New Life, New Hope, New Mission!    

What a wonderful life our Lord has given us.  I really like being a Christian.  The more I live it, the more I am grateful for how God shapes my life.

Recently, I have been surprised at how extra tough people make their lives (as if life was not tough enough) by having a value system the likes to use anger to get you what you want, or likes to find some intrinsic power in "stuff," or likes to detach from life by intoxication.  Then when people yell back at them, or things break, or they lose their job, they are at a loss. 

I know Jesus establishes another way to live.  His very presence in our hearts, his guiding principles of love and peace, his graceful invitation to talk with him in prayer, makes all the difference.  Some people know a great deal of God and church, are attendees at worship for decades, but still have lives ruled by anger, materialism and resignation.  I really feel sorry for them, because they know better, but their hearts just will not yield to the gold of God. 

And then there are other who simply do no know anything about God or church except for what might be portrayed in pop-culture. I really feel sad for them, and a bit guilty as well; sad because they simply don't have any alternative to consider, and guilty because we as a church have not yet made enough inroads into this world so they might actually begin see that life doesn't have to be the way they are living it. 

If you happen to be in the category of a soul searching for something better, then by all means set the alarm clock on Sunday and come experience what life was meant to be like!  And if you happen to be like me, a Christian, then by all means let's be a bit more alert to suggesting this Christ-centered alternative life-style to those whose lives are really hurting, especially if they simply have no idea who Jesus is, or what our Lord has to offer in giving them a really blessed life.    . 

Updated: 09/29/08