Fri, Mar 17th - 1:18PM

Preaching to the choir

Do you have someone in your life that gives unwanted advice. A fellow Christian? Someone you would like to choke for the advice they give? Why? Does this fellow Christian tell you things you dont want to hear? Are they shining light on what you dont want to see?

I have someone in my life like this. I have mentioned him before. He is my brother. Lets call him "D". "D" wants to be a minister someday. He lives it most of the time. I am the oldest sibling of three and D is the youngest. He is about 5 years younger than I am. So often times my pride gets in the way of little brother telling me things I need to pay attention to.

D and I have always been close, we were never sibling rivals. We have both moved on and had families and dont see each other as often as we could. But thats always been ok. I have always known where to find him. These days something has changed, I hunger (?) for time with my brother. I cant seem to spend enough time with him. He has been on my heart so much the last couple months. Everytime I plan a trip to see him something comes up and the plans are shot.  Finally, he came here last weekend. We were so excited to see him, the whole family. He came with his sons, his wife however couldnt make it. God has blessed her with her own business and it is doing well, but the down side is not being able to make weekend trips. This is an awesome family, very blessed, very down to earth.

So where am I going with this? D has always put the focus on faith when I felt my faith was wavering. He bullies me to read the word, attend church, pray with my family and seek God's face always. So what happens when he isnt following his own advice? AH HA! Turn around is fair play :)

I invited D and the boys to church last weekend and had them sit in on our puppet practice. D was hooked and wanted to take it back to his own youth group at his church. I said great! Give us the word and we will be there to get you started. At this point he shared with me that he wasnt attending his church of late. Why? Oh you know, busy, tired, kids, blah blah blah.... Gee, I think I may have used a few of those excuses myself. He assured me that he was still spending time in the word everyday and praying, talking with the Creator etc. Good, I am glad. But was he spending time with other believers? Getting his battery recharged, learning from others, gaining insight? Well, sure he was spending time with his family. No No.... non related. Hmmm not really. D! you have a gift, use it. Get your butt back into your church and be an active member. Take this youth ministry and build on it. Get back to teaching. You need others. Ok ok! :)

I got to testify to one who testifies to me all the time. It felt good to be able to give back. Maybe that is why he has been on my heart so much lately.

I used to be one who said christians didnt need a church. Be a good person, follow God laws, pray, read the bible and thats all you need. I am sure there are others who feel the same way. I have said it before and its true, we need unity, we need other believers to grow and mature as christians. Maybe you have been burned by a "church", a "religion". Dont give up, there is a church body out there that will fit you. Shop around. With the craziness of the world around us, we need a group, a family of believers who can strengthen you when you feel week, encourage when you are down, and laugh with you when screw up! You need someone to teach you, learn with you and love you no matter what.

I urge you to find that family, soon.

Gods blessings on you all. Until next time,

Godsservant