Catching Bubbles!

We have a video of my son when he was under a year old sitting on the kitchen floor while mama blew bubbles toward him. The excitement on his face is priceless as he anticipates the fun of catching the bubbles as they softly float to the ground. As you probably know, bubbles are impossible to catch. We watched as each bubble would explode in his hands. Before long the laughter and smiles turned to frustration, anger and eventually tears. What seemed like a lot of fun in the beginning had turned into great disappointment.

My wife and I watched the video and laughed several times, but every time I watch the video I cant help but see the similarities between catching bubbles and life. There are so many things in life that on first glance seem like they would be a lot of fun to be involved in, that in reality can lead to much pain and suffering and ultimately eternal death.

This past month we heard devastating news of millions of sins revealed due to the hack of an adult website designed to help people have extramarital affairs. With the revelation of the hack came devastation to millions of men, women and families because of the sins people are involved in. Following the initial blow has come many stories of ruined marriages, torn apart homes, lost jobs and even suicide. The end result of sin (Eternal consequences aside) can be very rough.

God is not one who desires for us to be miserable and like any good parent, he is looking out for our best interest. In a very well-known parable found in Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of the prodigal son. After the younger son asks his dad for his portion of the inheritance, he takes it and lives indulging in sinful activities. It isn't until after the money is gone and he sees the negative effects of his living that the bible says, he came to his senses. After that turning point, he returned to his father where he was welcomed with open arms and celebration.

Sin does bring terrible results and much pain and suffering, but we have a God who loved us so much that he provides freedom from our sins through the blood of Jesus. Won't you turn from the sin that brings destruction and obey the life saving gospel of Jesus?!?!

Blessings,
Jeremy

Don't let them take God out of our Schools!

Over the last several years I have heard statements of how different our schools are now compared to years past. Especially this time of year as kids are going back to school, I have heard several people make statements such as, "they are taking God out of our Schools?" These kinds of comments raise two questions in my mind, 1) Who is "They"? And 2) do "they" really have that kind of power?


The bible tells us, when we become Christians that Christ lives in us and our life should reflect him (Galatians 2:20). Jesus also tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world! (Matt. 5:13-16). So, as long as there are Christians in our schools living by Faith in Christ, no one can take God out!!!

 The danger comes when Christians stop living through Faith in Christ in our schools! In other words, to partially quote a famous bear, "Only YOU can take God out of our schools." As another school year has come upon us, and as we hear more and more that school boards and courts are choosing to stop prayer or keep teachers from teaching about their Faith, I want to encourage all who may have a part in keeping God in our schools to do just that.

1. Students - don't let them take God out of our schools! As you face the pressures of the world that are ever present in our schools, do not be conformed to this world! (Romans 12:2) Remember who you are in Christ and be transformed proving what the will of God is. Don't allow anyone to take God out by keeping him first in your life!

2. Teachers - Don't let them take God out of our schools. What you teach and say about your Faith to your students can be controlled by the school system, but the way you live out your faith cannot. Fortunately, the loudest message you can ever preach is by your actions. As you daily influence the lives of many students, remember the words of Christ, "let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)

3. Parents - don't let them take God out of our schools. As parents, God has entrusted us with our children. With that comes the responsibility to teach them and guide them. We have the task of instilling within them Faith in Jesus Christ. It is not the job of the school or even Sunday school. Proverbs 22:6 tells of the importance of raising our children in the way they should go. Let us all do our part to keep Christ in the lives of our children!

I want to encourage all of those involved in school, but this principle extends to all walks of life. The only way God can be taken out of a society is if Christians cease to live by Faith in Him. Let us boldly and courageously live by Faith in Jesus!

Blessings,
Jeremy

Staying Connected

We are in an age of amazing technology and communication. As a result, many of us have had the opportunity to stay connected with people we might not otherwise. In fact, I know more now about people I saw everyday in High School than I ever did at the time (this isn’t always a good thing). Staying connected to friends and family is extremely important. There have been times when my phone wasn’t working, and you would have thought the world was coming to an end.  When we lose connection, we notice and long for reconnection. Do we view our connection with God in the same way?

The Hebrew writer reminds us of the need to draw near to God (Hebrews 10:19-25). We have been given the avenue to stay connected to God. Christ broke down the barrier that was separating us from God in His death burial and resurrection.  Now we have full access to God through Christ. Are we using that access? Are we staying connected?

In the Context of Hebrews 10, the Hebrew writer brings out two areas that will help us stay connected to God. The first area is in our drawing near to God himself. This is done through prayer, studying the scriptures, praise, worship, meditation, etc. Are we keeping the line of communication with God? The second area the Hebrew writer writes about in verses 24-25 is staying connected to the family of God. In order to remain our connection with God, it is important to remain connected to His body, the church.

As we experience a super busy lifestyle, I want to encourage us all to put some focus on our connection to God. Let us not become overrun by all the things of the world that we lose the most important connection we have.

Blessings,

Jeremy