I recently watched a video of one of Steve Harvey's comedy shows. Steve Harvey, a secular comedian, while in front of a secular audience poses the question "How would you introduce God?" His response is amazing! I couldn't get the video to post to my blog so I typed up his response.
Ladies and gentleman it is my honor to introduce a man who needs no introduction.
His credits are too long to list.
He has done the impossible time after time, He has!
Out of a manger in Bethlehem and Jerusalem by way of Heaven.
His mother is still head-lining in the Catholic Church today.
His daddy is the author of a book that has been on the best seller list since the beginning of time.
He holds the record for the world’s greatest fish fry.
He fed 5000 hungry soldiers with 2 fish and five loafs of bread.
He can walk on water and turn water into wine. No special effects. No camera tricks.
He has a head shot on every church fan across the country.
Even before the Kings of comedy, He was hailed the King of all Kings,
Ruler of the Universe, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End,
the Bright and Morning star.
Some say he’s the Rose of Sharon. And some say he’s the Prince of Peace.
Put your hands together and show your love for
the second coming of the One and Only.
A few months ago I read a book titled Crazy Love by Francis Chan. My life was changed because of it. Recently I was reminded of this book and I decided to read it again. I've made it through 6 chapters and it's as if I'm reading it for the first time. As did the first time I read it, every chapter has made me step back and examine my life, and has challenged me to love unconditionally...
A concept that I've struggled with my entire life (and probably always will) is God's unconditional love. I just don't get it. I am sinner. Always have been and always will be. But yet God always has and always will love me with a love so deep and so powerful that even the grave couldn't stop it. "...broken and poured out all for love. Love so amazing!"
Crazy Love has challenged me on the whole concept of unconditional love. Not only does God love us unconditionally, but the same unconditional love that God has for us is the same love that He calls (commands) us to love people with. The fleshly part of me only wants to love people that I know. But we are called (commanded) to love everyone with the same unconditional love that God shows us. Yes, we are even commanded to love the people driving 55 mph in a 70 mph zone! :) For it is our unconditional love for people that allows Jesus to be revealed throughout the nations. But I know that without the help of Christ, I will invariably and ultimately fail at every attempt to love unconditionally. Praises that His grace is sufficient!
And lastely, I am to have an unconditional love for God. I am reminded of how many times I've become angry with God because things didn't turn out my way. Or the time that I completely turned from God because of (what I thought to be) his 'lack' of action in my life. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Again, we are commanded to love unconditionally...God and people. I know there will be times I will fail, but I MUST give Him everything! That is what He expects. He won't settle for less.
Love God. Love People. Reach the World.
Lately I've been challenged with the idea of crossroads and the importance of making the right choice (thanks to Kay Arthur). A crossroad is simply a choice as to what direction we will take. Every day we all face crossroads in our lives; little or big, they are there. I know I often don't put as much thought into a decision as I should. In a fast pace society like we live in, it is so easy for me to make a choice without thinking about the consequences that may follow. I hate that!
My biggest challenge has been in knowing if I'm making the right choice or not; if I'm taking the right path. In the big scheme of things, I am reassured in knowing that at least one path I've chosen is right because of Matthew 7:13. But what about every other decision in life? (Now as a side note, I've never been an assertive person. And I've always been the type to want other people to make the decision for me. Just tell me what to do and I'm happy!). But unfortunately, as an adult I must make choices for myself. Lame! :)
I have to admit that lately, I've made a lot of wrong choices. I realize now it's because I've been running to other people for help, and putting my trust in them; instead of running to God (and that is not an easy lesson to learn!). He may be a big God, but I'm learning that He is willing to give guidance on every single little decision I must make. As Kay Arthur puts it: "when you go straight to the word of God yourself to discover what it says, what it means, and how you are to line up your thinking and behavior with truth- you begin observing the things that are the easiest to see". In other words, God reveals to us the direction we should go. I'm so thankful to God for being patient with me while I continue to learn how to put this learned lesson into action.
I've been trying to write a new post for the past few days. There is so much good stuff happening in my life but I just can't seem to put the right words to it. It may be because of mental exhaustion from school, or having too much on my mind; but I'm lead to believe it's because there are no words that can do justice in explaining the greatness of God and the 'this-far' work he is doing in me...
I'm sure most have heard the saying "when one door is closed, another is opened" or something to that effect. But I think often times the hardest part is letting doors be closed in the first place. So often God will close a door, make it loud and clear to me that it is closed, and yet I continue to fight to keep it open...or even reopen the door later on down the road...
For the past few days a good friend of mine has been challenging me to not let any of the 'closed doors' be reopened. For me it comes in the form of relationships and offenses. For you it may be hurts, offenses, attached emotions, etc. Whatever it may be, I just want to encourage you to keep those doors closed! I know how easy it is to let the little things gradually nudge that door open again. Even if another door isn't immediately opened, we must trust that God will bring contentment with the doors that are still open. He always has our best interest in mind, whether we believe so or not. And His will is always right! Stay strong. The reward is coming, and is much greater than we could ever imagine!
