Over the past few days, we've received a number of emails indicating
that the font was appearing huge on some monitors. We've made some
adjustments this morning that will hopefully eliminate the problem.
I recently heard a preacher (I've forgotten which one) speaking about
what he called "accordion Christians". Accordion Christians are the ones who
fold under the least amount of pressure and make a lot of noise as they fold.
I had never heard the expression before, I don't know if it is one of his
originals, or just a regional expression I hadn't come across before.
His remark was said a little tongue in cheek and there is some merit to
it, but at the same time it is heart breaking. You see many people in the
church, and many of those who left the church who would fit that very
description.
Why do people who hear the life giving message of Jesus Christ and
accept Him fall away from the truth?
Often times, it is because as other believers and as a church we have
failed them. We treat salvation as the goal and not the entry point. As
wonderful as being accepted by Father and forgiven of all our sins is, that's
just the beginning of a life long journey.
Jesus sent us forth to gain new converts
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously
to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he
asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave
of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will
receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all
he does. James 1:5-8 NIV
That means more than just a quick prayer. It means reading and studying
the Bible for yourself. Don't be satisfied with a few verses thrown your way
on a Sunday morning or the couple of verses that come each day with
Gleanings. Dig out the book and read it. Read it over and over until it makes
sense. Attend a solid Sunday school or Bible study and read some more.
There is no reason to fold under pressure. God has equipped us for
everything we will face in life. He is there to walk with us. We simply need
to get familiar with His Word to understand better who He is and who we are
in Him.
Grab the Bible, blow the dust off it and begin to see what God has to
say. He has wonderful plans for your life; let Him tell you about them.
There is power in the Word. There is wisdom in the Word. There is truth
in the Word. There are promises for your life in the Word.
I know I've said it before in other issues of Gleanings, but studying
the Word is such a vital part of the Christian walk that it can never be over
emphasized. Until next time, read the Word, READ the Word, READ THE WORD.
Be blessed.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!
Kevin
