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Storms of Life

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Rodriguez was a young man who called me up to talk one night on our live television show. He was really having a tough time. “Everything is falling apart,” he said. “My mom passed away, my business venture collapsed, and my daughter was diagnosed with kidney failure. Whats going on?”

As we talked, it was clear that Rodriguez knew a lot about God. But he had never completely surrendered his life to the Lord. I told Rodriguez that he really needs the guidance and direction of God. Jesus Christ came to earth not just to take us to Heaven when we die. But He also came to guide us through the storms of life.

Then Rodriguez said something very interesting. He said, “Maybe these storms are Gods way of telling me to wake up.” Wasnt that insightful? It was so true! And I had the privilege of leading this young man to the Lord on live TV!

Paul tells us in Romans 8 that nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” Nothing – no matter how fearsome the storm might be. That powerful truth can be the catalyst for someone you know to turn their life over to Jesus Christ. So, who in your world needs this encouragement?

Reaching Today’s Teens

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A few years ago, the Barna Research organization polled a group of teenagers about their views on religion. More than half of these students said that they believed all religious faiths teach equally valid truths.

In fact, one girl said, “I believe in Darwins theory of evolution, and the possibility of God being a woman. I never believed in the story of Adam and Eve. But I do, however, believe in prayer and karma.”

A big part of what many postmoderns believe is that no one religion can have a monopoly on truth. They say that truth is whatever you choose to believe. This idea may seem intimidating to challenge. But dont despair: this up-and-coming generation is very open to religion discussion. In fact theyre intrigued by spiritual issues and eager to talk about them!

There is spiritual curiosity in the young people today and an opportunity to engage their hearts and minds. We need to be ready! Ephesians 5:15 exhorts us to “…live not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

There is no time like the present to take advantage of each and every moment to connect with this generation. Remember, you and I hold the words of Christ — words of life to a lost and confused world.

Salt and Light

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Daniel Naulty was a former major league baseball player who was a powerful pitcher. But Daniel also used performance-enhancing drugs during his career. A few years ago, he admitted his crime and left baseball for good. But, thats only part of his story.

The other part of the story happened seven years ago when Naultys team won the World Series. What should have been the highlight of his life was instead one of his lowest points. “I thought the World Series was going to be God,” Naulty said. “But I realized after we won that it wasnt salvation.” He began spiraling into a deep depression. Then Daniel began thinking back to what his Christian teammates had shared with him over the years.

They had told Naulty about Gods story of redemption and love through the cross and resurrection of Christ. Daniel finally realized the truth about what was missing from his life. So he asked forgiveness for his sins, and received Jesus into his life.

Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5, “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world.” Like Daniels faithful teammates, you and I can also be salt and light to those around us. Even when we dont see immediate results, God is at work! Just like he was with Daniel Naulty.

He’s at Work

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Galatians 2:20 is one of my absolute favorite verses. “I have been crucified with Christ,” the apostle Paul says, “and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…” Notice how plainly Paul puts it: Christ lives in me. Do you realize the magnitude of that reality?

The power of Jesus flows through you and me – every moment of every day – touching people everywhere we go.

In fact, even when youre not aware thats Jesus is working, Hes still at work. Sometimes the best evangelism results come when you dont think youre being used. You walk into a situation, do what youre supposed to do, and suddenly things begin to happen. Its so exciting!

Jesus can work through you anywhere you go – at the office, at the club, in the neighborhood. Just be yourself in Christ and people will notice something different. Its really that simple. You dont have to put on an act. You dont have to pretend that youre a Christian. You are one! Jesus Christ is alive in you today!

So, as you walk with God today, remember that Hes working through – right now! Let the truth of that sink in! May it motivate you to continue reaching your world for Jesus Christ.

Bearing Fruit

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We all long to bear fruit for Jesus Christ, dont we? Thankfully, Jesus very succinctly gives us the key to being fruitful: In John 15:5 He says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

So there it is – thats the answer! Remain in Jesus Christ and you will bear much fruit. Stick close to the Lord. Learn about Him. Let Him nourish you like a vine nourishes its branches. Talk with Jesus. Read and meditate on the Holy Word of God.

As we do these things, we are literally growing in Jesus Christ. Its the key to fruitfulness. And a fruitful disciple cant help but draw others to the Lord.

Jesus promises that as we remain attached to the vine – to Him – we will bear much fruit. Not just a little fruit. Not just a few pieces here and there. But, Christ promises that there will bear lots and lots of fruit! Isnt that exciting?

All this happens by simply walking with the Lord throughout your daily life. You love your family, you respect co-workers, and youre aware that Jesus Christ is opening doors and using you. And that, my friend, is bearing much fruit! What could be better than that?