Showing posts with label witness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label witness. Show all posts

Friday, June 18, 2010

If it's still there after four hours- ha ha ha-hee hee

Have you seen the disclaimers on TV ads? They are hilarious!

TV ads often carry some type of disclaimer or warning. Sometimes the disclaimer is longer than the commercial.

When you think about it, many church members have disclaimers on their godly relationship. Our official commercial says, "I am a Church member. I believe in God. I am a follower of Christ."

Then the disclaimer comes:

"The faith I talk about on Sunday may not be reflected in my everyday living so any recordings or videos of what I say and do cannot be made without my written permission. Be advised that my actions are subject to change without notice. If any of my actions resemble actual Christians, living or dead, it is purely unintentional.

I can be washed in the blood but hand washed only in water warmed to my pleasing. Handle me with care and do not expose me to any situations that may bend me, fold me or otherwise get on my last nerve.

I am a Christian but this claim is void where it is prohibited or unpopular. You must accept me on an "as is basis" without any warranties expressed or implied.

Be on guard when you hear me speak because some of you may find my language objectionable with explicit lyrics, so parental guidance is advised.

I am able to show love in limited quantities on a one time per day per family basis, but I don't always come with a pleasant attitude, some assembly is required.

I'm a church member but I don't do much, you see, action figures are sold separately. I don't pray much so I don't have much power and batteries are not included.

If your dealings with me result in rash behavior, irritating conversation or swelling develops discontinue your dealings with me for a while. I must not be placed in stressful or flammable situations because I blow easily; I must not be punctured, cracked on or laughed at or I could be hazardous to your health.

I'm saved but don't deal with me if you see that my safety seal has been broken or tampered with by the devil. Sometimes I might make you sick to your stomach, if so, do not induce vomiting and if my behavior persists remember me in your prayers.

If I promise you anything allow four to six weeks for delivery but don't expect me to help in case of flood, hurricanes, lighting, volcanic eruption, tsunami, earthquakes, oil spills or acts of God unless you pay me.

I tend to get settled in my ways so shake well before using me in any service. Being a church member is easy but being a Christian could be a challenge. If you see me acting as a Christian I am dysfunctional; if this condition exists for more than four hours, something is seriously wrong consult a physician at once.

Should we be ashamed and disclaim our faith? Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.

See you in four hours. LOL

Thursday, June 17, 2010

She called the mortician and he was glad

Who encourages those who encourage others? Does anyone care about the caregiver?

A while back, there was a power outage in our city nearly everyone was powerless. We were prepared with an ample supply of batteries, candles and other necessities. We thought of the local funeral director and my wife picked up the phone and called him to inquire about his safety and to offer assistance. To our surprise he was floored by the outreach.

"In all my years of reaching out to others no one has ever asked me how I was doing or offered to help me," he said. He didn't need any help but the thought has lingered with him continuously and serves as an encouragement in lonely times, that someone does care about him.

He helped thousands of families through their grief; he inquired about and cared for them long after their mourning ended, but no one ever called back.

After many years, someone actually inquired about his well being, he was encouraged, strengthened and inspired.

We have a responsibility to encourage each other, especially those who are facing difficulties. A word of sincere interest and concern helps. That's why we are taught to encourage each other. In a way, we hold each other's hand in crises and draw strength from each other to continue.

We need a little more hand holding as we strive to survive and thrive in this life.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, "holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life.

That one phone call to the mortician was a witnessesing moment that he has shared with hundreds of others. What would happen if thousands of us made one encouraging call a day?

Try it.

Monday, March 29, 2010

We picked up their meal ticket

They got a free meal on us!

Members of our church fanned out across the city to perform a kind act for we did not know.

Yesterday we passed out little gold cards that informed the recipient that they were being treated to a free meal today as a reminder that God loves and provides. The card asked them to return the act of kindness by doing the same for someone else, leaving them the same message. Sunday it was meals. Sometimes we do other things such as leaving love packages for the trash collectors or slices of cake and a glasses of water for mail carriers. They are small acts of kindness but if multiplied by thousands they could make the world a better place.

Yesterday, my wife and I met a man and his daughters in a restuarant. He was not indigent, but the absence of the mother was obvious to that family picture. We introduced ourselves, passsed him our card and picked up his ticket.

We only asked that he pay it forward to someone else and light up their world in the name of Christ.

When we do kind acts of love, we let our light shine and God is glorified. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The man and his daughters looked at my wife an I with an unbelieving eye; but they didn't turn down the offer. The entire bill was $59.00!