Take a Stand for Christ or Take a Seat in the Stands

“Once you start listening to people in the stands, you will soon be sitting with them.” ~ Joe Kuharich, head football coach, college/national leagues.

The same is true in life.

We choose to either sit in the stands or take a stand for something.

Something that matters. Like Christ, heaven, eternal life, and spiritual beliefs that line up with God’s truth.

The Free Dictionary describes take a stand. “Adopt a firm position about an issue.”

Whether school, work, home, social events, government, or online. We stand up for what we believe in.

Four ways to take a stand for Christ.

1) Listen to the Lord to continue in His playbook.  

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Why I Never Want to Get Over Jesus Christ

Maybe there are things in life you hope to get over. Me too. But, Jesus Christ?

First, let’s take a look at other things and people.

We tell others to “Get over it!” And we say it about someone or our circumstances, “I’m over it!”

Get Over It

Like in these get-over-it scenarios:

* We upset our spouse.

* A co-worker desired to complete a task in a different way than us.

* A parent puts unreachable expectations on us.

And in these I-am-over-it examples:

* Someone in our life is a repeat offender.

* We try for a promotion at work multiple times.

* A family member creates drama time and time again.

Sure, we eventually get over people injuring us and drama and not getting a promotion. But humans are not saviors.

You see, during my husband’s sermon on Easter, he made a statement that really stuck with me.

Sometimes we just get over being saved. 

But how? How is it possible to get over being rescued by Jesus Christ?

Getting Over Jesus Christ

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Believing in Karma or Jesus: A Man Upstairs or God

Is believing in karma and sending a letter to twelve people, the way to unlock a secret code of blessings from the man upstairs?

Much to my dismay, I receive chain letters by email or on social media and Messenger. Each written from a promise of believing. If I believe in karma, then something good will happen today to make me happy. Angels watch over me. Or, the man upstairs blesses me.

But, to seal the deal, I must forward the message to a specified number of friends including the sender. And posting as my status on social media? Even better.

Still further, for the declaration to really happen, I need to act fast, within minutes. And this, Thou shalt not break the chain.

I mean, who knows what “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day” might take place if I break the chain. Y’all, call 911 because I break the chain!

Believing in Chain Letters or God’s Letter

Merriam-Webster explains karma, “The force created by a person’s actions that some people believe causes good or bad things to happen to that person.” Yet, I’m not some people or that person.

I enjoyed the Star Wars theme, “the force be with you.” Yet the force is fictional. Herein lies the deception of karma. It’s purely philosophical and not founded on fact.

I don’t believe in good and bad karma. But I do believe in a good and Holy God.

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The Shocking Amount of Blessings from a Good God

“Blessings!”

Lately, I’ve formed a word-habit in my online replies. I throw out the word over and over again.

Blessings! Thanks and blessings! I pray blessings over your ministry. Blessings to you and your family! Happy Birthday and blessings! 

See what I mean? I quite overuse the word.

But do I realize what’s behind the well wishes? And do I give thanksgiving for my blessings?

Count Your Blessings

We’ve heard it said to count our blessings. But if we look at the shocking amount of blessings God extends to us, they are hard to number.

When we consider the shocking amount of ways God #blesses us, it's difficult to really count or name each one. #Godisgood Click To Tweet

Of course, we all count ourselves blessed with family and friends. Also, blessed in how God provides for our daily needs of food, shelter, the jobs we hold, etc.

As a pastor’s wife and believer, I’m blessed by the local church in how God uses both ministers and members to build us up in the faith. Perhaps we ought to name this our spiritual M&M’s.

And who’s not giving thanks these days for health? I pray to never take a healthy body for granted. Or, the physical well-being of my spouse, children, and grandson.

But there are times we forget, even as Christ-followers, and we need reminding of the vast blessings from a gracious God. Too numerous to even count. How do I know?

Blessings from a Generous God

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