often causes us to lose hope. People want peace and prosperity, and they misunderstand everything around them. No government and no man-made peace plan is going to work. Truly there is no hope...in these plans. In Luke 19:41-44 the Jews had rejected the original peace and prosperity plan...Jesus. 41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”---However, there is hope. Jesus then turned to the Gentiles to offer salvation. The door is still open to all who will receive Christ. Peace and prosperity will come, but it will have nothing to do with the plans of men; it will be the Master's Plan. Where is your hope? Pay attention to the Passion story of Jesus this week. Read the Scriptures for understanding of End Times. It is written. In the end there is reason for great joy for those that are "in Christ Jesus."

Reflections on the Deep

It's always funny or interesting for me after I've preached a sermon or a series to see the "goodie" I got out of all that studying and listening. The recent "Launch Into the Deep" series was actually a lot of fun and a little different than most of my series in that it was based on people and their experiences with God. I had hoped that it would help guide all of us to take natural next steps in trusting God in our daily lives. At the end of it all, I suppose everyone had their own "nuggets" they took to heart. Hopefully, they were taken to heart for life transformation. The thing that I got after a few days had gone by was this: God does the big stuff...the miracle stuff, and we (whether our name is Moses, Abraham, Paul, Norman, _______your name) simply do little stuff like walking, talking, just simply obeying and serving God right where we are at. Billy Graham preached simple messages. All he did was talk. God blessed that. Missionaries learn languages to talk. They get on boats to go where God wants them. All we do is walk and talk, and God uses our obedience to move mountains. We "walk on water" when we trust Jesus. No one can do what you can do. No one else has the influence or connection with the people you do. So when God calls you to walk, simply walk. When He calls you to talk, simply talk. Let God do what only He can do and don't you worry about the rest.

Going Deeper

People like to associate going deeper with head knowledge, understanding the big words of the Bible that other people don't understand. That's bologna! Going Deeper is kind of a misnomer. Life transformation is the reality of going deeper. If you're lifestyle and love for Christ and others has not been impacted by your studying, then your studying is a waste of time.
At one time or another we have all studied shallow and we’ve studied deep, but there comes a time when we have to get out of the boat. We have to lower the net. If you are not loving Christ by serving Him by loving others, the time is now! You can know the whole Bible by heart, but if you don’t show love, well you’re just a big noise-maker (according to Paul 1Cor.13).
Ask your pastor how you may serve. There are a couple opportunities still out there.

Christianity for people that don't like Christianity

I was sad to see a site that promotes itself as "christianity for people that don't like christianity." However, I know there a lot of people feeling that way. Christians are partially the blame; NO, partial Christians are to blame. If we were living totally devoted to Christ lives some would still hate us (they hated Jesus, even to the death of the cross), but at least there would not be a discrepancy about what christianity is or is not. So, please give us a chance and don't look at the stupid signs some christians hold up. And certainly don't listen to the media who goes full bore when it comes to talking about the dumb things christians do, but are quiet as "church mice" when the church does the many more good things it does. ---Churches build hospitals, schools, teams of relief workers and all kinds of good stuff. Yeah, churches split all the time too because people are selfish and imperfect. But did you really quit on your favorite store or restaurant for bad service? Jesus Christ is coming back for the church, the bride of Christ. Don't give up on the church and christianity. You want our hospitals, schools, and you sure want our cooking during times of disaster relief. ---So help me understand again, what part of christianity do you not like? There is a movement in our city trying to change the way you think about church and christians. Coming soon to our city: onelovefl.com

Politically Correct

It is amazing when media people pose questions to christians when they already know (or should) their response. A biblical christian should respond with a biblical answer. We know that politicians are going to say whatever they want to hear. ---Isn't if funny how we know that? The biblical christian should just say what the Bible already says. The Bible is offensive to people that don't believe it. I wish they would only learn that the Bible is there to help them. We condemn ourselves when we go against the grain of the Bible. So Larry King from the past, or Piers from the present don't need to ask the question unless they just want to start some trouble. ---Your problem is not with me or other biblical christians, it is with the Bible and the person whom it is about, Jesus Christ. We do not hate people. God does not hate people. Let's look at His record. Ummm, He sent His one and only Son to die for the sins of the world. Yeah, that's a real hate-monger. And HIs children start hospitals, go dig wells for famine relief, fight poverty, show up first at Disaster Relief...you know, bad stuff like that. We're not trying to get votes. We're living to please a Savior. So, remember, next time you ask one of us a question that the Bible has already dealt with...and your asking the question to crucify us in public opinion...remember, it will be one of us that shows up first at your tornado ravaged city. It will be one of us helping your homeless brother. It will be one of us showing Jesus love in some fashion. Yes, we are narrow-minded enough to believe Jesus' narrow-minded words, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except by me." And let me save you the trouble, we do believe in a literal Lake of Fire, because if the Bible gets that wrong, it will be a first. (So, we'll go with the odds.) The world needs to get relevant with the Bible. Oh, it's coming. Front to back is already written. Read it. ---And to my christian friend that is afraid to give answer...tell the truth and just blame it on the Bible! Disclaimer: we do not approve of the few idiot hate-mongers who live under the guise of being christians. (So, don't interview those folks as representatives of believers unless you're an idiot. All camps have some dimly lit people.)

Sales, Obedience, Jesus

There is a saying in business, "Sales heals all." The boss is happier and off your back when sales meet quotas or exceed expectations. Anyone in business knows this to be true. Business owners know home life is even better when sales are up. ---However in church it is a little different. As much as I would love to simply say prayer heals all...that's not exactly true. If you are praying a bunch, but living a disobedient lifestyle...forgetaboutit! Obedience heals all! Certainly prayer is huge in the scheme of things, but God is not a Genie that we pray to and live the way we want. Jesus said that you show you love me by your obedience. It's crazy that anyone would believe that God would bless a disobedient lifestyle. Through prayer (two-way communication to God) we learn what God wants us to do. ---Now lets magnify that. When multiple people are praying and obeying the same God, and let's say these same people live in the same location and worship together (church); some amazing things can happen. When people do the little things of walking, talking, listening and reacting in God's way for them (obedience) nothing is impossible. People will do things one could not imagine: they will give generously, serve faithfully and love on the community for Jesus in amazing ways. ---Through this kind of obedience Jesus will become famous in that city! Pray for the city and live obediently. Watch God do what God does. It never gets old. Love ya Jesus.

Devotion: Luke 6:46-49

Here's a little something, something from hanging with Jesus on a Saturday night just for fun.
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I say?"
Great question!
So many claim to be Christians. So many claim to be followers of Jesus.---Yet, very few live a Christ-like life. Very few seem to care about the things of Christ. *We all see the hypocritical lives. Hey, I'm not judging. I've walked that thin line plenty.
Jesus said, (paraphrased) "I will show you what one of my practitioners looks like ( a peson that actually heeds my words). "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock."---He took it seriously. He put the work in. He did excellent work. He built to last!
"When the flood came it couldn't shake the house because it was built on a solid rock foundation."---*Jesus is that solid rock foundation. If we're truly living in Him, then we too are immovable. Can't touch this!
(para) "But those who do shoddy work don't take the time to build right, when the storm comes; they will be washed away."---You can't fake a life in Chirst. When the junk of life hits, those in Christ stand, all others collapse.
*Don't call Jesus LORD if you're not truly living for Him. IF He is not Boss of your life because you're not willing to submit, don't say HE is. IT confuses people. You and HIM know the truth and danger is coming. True followers of Christ, do what He says!---These were Jesus' words. Don't say it, if it isn't true. ---If you're living contrary to the Scriptures (ie. sinful lifestyle: you know what your sin is, you don't need my help), then you're not living for Christ; which means HE is NOT LORD. Jesus is calling us to repent of our sin, and be a For Real follower of Christ.

It wasn't a flat tire

It couldn't have been more predictable. "Be strong and courageous... Know who you are in Christ...Don't let satan rob the joy of your salvation." ---All things from the message this Sunday. Don't be upset when you get a flat tire, because there are nails in the road. Yes, I said that. So, at midnight after the Casting Crowns concert my wife and I along with Andy and Heidi are leaving the Waffle House parking lot. Note: all the other good Christians were long gone from downtown. WF is practically in the back parking lot of the Civic Center. Anyway, it's midnight...it's cold and windy...we're downtown. I had certainly been acting a fool, goofing around (I know, hard to believe). We had been blessed with back-stage passes, great seats and I had been picking at our friends that were sitting in the nose-bleed (exaggeration) section. So, we get in the car and the battery is dead. Ha---stinkin'---ha, the joke is on me. Fortunately, we had left a good tip at the WF, because our waitress was the one that had jumper cables. Amen. A friendly police officer jumped us off, and we were on our way. ---So, I start my Monday knowing I'll need a new battery. It was then that I remembered talking about getting a flat. Fortunately, I lived what I preached. I didn't get bothered a bit. The car is old enough it should have needed a new battery. No surprise. No anger. No whoa is me. It's just life. So I prepared to pay the price for the battery. When I called to check on prices, I asked the guy the make of the battery. It turns out it was the same manufacturer of my old one. Where is this going? Well, I get there to exchange my old battery and come to find out that I had actually bought this one there a while back and only had to pay half price! Nice. Amen and a thank you Lord! ---So, here's your take away. No, it wasn't a flat tire, but a dead battery on Monday morning is just the same. Have a great week! Don't let the little things sidetrack your living for Jesus. You're not from around here..."...you are seated int heavenlies." -Eph.2:6

Prayer Rumblings and Tumblings

As we approach the end of a week in prayer, it is interesting to see the things that are happening. Here's just a little something, something from those that have recognized it is a result of prayer and focus. I already shared where God had put a person on my heart in prayer and then within a couple of hours I had a "chance" encounter. I hadn't prayed for this person and years and we ran into each other at a place neither of us normally go to by "accident." Yeah. Right. A couple of folks were given the opportunity to involve the church in meeting the needs of some people in the community in the love of Christ. As we pray for neighborhoods, there were some opportunities as well. My wife was able to network with a neighbor we rarely communicate with. (We all know how hard it is to communicate in the 'hood. We all go in and shut the doors and crash in our little world.) Then the latest that spurred me on was taking note of the great lengths that God can go to or use to answer prayer. (Depends on how you look at it.) One of our members was interrupted in the middle of the night by the police by a little disturbance. Through this (I'll skip the details) opportunity she got to meet a neighbor she had not really met. ---Are you praying? Are you paying attention to what in the world is going on around you in the midst of the 40 Days of Prayer? Pray hard! ---Did I mention, that through this week I've added several names to my salvation prayer list? God will speak to you Spirit to spirit. Take heed. Write it down. Add to your prayer list. Mix it up with reading God's Word (He's also taken me on detours through Scripture. That is, He has turned me from my normal daily reading to other passages of Scripture. How do I know this? Because I'm LISTENING! Listening is part of prayer.) Pray hard.---Also, share your stories. It opens the eyes of others, and encourages them to press forward in prayer! love.

Youcef Nadarkani

You just can't keep killing Christians. Pray for Youcef Nadarkani, the Iranian pastor on death row for being a Christian, preaching the Gospel. Christians preach the Gospel for that is our command to "go and make disciples." I prayed for my brother this morning. I prayed for his life to be spared. Then I thought of Daniel and many brothers that have faced death row for standing firm. I know that many have died for the faith, and many are willing to do so. So, I prayed that my brother Youcef would be strong that the hand of the Lord would be with him through this whole process. I pictured Youcef smiling comfortably in the strength of the Lord. I signed a petition to get our government to get on the case for his release, but I must admit that my government can't do anything. Just as King Darius could not get Daniel from going to the lions' den; our government has no power over this. For Youcef to live is Christ, and to die is gain. The real Christian understands that. Either way, I pray that the Gospel will explode in Iran. I pray for the salvation of all the Arabian people. LORD God in heaven we pray for a Great Spiritual Awakening.

CPR, Snickers, Southwest, Devil

Every now and then we need a little break from something. However, I don't see too many people taking a break from breakfast, lunch and dinner. I don't see people avoiding Walmart, Target, or Publix. They may (probably won't) hit Fred's or Grocery Outlet , but I kind of doubt these changes are permanent. Truth is there are some things we never need a break from: like care, prayer and encouraging relationships. If you are tired, stressed, or hapless the things you need the most are care, prayer and encouraging relationships. Please help me understand, why on earth when a person is crashing in life do they drop out of the one place that is meant to help them? One thing you say? Yes, because at Living Truth Church these things are found in one place: CPR Groups. The very name is meant to resuscitate those trying to do life. The acronym CPR stands for care, prayer and relationships. Some churches call them Life Groups, Small Groups as well as other names. The purpose is basically the same. For the love of God, help me understand when life is rough...why, why, why do people run from that which is meant to breathe life into them? What part do you not need? Is it care? Do you not need people to show love and care? You do know when you tell people you need a break or that you're working or some excuse for not coming to the Group that they tend to believe you; and consequently don't bug you? Sometimes all you have in you is to be able to show up. In times like that JUST SHOW UP. So in time of stress, you don't need care? Hmmm. Or is it prayer you don't need? Are you going through the roller-coaster of life (and who isn't?) and don't need prayer? I've only met one person in my life that refused prayer, and I've asked a lot of people. Or is it encouraging relationships you don't need? We all know that's not true. How many times have you been in the crapper (figuratively speaking) and a friend called or showed up and cheered you up. Listen, here's a novel idea. Why don't you go every week to a place where everyone knows your name: CPR Group? There is someone there that will care for you, pray for you, or encourage you; but you have to show up and you have to let them know what's going on. As awesome as these people are, they don't read minds. So, what are you waiting for get up and go. Nobody needs a break from emotional and spiritual healing. The devil is the only entity that gains advantage when you avoid this life-breathing group of people. Consequently, we'll give credit where credit is due: who do you think is whispering in your ear to take a break from this life-sustaining group? Next time you need a break, eat a snickers or fly Southwest, but don't give up your CPR Group. Nooooooo.....

Perseverance

Knowing what to do really isn't most people's problem. Getting started and actually doing the right things isn't usually a huge barrier either. The problem is perseverance. Knowing what to do, starting that thing and continuing is the real issue. ---This is why in church we pray for one another, we meet with one another, and we encourage (spur) one another on to good deeds. So, do not forsake the assembling together as the body of Christ. It is good for your perseverance.--Heb.10:24-25

Complainers Need a Hug

Everyone knows a complainer. They can find the gloom and doom in any situation. They can suck the life right out of hope. They can slow down or even stop a good thing. They bring discouragement to the table week after week. You get my drift? This isn't a team member or friend who normally contributes positively, and is bringing positive critique.
Here's the deal. Because we live in an imperfect society, there is always ample opportunity for complaints. Life is tough. Like one comedian said, "Put a helmet on!" (Brad Stine) In the life of an organization it becomes like a roller-coaster constantly (not just often). It is the nature of life. So, heck yeah, something always has the potential to go hay-wire. Complainers just feel the need to ALWAYS point that out. Leaders, meanwhile, are looking for a solution without discouraging the crowd (knowing that indeed there is a solution, we just have to find it.).
Complainers surround us: in families, at church, at work, at Disney World, on all the social networks, etc.
Complainers need a hug, but they don't need to be in charge. Otherwise, they will drag everyone down with them. They will stop a good thing before it really gets going. They will stop a potentially great thing before it makes the big curve to the down-hill slope. Worst of all, they will never be happy. Because such is life. Everything is never all right, consequently there is always something to complain about. ---Funny, but sad story. I remember a time when this guy had questions about our church, and he was considering getting "all in". He suggested we go play golf, and we could talk about church and hopefully get any concerns he had before joining out of the way. Of course I went, it was free golf. ---We had not even played nine holes before I realized this guy had 99 problems with our church. At about question 18 (and hole#2) I realized this probably wasn't the church for him. At about question 36 (and hole #4), I realized I wasn't even enjoying free golf. At about question 72 ( and hole #8) I wondered if I really liked our church. By hole #9 I had to quit really listening, because I was wondering if I should even be in the ministry. ---The crazy thing is that prior to this I had high hopes for this guy, perhaps even in leadership. Afterward, I agreed with him that we were a terrible church, and he should search elsewhere. ---Years later, we're still not the perfect church, but we're trying. Complainers need a hug, not a place at the leadership table. Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (Phil.2:14-15)--Thanks to Rick Howerton for inspiration on twitter @RickHowerton

You're Invited to Make a Difference

So are you tired of the status quo? Are you trying to do it your way, and staying stuck? So how is that Tea Party Thing working out? How is that Occupy Thing working out? It doesn't take long for the establishment to either stamp them out by making concerned citizens look like fools or infiltrating them and making them once again status quo (part of the establishment). I think by now we all realize the "establishment" isn't the answer, nor is "anti-establisment" the answer. Democrat and Republican are not the answer either (nor the independent). If you really want to make an actual difference, we invite you to Living Truth. This past year we dabbled in helping other people and organizations that were already making a difference. We didn't reinvent anything; we simply joined others in helping meet needs (helping the homeless, widow, elderly, downtrodden, oppressed, etc.). We prayed and listened and helped random individuals in need as God led and provided. We invite you to be part of the "We". However, know that we come together and do what we do in the name of Jesus. This year we will do no less than 30 missions in loving our neighbors in Christ. We're not here to complain. We're here to help. Why do we invite the entire community? We need more people. The more people we have the more small groups we have to carry out this mission. We would love to have the capability of doing 300 helping hand missions in the name of Christ. Perhaps you don't know Christ or have not received the Savior whose "birthday" many just celebrated. That's okay. We invite you to come to Living Truth and check things out. You will get acquainted with Christ and see what a truly devoted follower of Christ lives like. So, go from check out mode to stand by mode. Come and be a part of this while you are in standby mode. And, if you're fully paying attention we trust that you will enter the full-power mode in Christ Jesus eventually. ---So instead of whining, complaining, and occupying come make a real difference, and in the process we trust you will come to faith in the risen Christ and forever be transformed. Live the transformed life, not the status quo.
livingtruthchurch.com

You Can Do It

You can absolutely do what God has called you to do. I hear folks give all kinds of excuses for why they can't do something God has called them to do. Now, you do have to be smart. God may have called you to do something, but He hasn't quite equipped you yet. Know this: whom God calls He equips. However, more often than not people never leave the launching pad. In my case, God called me out of a fifteen year career in business to preach. That is not everyone's call. And yes, it is true if you can do anything besides preach you should do that. But even after God clearly placed that call on my life, it was a year before I started seminary and three years before I started preaching on a regular basis. In fact, while the call to preach was clear the details were muddy for a few years. And then when the details were clear it was frightening. Things didn't make sense. Even though I felt like a "fish out of water" in my previous career it was something that I was comfortable with, familiar with and good at. Not to mention, the oldest of our four children was about to start high school. Look, there is a never a good time to leave your comfort zone, but when God makes it clear you have to go. There is nothing like being in the center of God's will. I don't know what God has called you to do, but I do know that He has designed each one of us to be a part of His amazing story. Don't make excuses and miss out on "God stuff." You can do it. This is a new year. Let's all get out of the boat and walk on water! Be a part of the story. Quit reading about it from everyone else.

Why does Christmas Day being on Sunday complicate things?

Why does Christmas Day being on Sunday complicate things? For one things a lot of businesses will have trouble shutting down or giving employees a courtesy day off. Typically, it is a time when families try to get together somehow. Yet, the day included in its very name is about Christ. Churches figure it to be a lesser attended day, because the uncommitted folks won't show up or may be swayed by non-believing family members into skipping. Ultimately, it tests our allegiance as believers to what the day is really about. The commercialism and secularism of the day face-off with the true meaning. It's not really about reindeer, the gifts and all the lights. It is about the Lamb of God coming to the world to take away the sin of the world. ---It's uncomfortable. It cramps our plans when the real story and our pretend story collides. ---Resurrection Sunday is celebrated in churches every week of the year. But how do we handle it when Resurrection Sunday meets Christmas Day...on the same day? This only happens once in a while, but it makes us think (if we will). It's painful to realize that many of us Christians have made it a secular (without God) day or family (without God) day. Christmas is about the birth of Christ, and you can't separate the Christ for why He came. And, the truth is, we do. Yet, we should never separate Christmas and the Resurrection. Oddly enough it should not complicate things, but rather it should simplify. He came, he died, and he was resurrected. What child is this? He is the Savior of the world!

What was learned from the $100 Challenge

It ran its course. What did we learn from it? The "it" being the $100 Challenge. Sometime before the first of this year God challenged me to step out in faith and challenge our church in a unique way. Each week a different person offered up a $100 bill. It could not be the same person throughout the year. Consequently, it wouldn't be a bunch of rich people taking hundreds off that tree in the backyard. It would be single moms, high school seniors, retirees, college students...well you get the picture---people that $100 bill meant a lot to. Since it had to be a $100 bill and not a check or a bunch of twenties, it had to be premeditated. We didn't drum up business or guilt people into giving it. I was fine if it only happened two weeks, then oh well. I only reminded people a couple of times that there was an opening if they wanted to give the hundred. I wanted people to learn to hear God's voice. But the giving was only part of it. The other part was small groups (our cpr groups) took the hundred and did something for some person or people in the community in Christ's name. We wanted to make the name of Jesus famous. After all, Christians are to be representatives of Christ. So our people began to open their collectives eyes around the community to seek out and find those in need. We wanted to find those that were marginalized. We wanted to find those that could use a pick me up. The important thing was for a group to get together on what they did...who they helped. We helped organizations that are already doing stuff helpful. We helped with some water bills, and power bills as you could imagine. It was great to see the creativity and the care that went into the blessing. ---This was God's idea, and He made some things about it plain. One of the things is that it was for a season. I certainly hope folks learned that it's easier to part with a $100 than they realized. I also hope that people learned how to look around and see people that perhaps they didn't even see in need in the past. Mostly, I hope that God was glorified by any and all of this. What will we do this year? I don't know. Pray hard.
To Living Truth Church: Thank you for your obedience in the giving of over $5,000 a hundred dollars at a time. It's the small things that add up to big things. God bless.

Why Good Things Happen to Bad People

A frequently asked question is "Why do bad things happen to good people?" This question is most often asked when someone is contemplating placing their faith in Christ. I guess people want to make God sound bad, thus justifying their excuse for not following Him. The conversation usually goes something like "Why did something bad (fill in the blank) happen to this innocent person?" At the very root of this answer is simple: we live in a fallen world. It is mired by our ancestors and our choice to sin. The evil we live with is the consequence of sin. "Yeah, but why does something bad happen to an innocent person?" And who might that be? You see, there is no innocent person. The Bible tells us plainly (and we know it's true) "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We are a people condemned to death due to sin. No one is innocent. In the Garden when Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen.3) all innocence left the planet. Adam was told distinctly (Gen.2) that in the day he ate of that tree he would surely die. He was promised death at the day of disobedience. Well, he didn't get immediate death. God shows His true colors of mercy, patience and grace from the beginning. He does that over and over in the book. He does that over and over in our lives. The question isn't really "Why do bad things happen to good people?", because no such person exists. The question is "Why do good things happen to bad people?"---God is loving. He is merciful. He is patient with people coming to Him through salvation. God demonstrated His love toward us, that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. God made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin, to become sin for us, so that we might become right with God. ---God is good. He is on the right side of things. It's a rebellious, lying spirit ("God didn't really say"Gen.3-satan's words) that provokes man to question God. ---I have absolutely no idea why God saved a wretch like me. But He did. Thank you Jesus.