The Way, The Truth, The Life...The HOPE

This morning I awoke deprived of anything resembling motivation or determination to even begin the day.  So, instead of rousing myself from bed, I snuggled under the covers with my Kindle, surrounded by little girls all vying for my attention, but satisfied with entertaining their baby brother, while I caught up on Facebook posts   :P  (Confessions of a homeschool mother!)

As though the lack of energy and drive wasn't enough to put me in a somewhat somber state, my news feed today was laden with statuses and posts that were, to put it lightly, anti-Christianity.
A young lady who is close with our family posted, in essence, that everyone should keep their religion to themselves and not try to pressure others to believe what they believe.  My heart is burdened for this girl.
Among others, there was another, a post from Ray Comfort's page which a friend shared, about the death of a movie critic who was an atheist.  Mr. Comforts words were harshly criticized by many in the comments that ensued, and they left me feeling discouraged, burdened, and yearning to speak God's truth to the masses!  

"What," I prayed, "can I say, Lord?  How can I proclaim you to such a deaf world, unwilling to hear, unable to accept our testimony?  How can I let people see that it is out of LOVE that we share you with them, not out of pride or arrogance and not to 'pick a fight'?"  I remembered Jesus' words to the disciples, "Do not think about what you will say, for the Spirit will give you the words to speak."  

So I prayed, "If you want me to speak, give me words."

I had to make a conscious effort NOT to think about retorts, or good arguments, as I made breakfast and waited for my tea to steep.  As I read the words, "What's on your mind?" These words came...

If I held the key to your freedom from captivity and did not share it with you, what would you call me?

If I had a map that would lead you to a wonderful treasure that is free for all who find it yet refused to share it with you, what kind of person would I be?

If I saw that you were lost and didn't give you directions to help you find your way, what would that say about me?

If I saw that you were without hope and I didn't encourage you with the hope that I have found in my own despondency, what would you say to me?

........................

Those of us who speak of Jesus, do so out of love. We have experienced the power of God and have 'seen' Christ. We have good news, and sharing it is for your benefit, not ours. Whether you choose to believe our testimony and witness or not, know that the sharing of it is evidence of our love for you.

Trusting in, and following, Jesus as Lord and Savior is no religion. Religion is something we do, salvation is something he has done.

No religion offers the HOPE we have in Christ. No teacher has taught with such wisdom to direct and empower our lives. No other power can set us free from the captivity of humanness and sin. No other religion offers such treasures and promises for free. No other prophet sacrificed his own life for his people. There is Salvation and life in no other name but Jesus.

And one day...every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He alone is Lord--whether your faith is in the finality of death, in godlessness, or in some other god. There is nothing more certain than the fact that one day we will all certainly know the truth. In that day there will be two reactions: thanksgiving and unrestrained praise, or remorse and desperate pleas.



Do not confuse Jesus with hallow religion that incites hatred and strife; do not confuse the Gospel with denomination or doctrine that has been established by men.

I pray that these words will reach the ears of the doubtful and touch the hearts of the hardened.  God, draw them to you, in your grace and mercy be longsuffering with them.  Reveal yourself to them.  Correct those who call themselves by your name whose motives are not aligned with yours.  Give us eyes to see the world as you do and hearts like yours to love them.