12.27.07

Why are you here?

Posted in Christian, Faith at 4:05 pm by

Have you ever stopped to think “What’s the meaning of my life?”  Have you ever wondered “Is there something more than living, breathing, eating and sleeping until my body gives up and quits?”  Or do you live each day of your life merely seeking some kind of narrow fulfillment of your own narrow desires and will?

I’m reminded of the outlook of the five missionaries who gave their lives willingly, so that a tiny indian tribe might hear the Gospel message.  And the words of the Pilgrims, on the Mayflower Pact - that they were come to this new land “for the glorie of God”.  What do we do, each day, to fulfill that purpose?  Do we realize that each day, each moment we are part of a larger plan?  Do we really understand that there IS a larger plan?  Are we willing participants, or do we, like Pharaoh, harden our hearts time after time until God then hardens our heart for our destruction?

As we come into a new year of life, may we all keep in mind that there IS a bigger picture - and there’s more to life than our own personal, narrow goals, aims and desires.

12.14.07

“Over 35 and never been drunk?”

Posted in Christian, Faith at 5:20 pm by

Yes, he couldn’t believe it.  And I didn’t tell him how much over 35 I am.  He’s working through a problem with addiction - on many levels.  All we can do at this point is keep pointing to Christ - the only One who can give us the strength we need to stand strong in the face of temptation.

So, is it such a “strange” thing for someone to make it to middle age without ever being under the influence of drugs such as alcohol and marijuana?  To some folks it is.  You should see their reaction when we tell them that we married at 21 - as virgins.  In today’s society people seem to think that sinking to the “lowest common denominator” is the way to go.  As Christians we should strive to reach a higher plane, a higher way of living - and to help others to raise up over the siren call of our fallen culture in order to also stand on a higher level.

It’s not easy, but it IS possible.  It takes more than a casual effort to do so, however, and thus may seem like “too much of a challenge” to some folks.

But people need to know “It IS possible to live a life that is pleasing to Christ.”  They need to know that they TOO can raise above the muck and mire and walk “in newness of life”.  Although I managed to make it to adulthood (and beyond) sober, I found plenty of other ways to sully my path.  We all have weaknesses in one way or another and we all need the redeeming blood of Christ to wipe us clean, to allow us to walk near to God instead of along our own miry way.