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Is it Tough to be a Christian? Part II

Most people want to hear about the benefits of Christianity-what'll they gain-but don't want to hear about what they may need to give up to follow Christ. The rich young ruler who approached Jesus fell into this category. He was a good person doing good things, and he was interested in following Jesus. But when Jesus told him it would cost him 100 percent, the young man walked away sadly. Jesus drew the line. It was as if He were saying, “This is it. You asked the question; I'm giving you absolute Truth. Will you accept it and follow Me?”

But the man didn't want Truth, did he? He wanted a “feel good” answer. He wanted Jesus to say, “I understand that your money is really important to you. You own a lot of things. You're a good person. Tell you what. Go ahead and keep living the way you want to, keep your emphasis on material things, continue to let your wealth consume you, and I'll still let you call Me Lord.”

Jesus doesn't always tell us what we want to hear. But He is faithful to tell us what we need to hear. The truth made the young man uncomfortable. He couldn't remain in the presence of Christ any longer.

Christianity isn't really about what we want to hear. It's not even about what we want. It is about total surrender and accepting God's Word as absolute Truth.

Is it tough to be a Christian? Yes, if you give it your all. Was it tough for Jesus to obey His heavenly Father? Yes. It cost Him His life. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Will it be worth it for you to give God your all in total obedience? Absolutely.

Wait a second. This sounds pretty radical. That's not how I interpret the Bible. Then let's quit trying to interpret it . . . and simply accept it! Let's take God at His Word. Let's simply start believing what He says is true . . . and live like it!

But that's going to be tough! I mean . . . I might have to walk away from some friends. Stay away from some parties. Yes, total obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is radical. It means saying no to some things, so you can say a huge yes to Jesus.

Many people find it difficult to believe if they don't say yes to Christ, they'll actually be separated from Him forever in hell. This isn't anything new. It all started in the Garden of Eden. Satan planted doubt in Eve's mind. Do you really think eating a simple piece of fruit could be that bad? Oh come on! One piece of fruit could separate you from your Father?

Know It!
Satan is the father of lies. He's the master of deceit, and he'll work overtime to convince you that being a Christian really isn't difficult at all; that you can continue to do your own thing and call your own shots. Don't fall for his lies! If you listen to him, you're listening to the wrong voice.

Read It!
Genesis 3; Matthew 19:16-30; 1 Peter 5:8.

Pray It!
Ask God to help you live in radical obedience to His Lordship.

To Do or Not To Do

By: Matt Crawford



"And whatsoever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the father by Him." Colossians 3:17

If being a Christian is an all-encompassing, life-changing, priority-shifting commitment (and it is), that means how we do things, how we view things, and how we live, should all change, right? And the bible says that if we are saved, we should be in this world, but not be of it. Right? Most definitely!

Well, that leaves this question: "If the world is so sinful, and I am to live in it but not live as the rest of the world does, where do I draw the line? What can I or can I not do? Movies, parties, drinking, smoking, flirting, kissing, etc.? What things are sinful, and are there any neutral areas? There is moral and immoral, but is there anything that is neither?"

I dealt with this for a long time, and found myself confused. Here I was, trying to live holy, yet at the same time I wanted to have fun, to have recreation, to hang out with old friends, and just let go. Suddenly I was questioning the jokes I told, the movies I watched, the music I listened to, etc. So much of what we have grown used to in the world suddenly doesn’t seem so innocent when you put it in context of your faith. But what things are okay to do, and what things aren’t?

Well, to be certain, God calls us to a higher standard of living. We have liberty in Christ, so we aren’t called upon to set a huge list of dos and don’ts. But at the same time, we are to be careful how we act, talk, live, work, etc., because we are representatives for Christ, and that means how we act may reflect on someone else’s view of what a Christian is. If we are the only Jesus people will ever see, and we are doing questionable things, how will people around us perceive our faith and our Lord?

Rather than condemn or condone anything at all, I will refer you to the verse above, which pretty much ties up every loose end of this question. "Do ALL things in the name of Jesus." If we live for Jesus, we do everything in his name. If you hang out with friends, see a movie, read a book, work for your job, do it in His name. Once you put things in that perspective, things change. "Would Jesus do this? Is it appropriate to put his name on this?" If there are things in your life that you really can’t or wouldn’t dare put Jesus’ name on, then it is probably those things that need to go.

Once We Were Enemies

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." (Colossians 1:21-23a) NIV

As I read this verse, it struck me. Hidden and mixed in the words, it was there. How many times had I read it, and missed it? I was once alienated. Though I grew up in a Christian home, there was a time I was alienated from God. I sometimes feel that I still am.

Do you see how it says enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior? Because of how we have acted, we are enemies with God! Think about that. Do you have an enemy? Is there someone with which just pushes all those wrong buttons? Now think, we are enemies...with God. A rather heavy thought.

I could stop there. I could leave you down in the depths, and angry at God. It would be very easy. You know what though? The story does not stop there! What grace! What amazing and wonderful grace; and the story is not yet finished!

"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"

What a promise! Do you not feel blessed? Do you not feel amazed, and a little confused at such grace? I could also stop there. Oh how often we do stop there. We become caught up in the good feelings, the grace, the love. We tend to enjoy it too much. But, good feelings fall away.

"If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel."

We must continue in our faith! We must hold fast, and hard to the truths in the bible. We must discipline ourselves to get to know our God better; constantly reminding ourselves that we are saved by his grace. Have you forgotten how high you have been lifted? Has the joy of the Lord run dry? Oh sibling, never believe that it has. Our God is a good and gracious God. Run to him today! Throw your arms around him, and relish his goodness. He waits for you.

Endless Masks

By: Beth Hays

Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains. (Proverbs 14:13)

I remember talking to an old youth pastor about wearing masks in ministry. When I told her I was the queen of them, she replied: "Then, I am the princess!" It strikes a chord in me to remember that conversation. I have since found such a true, inner joy that masks are no longer needed as long as I live in God's presence.

But, the past few weeks have been a different story. I sunk back into my old way of life. I started to fall into sin. But, even worse, my inner being started to harden and I started to stray from the joy I has found. I was thrown from God's presence by the circumstances surrounding me, or so I thought. Truthfully, I stepped willingly. But, regardless, I started to put on my old masks. I started to pretend to be happy and pretend to worship. I started to say formal prayers instead of talking to God from my heart.

I have a spiritual mentor who cares enough about me not to let this become a lifestyle. He came up to me and asked what was going on. Because of my trust in Him, I shared my heart. I had tried so hard to cover up the anguish inside, but even when the masks were stripped away, I was still left with my pain. Solomon knew what He was talking about.

This mentor of mine gave me a great suggestion: he told me that the masks didn't cut it-I needed the real thing. In order to achieve that I needed to take the focus off of me and place in on the One on whom it belongs-God. In short, He told me to worship-to express to God just what an awesome and amazing Being He is. My spiritual leader and I spent over three hours today talking and joyfully sharing in the joy that has returned to me. I have thrown away the masks. My circumstances haven't changed, nor has anything else. Anything, that is, except throwing away the masks. No more pretending. No more hiding. From now on only true joy (a happiness not dependent upon circumstances).

Have you been hiding behind long worn-out masks? Have you been settling for a fake happiness rather than true joy? Throw them away today, my friend. The real thing is so much better and worth the effort!

Giving

By: Brother Ed

Ever wonder about what to give someone for their birthday?

I know I have.

I have trouble enough, even with my best friend. I would often find myself laying down in my bed at night puzzling over this question (cause with school around, there's no thinking that can be done in regular hours). I also have trouble with thinking about stuff for my dad--on his birthday, on Father's Day. But whenever I'd come up empty-handed, my friend would tell me that our friendship was enough. My dad would say, "I love you, and as long as you keep your grades up, I'll be happy." (Not to say that my dad is a fanatic on grades, cause he speaks from experience--Education is a pretty sure way to job security and all that future stuff that we teenagers have to worry about). The fact that I was there was enough for them. For me, that wasn't enough, because being humans in the "nineties" we tend to be a tad more materialistic. But still, by saying that, they gave a gift to me. I was somebody. I was special.

Isn't that what we all need?

Because by nature, we are creatures of love. How? God is love(" Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4: cool , and we were formed in his image. We need love. We thrive on love. As the young plant yearns for sun, we search for hugs, kisses, or just plain attention. To be noticed. That's part of why "acceptance" is such a big thing in our lives.

Okay, so basically, when God says, "Love each other as we love ourselves," we're pretty much doing what he says and giving people a great gift as well, much better than some Teddy bear or Hallmark Card. The reason I say this is although things are good ways to express one's love, there is no replacement to spending quality time with a person to show love.

But what do we get for a God who has everything??

For a mission that seems hardly possible when getting gifts for earth people, it balloons into real-life MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE when it comes to God.

Is it really that impossible?

Unlike making an A on that test over something you've never heard of, it's quite possible. The answer? Matthew 22:37. " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." And from what we've already discovered, to love someone, we gotta spend time with them. Elijah, the only living person to be taken into Heaven without ever dying, walked with God. He spent some serious time with God, cultivating that relationship. We were created to walk with God! Not witness to the dying and decaying world, but to walk with God! For there were no men to witness to when Adam was created.

Okay, so we can love God. Why tithe then?

After all, there's no Commandment stating, Thou Shalt Tithe. In the list John has in Revelations 21:8 of all who will go to Hell, those who don't tithe aren't among the sexually immoral, or liars. It's not a sin. But all the money you have is from God, so giving back some money is sort of like that Hallmark Card or Teddy Bear, saying hey, I know you're God, thanks for all the happiness you've blessed me with today. I love you.

Also, the Ten Percent rule is not some solid rigid rule that you better follow or be fried. Give however much you want. Think about giving as a kind of investment, whether in happiness or for someone else's happiness. "Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6 Also, make sure you want to give, and for the sake of giving. If someone gave you a dollar, and then asked a favor right after, it wouldn't exactly be a gift anymore, would it? "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.

So give today! Whether be it a hug, a Hallmark Card, tithing, or just an email to tell someone you love them...

For, " above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

In Jesus,
ED

Dating Vs. Courtship

By: Adam R. Rinehart


"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

Song of Solomon 2:7


When I was in the high school locker room before a football practice, the guys always talked about the low down on who to go out with and who not to go out with. As a matter of fact, the face mask was not the only mask put on while you were in there and “machoness” came out in full force. Needless to say, the locker room was not the best place for a Christian teenager to get the lowdown on dating, but school, friends, and locker rooms are usually where is happens.

When you talk about the definitions of dating and courtship, you find yourself looking at a fine line for the proper understanding of both worlds. Especially coming from a “Gen X” mentality in a Western Society. After much study, I feel that the question that we as teenagers need to ask ourselves is, “Is my definition of choosing to date or choosing to court what God wanted me to get out of it for His glory?” Let me explain.

When you look at what our society calls dating, you are looking at a word that means an appointment with the opposite sex with the intent to find a mate. Granted that is what we as teenagers are looking for, but the problem that I see with our dating ideas is that it has turned into a BIG GAME of wearing masks, impression and no “real” people being shown. Our physical attractions are winning over as well. I am as much a culprit on this one as anyone. I would get myself into my closet getting ready for my date, find my mask that I wanted to wear, and out the door I would go.

Physically, I had a real challenge as well, I found myself setting standards and wanting romance, but those standards kept getting lower and lower. I found myself wanting closeness and romance, but was finding myself changing what I wanted which turned into a broken heart and robbed me of what I so longed for in my heart, life, and soul. I am not wanting any closure on the idea of dating to come accross here, but I do think that after much searching and looking at God’s Word on the subject that I feel that the idea of “courting” is much better.

If you were to define courting, you would have to say that it is an attempt to gain the affections of the heart of someone of the opposite sex. The question asked here is not “What can I get out of the situation,” but “What can I give the other person while glorifying God?” It is a get to know each other mentality with a foundation of friendship and a physical standard that is out of the picture. Am I saying that you cannot go places and do things? No, but your ideas of what you want out of the relationship are the key. What can you give, not what can you get.

In conclusion, the choice is ultimately yours. If I were to do it all over again, I would choose to court because of the priorities of the mindset. My prayer is that you too will do the same to see God glorified in all of your relationship. May God Be With You

Real Friendships

By: Beth Hays


And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. (1 Samuel 18:3-4) NIV

I’ve heard it said several times that all friendships should have the beauty and depth of David and Jonathan’s. And I’ve prayed countless times for God to give me someone like that. I guess I didn’t realize I had to be ready to be that kind of friend before I could have that kind of friend.

I went most of my life without knowing the preciousness of a best friend. And the loneliness seemed unbearable at times. I had acquaintances and even a few surface friendships, but very few heartfelt, deep ones. God has since taught me that I didn’t yet know how to love, as a friend should. Friends should love the other as themselves. Well, I could love people like I loved me. The problem was that I didn’t love me.

I realized that I wouldn’t sacrifice things for me, let alone another human being. And I started to see that all those years searching for a friend were worthless until I knew how to be one. Over the past few years I have worked endlessly on trying to find worth in my heart and see God’s reflection in me.

Once I gained glimpses of this, I was able to see Him in others too. It wasn’t until I started to love myself that I could love anyone else. And just about the time I thought I cared enough about myself to sacrifice and care for me, I was given an amazing gift by someone who was also willing to sacrifice and care for me. I do have a best friend now and I love her dearly. And our friendship is as deep and precious as I imagine Jonathan and David’s must have been. But, I couldn’t have had or understood it without first seeing the beauty in me.

So many of you have shown me your intense loneliness and it breaks my heart. You deserve a friend so close that the relationship is as comfortable as a family should be. But, sometimes God waits to give us what we want until we can appreciate it. I hope and pray that you can begin to see the beauty in you and the reflections of our creator in His creations. And may that knowledge lead to beautiful friendships rooted in the God of love.

Tickling Ears

A teen girl approached me recently and said, “Hey, I'm only 14! I'm not going to give God all of my life right now. I'm too young. I still wanna have fun.”

My heart broke for her. She calls herself a Christian, yet she knows in her heart of hearts that she's not following Jesus as Lord. And you know what Jesus says? He says that some day many people (really good people) will approach Him in heaven and say, “Lord, Lord!” And He'll respond, “I never knew you. Depart from me.” Yikes! That's scary.

A high school senior approached me and said, “I'm a Christian, but I know God doesn't have all of my life. And I don't want to give it to Him. I'm still going to sin with my friends, because it's fun. So what do you think about that?”

Well, again . . . it doesn't matter what Susie Shellenberger thinks. All that matters is what God SAYS. And God has made it crystal-clear that those who call Him “Lord” but don't live according to His will aren't Christians. And He also makes it clear that those who aren't Christians will spend eternity in hell.

Yeah, but I'm a good person. I can't believe that just because I don't live in obedience to God, that I'll actually go to hell.

And that's Satan's biggest lie. How could good people go to hell? And if you have trouble believing this, you're probably one of the people the apostle Paul is talking about in 2 Timothy when he says that people will no longer want to hear the truth but will look for churches with pastors who will simply tell them what they want to hear.

This devotional book isn't mean to tickle your ears. Yes, we've had a lot of fun inside these pages thus far, but we've also dealt with issues straight-on. And we'll continue to do that. I'm not going to tickle your ears. I'm not going to say, “Well, it's okay. God understands your sin.” I'm going to tell you the Truth. He'll forgive your sin if you come to Him with a repentant heart, but He expects you not to return to that sin.

In other words, don't call yourself a Christian, if you're not willing to try with all your heart to live up to the definition.

It's going to get harder and harder to maintain a godly life. Know why? Because we're living in a heathen world that's going downhill fast. The apostle Paul told Timothy that in the last days it would be extremely tough to live a Christian life.

We're living in a day when it's tough to believe that good people-cool people-will actually spend eternity in hell if they don't know Jesus Christ. It may be hard to believe that people as fun, cool, creative and articulate as your favorite celebrities are actually living in sin simply because they're not following Christ.

What's wrong with their choices? They're not hurting anyone! But again, the bottom line is: If someone hasn't sought forgiveness for his sins and doesn't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, he'll spend forever in hell. This is the absolute Truth.

Know It!
Maybe you, too, have given God 100 percent and are living in obedience to His will. Great! But if you're not, I invite you to surrender right now. If you're calling yourself a Christian-yet not living up to the name and definition-now's your chance to make things right with the Creator of the universe.

Read It!
Matthew 7:21-23; James 3:11-13; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:1.

Pray It!
Seek God's forgiveness for your hypocrisy and ask Him give you a brand-new start. Confess your sins and accept Him as your personal Savior.