Let Them Find Me Guilty

• Posted on August 12, 2014 at 9:53 pm

Every once in a while, when I’m listening to a CD, a line from a song will jump out at me. This morning, I was listening to The LeFevre Quartet sing, “If they ever judge me, let ’em find me guilty of serving You all my days.” Pause a moment to think about that. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the worst thing someone could say about you is that you serve your Heavenly Father? Unfortunately, the only one who has lived such an exemplary life was Jesus, but He gave us an example that we are to follow.

You can make excuses all day long as to why you do the sinful things that you do but the reality is that we are sinners. That is why we sin. “Sin seems pleasurable for a time” and so we eat of “the forbidden fruit” and trust that God will forgive us, for, after all, He knows what sinful beings He created.

The fact is that God does forgive sin when a person truly repents but He will not overlook a lifestyle of sin. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). I’m so glad that “He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but I do ask God to “search me and try me and know my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me to life everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24, my paraphrase). I am thankful that He is not finished with me. The longing to hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant” has me striving to keep running with endurance the race set before me.

Yes, if they ever judge me, let ’em find me guilty of serving You all my days!

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Will the Real Christians Stand Up?

• Posted on August 11, 2014 at 3:31 pm

This is different than probably anything I have ever written. I have wanted my writings to be a means of encouragement to those who are struggling or who need a pick-me-up. I do believe, however, that God laid this on my heart so I hope you will bear with me for this very solemn post. I am sure most of you have heard about what is happening over in Iraq; however, if you can’t handle the details, feel free to skip to the second paragraph.

I have read a couple short articles on the atrocity that has been happening in Iraq the past few days. I didn’t read more than that because, honestly, I can’t handle it. My heart is breaking for those people, however, as I pray for their strength and comfort. Many watched their children beheaded or cut in two. They had to flee their homes which have now been taken over by this terrorist group. I am reminded that Christian persecution has not ended. For a while, it has been out of sight and out of mind, but I am endeavoring to begin praying for the persecuted church like never before.

Here in America, we have had it so easy. Any persecution we have faced has been really minor compared to what our Brothers and Sisters in many other countries have experienced. I am grateful for this but I don’t believe this freedom will last forever. We very well may live to see the day when our lives are in danger as well. If this doesn’t happen in my lifetime, my children and grandchildren may see that day. Would I stand firm as so many martyrs have done and boldly declare that Jesus is my Lord? The Sunday School answer is, “Yes!” I know that’s easier said than done though. I think I would probably have the boldness to die for Christ but what about being tortured day in and day out for months on end? Or what about seeing my children tortured in front of my eyes? Is my faith and devotion to Christ strong enough to withstand those things?

I am not trying to scare anyone. Life is plenty scary and uncertain without me adding to that. But I do want to tell you that this is the time to choose who you will serve. This is the time to get as close to God as you can without any compromise. If you are not fully surrendered to Him now and willing to do whatever He asks of you, you will not be instantaneously willing to suffer for Him if that day comes.

I am challenging myself as I challenge all of you. Whether you agree with me or not that America will see persecution, I hope you will at least agree that this is a wake-up call. Christians in other countries are being massacred while we live a life of extreme ease. If this doesn’t break your heart, it is way too hard. We do not live here because we are special. We have been the recipients of God’s gracious mercy. Every day that we wake up, we should be rejoicing and asking God how we can best serve Him with the time that He gives us on this earth. God told the lukewarm Church in Laodicea that He would spit them out of His mouth. I can’t imagine anything more dreadful.

God, give me a renewed determination to live for You wholeheartedly. Remind me daily to pray for my Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted for Your name’s sake. Fill me with the fire of Your Holy Spirit so that I do not become lukewarm or mediocre. Continue the work that You’ve begun because You are faithful! And please give comfort and a special grace to Your people in Iraq who have lost their homes and seen friends and family members brutally murdered. No one could get through that with You. Let them feel Your presence in the midst of their grief more than ever before.

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