My daughter Grace had her first birthday earlier this week and also took her first steps on that same day. Elizabeth and I shed tears of joy on Friday and praise God for this wonderful gift!
However the immense joy of our child’s first birthday was shadowed by revelations from family and dear friends, testimonies of disliking God’s church or flagrant disobedience of His commands.
In one case, my friend George boasts about breaking the laws of the land, admits he does not believe in rebirth through the holy spirit, discredits the bible as the true word of God yet attends Christian church regularly. His wife, a dedicated Christian shared her pain and admitted on one instance “crying in the car begging George to slow down as he drives recklessly with the kids in the back seat”. She in convinced he will “never” say yes to the Lord or live according to God’s word. George proudly does Satan’s work by enticing others to break the law and disobey God.
In another case, Jen who was thought to be saved admitted she did not have a relationship with Christ. She shared “I just don’t like organized religion”. Jen does not attend church or follow God’s commands defiling her own body through over eating, alcohol abuse and obvious lack of exercise. She is slowly but surely letting the devil kill her from the inside out and knowingly living outside God’s church earning herself a ticket straight to hell.
What is most troubling to me is that both these people are parents. Their decision to live unrighteous lives will inevitably be passed on to their children as they struggle with their faith themselves. Of course God has a plan for each child however, they need not be kept from God’s church as I was growing-up resulting in 35 years lived in darkness. Who knows how many people I could have touched positively had I been part of God’s church in my youth rather than mid-life?
Faced with my overwhelming desire to do God’s work, I am compelled to help George and Jen . First, I insisted that George’s wife take a proactive approach and no longer let him drive during family outings. Then, I suggested adding fellowship and bible study time to their busy schedule and finally, joining a small group surrounding themselves with other Christians who can hold them accountable for their actions.
Then, I insisted Jen attend church with Elizabeth and I and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I also discussed organized religion, the church as a family rather than a building and shared my views on being born again to serve the Lord. I also told Jen all her good deeds were in vain seeing how they weren’t meant to glorify God. Lastly, I shared my sorrow in knowing we would not rejoice together in Heaven unless she was born again.
Can these two be saved? How can I help further? At this point, short of trying to influence them by living a godly life, I can pray for their souls! I wish I could be the one to hold their hand as they give their lives to Jesus however, I am glad to follow God’s plan and keep planting seeds hoping each one will grow to become a stalk that will lead straight to Heaven.
If you are like George or Jen and struggling with your faith, seeking Jesus or ready to be born again, I invite you to submit your life to God and accept the wonderful gift that is the Holy Spirit! Simply pray this prayer:
God, I come to you in the name of Jesus, I may not know you personally, but I want to know you. I believe that your Word, the Bible is true. I repent for hardening my heart toward you and delighting myself in things you hate. I don’t want to go to hell; I really want to be free of my sin. I ask you Jesus to come into my heart, cleanse me of the guilt of my sins and give me the power to overcome those sins. I want to be your child and learn of Your ways. Keep me from evil and save my soul. I am asking to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord so that I can experience God’s love and plan for my life. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, or are already living in God’s light, you must continue to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by:
> Read God’s word DAILY.
Reading the bible daily will allow you get to know Jesus personally and will help you overcome life’s challenges and problems so you can help others.
> Pray to God DAILY.
The bible commands us to do so: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14: 13-15)
> Fellowship with others DAILY.
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
> Witness to others DAILY.
Plant godly seeds and allow others to grow under God’s light. By witnessing to others, you are fulfilling God’s mission for your life and spreading the good news just as Jesus and His apostles did.
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for your forgiveness in our sins
And for your inspiration in our lives,
We thank you for your all mightiness
And for your strong hand in directing us.
Lord father we ask that you continue to shine your light bright,
Upon us and those who seek you
And help us serve you and lead others to you in this life
So we all can rejoice with you in the next.
God please lay your hand on critical hearts
Of our friends and families
Enlighten them with your Holy Spirit Lord
And guide their footsteps each and every day.
God we thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
