There are people out there that say the bible was the only book given to slaves and was one of the ways the white man kept them under bondage. They say most blacks are still under the same bondage even today, because the book was used to brainwash their ancestors and has been passed down from generation to generation. These same people say bible teachings are a lie and are not the word of God. Now I think, why does the said white man read the same book?
I do acknowledge that the white man used the bible in inappropriate ways, such as misteaching like obeying your master, or straight up lying to the slaves and in some cases themselves, and to justify abuse. These unbelievers don’t believe in Jesus and think Christians are fools for doing so. It’s their right to believe their way. But if your faith is in God the Father, Christ Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit and you encounter one of these fools, RUN………AWAY! Live how Christians live, and let your life be your testimony to them.
Some things to consider that may help:
What do you Love?
Nowadays, there are so many people looking for love in all the wrong places. They look to food, fun, spirits, and a lot of other things that are worldly and fleshy. The run at the first opportunity to be liked by others, for a promotion, or any other way to please the flesh. People, the only way to truly please the flesh is to serve and worship the creator of the flesh. The only way to get or experience that kind of love, is to know LOVE itself. 1 John 4:16 (NLT) says, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” Instead of looking for and running after everything you think you love or will make you happy, you need to be running to Jesus. Instead of running to the club, you need to be running to Jesus. Instead of running to man or woman for love, you need to be running to the Savior. Instead of running to what you think is love and happiness, you need to be running to the living God who is Love and Happiness. So I ask each of you today, Are You In (R U N)?
What do you worship?
Are you more into things (your car, your looks, your home, your job, your everything) than you are into Christ and His Word? Do you focus more on being popular than you do on your salvation? Are these the things that are most important to you? Then I say refocus. Stop worshipping things and yourself and start worshipping the Lord God Almighty. Matthew 19:21 reads, Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Come worship the Lord with your whole heart. Run, to Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-3 states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” I ask again, Are You In (R U N)?
What do you praise?
Giving thanks and honor shows we’re not puffed up, selfish and arrogant about all we achieve and receive in life. It shows some humility. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:31)
Psalm 100 reads, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” When we think about how good God is; about all He has done for us: He alone is worthy and deserving of our praise; so praise His holy name!
Ephesians 3:14-21 reads, “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
There will come a time in our lives when we must choose to “Do What’s Right.” It may be helping and elderly across the street, getting up in time for church, making sure our children get to know Jesus for themselves, giving back that dime or dollar when the cashier gave us too much change, getting closer to the Lord, or in some instances running or fleeing from the devil and sin. We are to be in on what’s right, and run from wrong.
Once again I ask you today, What do you love? What do you worship? What do you praise? If it’s not the Lord God Almighty, you’re running in circles. Slow down; stop; turn around; fix your eyes on Jesus; and RUN to Him. Are You In (R U N)?
Are you willing to experience the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to allow the Lord to enter your heart? Are you willing to give up all that foolishness you feel means so much to you, but in the end will mean absolutely nothing? Are You In (R U N )? Do you want to RUN to Him today? I promise He wants nothing better than to show you the Love, Grace, Mercy, Favor, Compassion, and Happiness that can only come through knowing and having relationship with God. Are You In(R U N)?
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