“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11 (NIV)
One of the most precious videos I ever saw showed a two-year-old boy who finally was able to hear for the first time. Having been deaf from birth, he had never heard his mother’s voice or music playing or birds chirping – in other words, all of the sounds that we enjoy and take for granted.
As the little boy sat on his mother’s lap, she spoke gently to him, calling his name while hearing aids were placed in his ears. “Brian. Brian, it's Mommy.” He jerked his head toward her face, instantly smiled, and bounced up and down on her lap. His father laughed and then cried as his son laughed back at him and reached for his arms.
Suddenly, in his excitement, the little boy jumped to the floor and danced in a circle, clapping his hands and giggling. What a beautiful reaction to hearing voices for the first time!
That pure joy reminded me of the moment I decided to give my heart to Jesus. I couldn’t quit smiling and sharing Him with everyone I met. Maybe I didn’t dance as I told my friends and family about the Lord, but inside I couldn’t contain the jig my heart was dancing at my newfound faith.
Sadly, as I got older, I forgot that excitement for what He did for me and almost ( I hate to admit it) became complacent about my gift of eternity. I guess I could explain my fading enthusiasm by saying that as I got older, I was more dignified in my walk with the Lord. But to be honest, I think that I began to take it for granted and I allowed my extraordinary relationship with Jesus to become ordinary (ouch). Can you identify?
We must never forget what Jesus did for us. Our hope is not in the temporary but in the eternal. Do you remember the excitement of asking the God of the Universe to live in your heart?
He is still the same Father now as He was when you first met Him face to face. His truth has not changed. Jesus willingly died for every single one of us. He longs for a relationship with us, His children.
My encouragement for everyone is simple: share the exciting news of Jesus and His mercy and grace, forgiveness, and love. And while you are at it, don’t forget to dance!
Father, I never want to take for granted the gift of eternal life that you have given to me. May I share it with enthusiasm with everyone I meet. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
R.A.P. it up . . .
Reflect
Do you remember how you felt the moment you asked Jesus into your heart?
How does that excitement compare with how you feel today?
Apply
For one week, make it your goal to share the joy you have as a child of God with one person every day.
At the end of that week, write down all the responses you received. Could they see your excitement in your heart for the Lord?
Power
Romans 12:11 (NIV) “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
I Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
1 comment:
Nancy, just curious if you would be willing to talk about Relationships in the 21st Century? Including: Dating, Marriage, and Divorce - and how and what the Bible and You have to say about it. Granted, I don't believe you are a Psychologist or a Marriage Counselor, but still interested in your Prospective.
Divorce has such an Impact on the Family and the Future of Children from Divorce that are People just seeing Marriage as part of Todays - "Throw-Away-Society", where one or more of the Parties just get Tired and Walk-Away - Leaving - the Long-Term Emotional and Financial Wake - in there - Rear View Mirrors? Are People just plain Lazy, Selfish, Non-Empathic, or Non-Emotional or Non-Caring towards each other after the Excitement Wears Off and Reality Sets In - and they Don't know how to Deal with it?
So, I thought in Today's World - That this might be good Topic to Explore and Discuss - since the Impact is so Overwhelming and has such Long Term Effects.
American Psychological Association (APA) estimates that 41% of first marriages in the United States will end in divorce.
The divorce rate for second marriages is 60%, and the rate for third marriages is 73%.
Divorce rates vary by age, with a sharp increase in the 40s.
Divorce rates also vary by stage of marriage, with peaks around the fifth and 15th to 20th years.
Overall, the results indicate that the most often cited reasons for divorce at the individual level were lack of commitment (75.0%), infidelity (59.6%), and too much conflict and arguing (57.7%), followed by marrying too young (45.1%), financial problems (36.7%), substance abuse (34.6%), and domestic violence (23.5%).
In fact, nearly 70 percent of divorces are initiated by women. This is according to a 2015 research study conducted by the American Sociological Association (ASA) which suggests two-thirds of all divorces are initiated by women. Among college-educated women, this number jumps up to 90%.
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