Reflections: July 5-6, 2008
This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Youth
So, are you ready to live a Life in HD? Based on what we have talked about over the last three weeks (living as image-bearers of God, troubleshooting and helping those around us to make the connection of who Christ is through the way that we live, and being aware of what kind of customer reviews we would receive from those who observe us) what are some things you are doing to live an HD life? It can be so easy to settle into a religious routine and stop looking out for the opportunities we have everyday to live out what God has called His followers to do: love people.
Our salvation comes through our belief in Christ, but the evidence of whether or not it is true faith comes from the ways that we love and serve others. What do you strive to do in your life to consistently love others and demonstrate God's love for them? Do you have any stories of when your love, kindness, and service to others have made a difference in their life? Tell us about it so that we can all be encouraged.
I remind myself that in the physical absence of Jesus, on this earth, to try to be His eyes and help those in need, have His heart of love and forgiveness and ask myself what He would do if He was here, physically, in situations I encounter. Christians are so much on spotlight in how they react to things that it is all the more important we try to follow a life in HD. It helps when I remember to pray, each morning, and ask God's help in doing this.
ReplyDeleteOnce I saw the instant results after this prayer. I came out of the Post Office and a homeless man in a wheel chair was before my eyes. I knew God had brought him to me so I stood there and talked with him. He wasn't sure God was real or cared about Him anymore but,I continued to tell him how much God cared. I felt convicted to give him some money even though he never asked for it. After I gave him some money, he stood up by the wheelchair and hugged me. He was very smelly and dirty and my first reaction, inside, was, "oh, no!" but, he had the most beautiful, toothless smile and as I walked away, I knew God had answered my prayer.