Jump Start # 1645

Acts 8:39 “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.”

Our verse today is found at the conclusion of the Ethiopian’s conversion to Christ. His questions were answered. He learned about Jesus. He understood what he had to do to become a Christian. He was baptized and he and Philip parted. Our verse ends, “but he went on his way rejoicing.”

That is an aspect that we sometimes forget about. This week I have been writing about some tough issues within the church. Sometimes we do not always put forward our best. We make mistakes. Sometimes we let people down. We are not perfect. We get blamed, and sometimes we deserve it. But, it’s great being a Christian. Don’t ever forget that.

This world seems to be spinning more and more out of control. We live in scary times. Lives can end suddenly, as what took place in France yesterday. There are things that we do not understand. We live in times where people hate us because of our freedoms and because of our beliefs. There is every reason to cower in fear and fill our hearts with worry. But we don’t. We won’t.

It’s great being a Christian. I went to the funeral home yesterday of a sweet woman who was a Christian. She was a school principle. She was the wife of a preacher. Her journey here ended way too soon. She touched many lives. What made that day was knowing that she was a believer who walked with the Lord. She’s fine. The Lord has her and she will be safe. She has left incredible footprints for her family and friends to follow. Those that do not understand, view death as a loss. It’s tragic. It’s so sad. Not so, for believers. It’s great being a Christian. The best just begins at death. It’s not over. It’s just starting.

It’s great being a Christian because I can talk to my Lord today. I don’t have to wait. I don’t have to make an appointment. He’s always there and He wants me to talk to Him.

It’s great being a Christian because later today I get to sit down with another Christian and talk about the Bible. Two believers sharing thoughts together about God’s holy word. That’s amazing.

It’s great being a Christian because Sunday is coming and I will get to be with my church family and we will sing and pray and talk about God’s word. It will be awesome to see a full church building. It will be great  to see smiling faces and get hugs. It will be great to be encouraged and helped. I wish it were today!

It’s great being a Christian because I know that there is an incredible group of shepherds who are doing their best to help me get to Heaven. They love me and all the church family. They work hard to help us get along and smooth out the bumps in our spiritual journey. It’s great to know that I have help and I’m not in this all by myself.

It’s great being a Christian because I am connected to the greatest people on earth. I have friends world wide who love the Lord and walk with Him every day. I have a network of incredible friends who want me to go to Heaven. They are such a blessing in my life. I wouldn’t know these people if I wasn’t a Christian.

It’s great being a Christian because I know that I belong to God. I am His child. He is watching out for me and I want to honor and glorify Him. Many choices that some folks are on the fence about, I’m not, because I am a Christian. My path is clear. I have a purpose and because of the Lord I can make a difference in the lives of others.

It’s great being a Christian because everywhere I go, the Lord is with me. I am never alone. I don’t have to figure everything out. I don’t have to be burdened with the troubles that life presents. I trust the Lord. He’s proven to be good.

It’s great being a Christian because I now understand what really matters. I don’t have to chase wealth, be first or try to always stand on top. Those things do not matter. Walking with God is what is important. What God wants is what I want. What a difference that makes in life. Things are calmer. Things are less stressful. Getting to Heaven is what it’s all about.

It’s great being a Christian because it means that I am loved by God and I am forgiven by Him. I’m not perfect. He knows that and I know that. That doesn’t hurt our relationship. My heart wants to be with Him. I know Him. I trust Him. I believe Him. I wouldn’t change this for anything.

It’s great being a Christian.

Have you forgotten that?

Roger