Friday, January 18, 2008

• Friday, January 18, 2008

                                                          

                    The

               Good Report

  Whatsoever things are pure, what soever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of Good Report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:811

   

   

                             A Good Report

  One day a man Kidnapped, raped and killed a Christian woman's daughter. He went directly to jail. The Christain woman was moved by Christ's forgiveness and went to the man in jail, bringing him food and goodies and told him that God had forgiven him, and so did she. WHOA! She didn't want revenge??? I had to ponder on that one for a while! Jesus' life was SO CLEAR in her! Yet so radical, it might be hard for some to understand. This man was, as a result, led to trust Jesus as his Savior. My point? Psalm 1:18-6 "The LORD is for me; I will not fear; what can man do for me?" This story made me realize, that in Jesus, we can live above even the worst thing any person could ever do to us! Praise God for His protection, yes! But also know WHATEVER happens, God is in control and will bring you through and above it all. Knowing this has removed loads of fear from my life! And this young girl? She died a horrible death in order that God might turn this mans life around. Wow! I think it takes a radical Christian to realize that even a horrible death will bring God's honor and glory! Are we willing to make such a sacrifice in order that one more person may know God? That is who Jesus is. That is radical Christianity.

   

                                               A Good Report

  A youth paster was taking his little group on a weekend retreat. Along the way, the van filled with teenagers that he was driving had a flat tire. He got out, in the pouring rain, only to find he had none of the necessary tools to change the tire, and that the spare was also flat!!! With his flock looking on, he completely lost his temper and began yelling, cursing and kicking the tire in his frustration! When they were finally able to continue on there journey, he got back in the drivers seat and instructed the kids to shut up and leave him alone for a while. They obeyed, with only a few muffled snickers. 

  The retreat proceeded with the usual worship, preaching, praying and alter calls one might expect. Then an uneventful return home.

  A few weeks later, the paster was stunned to learn that one of toughest street kids in his group had surrendered his like to Christ at the retreat. Intrigued, the paster queried what it was that had gotten thru this kid- the message, the alter calls? Much to his surprise, the new convert declared, "No, it was when I saw you cussing at the van. I though 'if he can be Christian, I can give this a shot, too!

  You see, Jesus has a way of outshining all of our shortcomings in the way that makes all things good. I don't know how He does it, I just know He does!

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