HOW CAN YOU TELL?

Earlier, we saw a gorgeous looking woman in her scrubs. Dena said she's either a nurse or a doctor. I thought, she can be a CNA too! But wait, workers in doctor's offices and the healthcare section wears scrubs too, even though they do not necessarily provide direct healthcare.

It made me think: what about a Christian? How can you tell if a person is a Christian? That is a very hard question because even though most of us profess to be one, sometimes it is hard to see Christ in us especially in our own homes. I think proximity, familiarity and the emotion play a vital role in this. Of course, it is still the devil who can be blamed. Because he uses our family to cause division, strife and heartaches so that we would give up harmony, peace and love which are the characteristics of Jesus.

When we show love, mercy, kindness and forgiveness to others, especially to those who need it most, we are showing Jesus in us. To me, the main responsibility of a Christian is pointing to Jesus in everything we say or do. It is not possible if we are to do it by ourselves. We need to feel the love of Jesus first and the Holy Spirit who will lead us to the truth.

The most common misconception about being a Christian is that people think we need to be perfect and that we do not sin anymore. If we do, then the outlook or high regard others have towards us diminish.

Christians are not perfect people. No one is except God. I want to share with you something written by Carol Wimmer in 1988.

When I say that I am a Christian, I do not shout that I am clean living. I'm whispering that I was lost but now am found and forgiven. 

When I say that I am a Christian, I don't speak of this with pride. I am confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say that I am a Christian I am not trying to be strong. I am professing that I am weak and needing His strength to carry on. 

When I say that I am a Christian I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say that I am a Christian I'm not saying i am perfect. My flaws are far too visible but God believes that I am worth it.

When I say that I am a Christian I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches so I call upon His name.

When I say that I am a Christian I am not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received His grace somehow.....

"Father in heaven, thank you for loving me even though sometimes I do not act like I am a Christian. May I always be conscious that I am a living representative of Christ's love to others - yes Lord, even to those who get into my nerves. Amen."

Meditation: Psalm 37:1-2

Do not be provoked by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. Like grass they wither quickly; like green plants they wilt away.

--that in all things God may be glorified

IF THERE'S A WILL....

First thing in the morning at work, I was talking with my supervisor as to the things we need to do at our department when our boss approached me to say I would be working in another department today. The freight in hardware that should have been worked for 2 nights by the overnight stockers were still undone. In fact, my co-worker was instructed to do it last night before I even clocked out at 4:00 p.m. She stayed until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., I believe. And the overnight stockers were there for well.... overnight obviously. Dena said that between her and them, only 2 boxes were done from last night til this morning.

Before I could even start working at the freight, I was called to the front to run a register. After the busyness in the front was over, I started working on the freight. There were about 16 boxes full of small boxes containing clips, screws, bolts and nuts, and similar items. It would have been easier if I could use the Gemini, a device the retail industry couldn't do without but the first shift people's been hogging them all.

So I had to manually look for the location of the items and trust me, it is very confusing. A product can have 5 things that look similar so finding the right one takes time. Besides, I had to help customers on the side. I even answered to a call on the paint area. Then I got called again to the register at 12:00 noon which was supposed to be my lunch time. I got to eat an hour and 13 minutes later.

In roughly four (4) hours, I was able to finish all the boxes. Dena even remarked "what a lot of people can't do in 2 days, you did in 1." 

If we have the will to do something, we would be able to do it. That is what I always tell the kids. If they like to do something, they would find a way against all odds, while if they do not want to, there's always an excuse.

My friends, our spiritual life is the same. You can characterize one's faith in God in 2: a way or an excuse. Those who are ready and have decided to follow Jesus find ways and means to know Him and obey His words while those who are too attached to this world find excuses to stay where they are. But they do not know what they are missing.

A life with Jesus is not a bed of roses as that was not His promise. A life with Jesus means you are loved in spite of, despite the many mistakes we made. A life of Jesus means we have hope -- that we would be with Him one day in heaven because He conquered sin and death for us, A life with Jesus means even though we are undergoing problems, trials or persecutions, we have peace and joy in our heart, knowing we are never alone and that everything will come to pass but the promise and word of God remains forever.

The more you prolong having a life with Jesus, the more you lose. You are missing out on the liberating love no other person or god could give..... If you haven't decided to follow Jesus, the time to act is now!

Father in heaven, forgive me for all my sins. May I be reminded that as you forgive me so must I forgive others. It is hard to do, Lord, but I want to obey you always. Grant me the grace to always be loving and faithful. Amen.

Meditation: Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket
or under a bed,
and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; 
nothing is secret except to come to light.
Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
He also told them, “Take care what you hear.
The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, 
and still more will be given to you.
To the one who has, more will be given; 
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

--that in all things God may be glorified

NOTHING IS PERMANENT