I Speak

     So, God moves me to speak to people sometimes. And it seems that, every time he does, there is more going on than meets the eye. It still amazes me that when I speak to someone, I've went through something similar in my life. 

     The other day I was led to talk to a young man that reminds me a lot of the old me. Our conversation was pretty deep and heart felt. I could tell that Jesus was tugging at him, and he needed direction. Not necessarily my direction, but the direction of Jesus. As we talked, the young man proceeded to tell me how he wanted to do this or he wanted to be that. Sadly, just like the old me and many other people, he wanted to reach that destination first, before rededicating his life to Christ. He was pleased when I told him that Jesus was waiting, and would help him resolve his reservations. He appreciated me taking him aside and talking to him. But I'm not sure he realizes it meant a lot to me as well. 

     I have realized more the past couple of months that we all have something to learn from others, regardless of how far they are in their walk with Christ. I needed to stop worrying about the reaction when I ask "Can I talk to you for second?" I needed to stop worrying about whether or not I had all the right words. I just needed to move when Jesus says move. Speak when He says speak. The result, when I listen, is always three fold. The other person is more receptive to Jesus moving in their life. Also, relieved because someone spoke with them. I usually learn a lot from the conversation and can relate to help. And Jesus is able to do more work on the heart of both parties. 

Claim Without Belief

     There has been a growing problem within the church for decades. I'm not really sure what the root cause is, or even when it started. I do know that it has gotten worse, way worse, over the past few years. 

     How many of us know someone who lives a mess, tainted with the ways of the world, no repentance, and not a good fruit to find, yet, they claim to be Christians? How many of us know that person who lives a life, absent of Christ, but drops a request for prayer here and there and has everyone fooled? I know I do, and I'm sure many of you do, too. 

     There are millions of people out there who have fell victim to the devil's lies and think a simple claim will get them to Heaven. A simple claim that, in reality, only gives them comfort of some sort of rescue from the sins they love to commit. A claim without belief is worthless. Truth is, if that claim was true, they would back up those claim with abounding truth. That claim would be evident in the way they live. Sadly, these people are so far from Christ it's scary. I know for many of these people, they face hard times and difficult situation, prayer is requested. Do they not know that Jesus does not hear the prayers of a sinner? He does not know the sinner. A believer can pray on their behalf, and a believer will be heard. What blows my mind about that is this, if you think prayer helps, why are you not living for Christ?