Standing up for Christian beliefs

 

By Gary Andrews

gary@gadevotionals.com

 

     Today, it is my firm belief that we, as Christians, are being led astray by outside influences that is harming our beliefs and our country. Our God-fearing country is being tarnished by individuals seeking to better themselves and others and take away the rights of anyone that believes in Almighty God.

     This Covid pandemic has weakened our nation and for the most part, the entire world. Whether it was man manufactured or not, God allowed us to go through it. We have been told by our so-called leaders to follow the science if we want to control this disease. It has taken its toll on our churches, schools, businesses, and society in general. We have been told so many different things from so many different people that we have allowed ourselves to be caught up in the science instead of leaning and looking to the creator of the universe for help and instructions.

     Yes, this is a terrible disease and many, many people have lost their lives because of it. I have personally lost friends and relatives to complications of Covid. It hurts and I have shed tears, just as you have, for those that have gone on before me due to this disease and many of them much younger than I am.

     People have turned their faith away from our eternal father and put their trust in man for solutions. Our media has gone from reporting true news and happenings to editorialized opinions. During my tenure in the news industry, I was always taught to report the news as we knew it to be true and not put opinion in a story. Many of our media outlets are failing us because of their way of distributing news. They are appeasing their politicians and their views to gain control over the people. If we continue to do this, we are going to lose our freedom and our right to practice religion and be forced to worship their gods, not ours.

     It is time for us, as Christians, to stand up against these news outlets and self-serving people. We need to turn back to the Word of God and get on our knees and talk to the Lord about what we should do. We need to talk to people about the saving grace of Jesus and His eternal home. Life on earth is short, and we are not promised a tomorrow.

     I read something the other day that makes a lot of sense, “Ships don’t sink because of the water around them, ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”

     All of us need to read and re-read what the great prophet Isaiah told us in his book 43:2; “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” He was talking about the Redeemer of Israel, and he is talking to us today. 

     Stand up Christians for your belief and your knowledge of Christ. Even though He has called some of our friends and relatives to be with Him, He will never forsake us or forget us! This Covid pandemic will also pass!

     Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your love and promise of an eternal home with you. Teach us to be faithful servants to and for you. Amen.

     (Suggested daily Bible readings: Sunday – Isaiah 43:1-7; Monday – Romans 8:28-30; Tuesday – Proverbs 3:5-6; Wednesday – Matthew 6:25-27; Thursday – Jeremiah 29:11-13; Friday – Philippians 4:6-7; Saturday – Psalm 118:8-9.) A601-21

 

Let your little light shine

 

By Gary Andrews

gary@gadevotionals.com

 

     Even though I am not a big fan of some of the modern-day Christian music, I must admit that it has really impacted some of the younger generation through its music and words. I love listening to Christian music on the radio and my wife and I listen to a certain station as we travel and most of the time it is the newer music. I have grown quite fond of Lauren Daigle, the Christian singer from Louisiana, and her many songs. 

     Her songs are refreshing, and her Christian spirit and attitude brings delight to her many fans and followers. Even though I have never seen one of her concerts in person, I do listen to her music. I have spoken with some of my teenage granddaughters, and they listen to her music as well as other Christian artists. This is especially appealing to a granddad because I know they are hearing about the Word of God and His presence to those of us that know Him personally.

     In these years of 2020-21 we have faced so many trails and tribulations. The world has faced a pandemic, election year woes, uncertainty in political leadership, church attendance dropout, and much more. My wife and I have 5-year-old twin grandsons, and their mother listen to the same Christian music as we do. These boys are subjected to this music every time they are in the car and ask for it to be played when they are playing around or inside their home.

     One day as they were riding with us and listening to the radio, one of the twins started singing, “Let me tell you about my Jesus.” Both have heard the songs so much that they sing with the artists on radio. Even though they might not fully understand the lyrics they are singing at this time, one day they will. Maybe they will understand why this song was written and performed by Anne Wilson. 

     Anne Wilson lost her brother due to an accident, and she and her parents went through a tough time in their life. The first lines of this song say, “Are you past the point of weary, is your burden weighing heavy, is all too much to carry? Let me tell you about my Jesus.”

     Even though my twin grandsons may not understand what they are singing, they are being exposed to the facts that Jesus can eliminate your burdens. This is something they will carry for the rest of their lives.

     My favorite Lauren Daigle song is “Tremble”. As I look at and read the words of the song, I understand that I will tremble in the presence of the Lord. Even though I look forward to that day, I will remember the first few lines of this song. See if you can say the same as you read this first verse.

     “I will tremble at no other name; my heart’s surrendered to no other reign;

     I will bow at no other throne, rest my heart at no other home,

     Let these hands lift no other crown, let these knees fall on no other ground,

     Draw these eyes from the gold that won’t shine, you turn this life from water to wine,

     Oh, I tremble, I tremble, oh, in your presence, in your presence.”

 

     Even though I may not be a big fan of some of the modern Christian songs, I thoroughly enjoy and love hearing songs of the Christian artists such as Lauren Daigle, Anne Wilson, and many others. They are and continue to be great influences on people of all ages.

     Will you “Tremble” in the presence of God? Will you tell people about “My Jesus”? Will you let your light shine to this sinful world?

     Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for these artists that sing about your grace and your love. I pray that you will be with them in all that they do and say and continue to let them be an influence all that hear from them. Amen.

     (Suggested daily Bible readings: Sunday – Matthew 5:16; Monday – Psalm 119:105; Tuesday – John 8:12; Wednesday – Daniel 12:3; Thursday – Ephesians 5:8; Friday – Proverbs 4:18; Saturday – 2 Corinthians 4:6.)  A603-21