Can your friends tell that you are a Christian? Can they watch you and see that something is different? Is it obvious?
God's Word calls us to set ourselves apart from the world. Romans 12:2 states, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Picture this:
A girl in your class comes to school each day and never draws attention to herself. She always does what the teacher asks, does her classwork without complaint, and seems to be fairly happy. You talk to her during free time, at the lunch table, and on the playground. However, you do notice that she has worn the same outfit for the past two weeks. Her clothes are stained, not badly, but enough to notice. Why did you notice? Because you can see her and her clothes. She is right there in front of your eyes!
Here is the challenge: You notice her clothes, but have you noticed her heart? Wouldn't it be nice if our walk with Christ was as obvious to others as the clothes we wear? Wouldn't it be nice if people saw us day after day acting like true Christians and noticed us? Even though others cannot really see our hearts, they should be able to see what is in our hearts, and that should be our love for Jesus and others.
Up for a PHYSICAL CHALLENGE: Wear the same clothes two or more days in a row, and see if people notice. If they do, share Jesus with them, and tell them you want them to notice more about you than your clothes.
Not so bold? Then do something this week to get noticed and give God the glory for it. When someone asks you what is different about you, share Jesus with them.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
WOULD YOU HAVE DONE THE SAME THING?
A challenge to us all... would you be willing to share Jesus with a friend who has faith in something other than Christianity? Would tyou risk your friendship in order to help your friend have eternal security?
On Wednesday evening in Club Z, we discussed how God calls us to follow Him no matter what the cost. With the first and second graders, and even a kindergardener, we shared how God is like air. We know He exists even though we cannot see Him. I gave all of out kids two balloons. I blew up one of the balloons and showed them how the balloon changed when the air entered the balloon. Illustration: the uninflated balloon represents a person without Christ. This person has not fulfilled what God intended them to be and they are empty inside. The inflated balloon represents a life filled with the Holy Spirit. You can see a difference and the purpose is fulfilled with Christ. We also discussed how we must tie the balloon to prevent all of the air from coming out. We must continue to grow in our walk with Christ to keep us inflated.
On Thursday afternoon, I received an e-mail from one of our moms. Here is what is said:
"OK, right this SECOND Jonathan is downstairs witnessing to the little Mormon girl from across the street!!!!!
He asked her if she asked Jesus into her heart (so she could blow up your balloon, Mr. Bill), and she said, "We don't ask Jesus into our heart, He's always with us. I go to a True Church (!) and God is there. Our prophet goes into the temple, where you get married, (she's a 6 y.o. girl - this is important to her!) and God is there."
HE said, "Nope! Mr. Bill says, you have to ask Jesus into your heart. It's not enough just to believe in Him. Right, Mom?" (GULP!)
Not wanting to get into a huge theological discussion with a 6 y.o., who will go home and tell her Mormon MOM that I said her church is a LIE, I said:
"You have to ask Jesus to be your one and only Savior, and you have to believe He's the Son of God."
"No, Mr. Bill definitely said you have to ask Him into your heart."
Here is the challenge:
1) Would you have been able to take the same stand for Christ and your personal faith in Him?
2) Do youknow enough about what you truly believe to defend your faith?
3) Do you know for sure that Jesus Christ is your personal Lord and Savior?
Jonathan knew for sure and was willing to share the one and only way to get to heaven, through Jesus Christ. What about you?
KEEP SHINING THE LIGHT, and BE WILLING TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO SHINE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST!
Priase God!
Keep Shining,
Mr. Bill
On Wednesday evening in Club Z, we discussed how God calls us to follow Him no matter what the cost. With the first and second graders, and even a kindergardener, we shared how God is like air. We know He exists even though we cannot see Him. I gave all of out kids two balloons. I blew up one of the balloons and showed them how the balloon changed when the air entered the balloon. Illustration: the uninflated balloon represents a person without Christ. This person has not fulfilled what God intended them to be and they are empty inside. The inflated balloon represents a life filled with the Holy Spirit. You can see a difference and the purpose is fulfilled with Christ. We also discussed how we must tie the balloon to prevent all of the air from coming out. We must continue to grow in our walk with Christ to keep us inflated.
On Thursday afternoon, I received an e-mail from one of our moms. Here is what is said:
"OK, right this SECOND Jonathan is downstairs witnessing to the little Mormon girl from across the street!!!!!
He asked her if she asked Jesus into her heart (so she could blow up your balloon, Mr. Bill), and she said, "We don't ask Jesus into our heart, He's always with us. I go to a True Church (!) and God is there. Our prophet goes into the temple, where you get married, (she's a 6 y.o. girl - this is important to her!) and God is there."
HE said, "Nope! Mr. Bill says, you have to ask Jesus into your heart. It's not enough just to believe in Him. Right, Mom?" (GULP!)
Not wanting to get into a huge theological discussion with a 6 y.o., who will go home and tell her Mormon MOM that I said her church is a LIE, I said:
"You have to ask Jesus to be your one and only Savior, and you have to believe He's the Son of God."
"No, Mr. Bill definitely said you have to ask Him into your heart."
Here is the challenge:
1) Would you have been able to take the same stand for Christ and your personal faith in Him?
2) Do youknow enough about what you truly believe to defend your faith?
3) Do you know for sure that Jesus Christ is your personal Lord and Savior?
Jonathan knew for sure and was willing to share the one and only way to get to heaven, through Jesus Christ. What about you?
KEEP SHINING THE LIGHT, and BE WILLING TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO SHINE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST!
Priase God!
Keep Shining,
Mr. Bill
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Mallorie Shows the LOVE
God's Word calls us to share His love with everyone we come into contact with whether we know them or not. We can do this with a friendly word or smile, or we can go out of our way to do something of service, even if we have no idea who will receive it.
Four years ago, Mallorie, my daughter, 8 yrs. old, decided that she wanted to grow her hair out and donate it to Locks of Love, a group that helps children who have suffered from cancer and other diseases that cause them to lose their hair.
Mallorie has been diligently growing her hair all this time, and yesterday, she decided it was the day for her to donate her hair. Without hesitation or nervousness, we went to the Hair Gallery together, and Ms. Doris cut 10 inches of hair off Mallorie to donate to Locks of Love.
What a selfless, determined act of love. God calls us to take a stand for HIm in this world, and I am very proud of Mallorie. Not only for the donation of her hair, but because she made a decision 4 years ago and followed through. She remained committed to her decision, and she faithfully and whole-heartedly remained true.
Are we taking the same stand in our daily walk with Christ? Do we stay true to what we say we believe? Are we willing to take as long as God determines?
God wants us to always be true to Him.
WAY TO GO, MALLORIE!!! I am proud of you and your stand! You are an tremendous example! Hopefully, others will follow in your footsteps!
For more info on Locks of Love, visit http://www.locksoflove.org/.
Keep Shining,
Mr. Bill
Four years ago, Mallorie, my daughter, 8 yrs. old, decided that she wanted to grow her hair out and donate it to Locks of Love, a group that helps children who have suffered from cancer and other diseases that cause them to lose their hair.
Mallorie has been diligently growing her hair all this time, and yesterday, she decided it was the day for her to donate her hair. Without hesitation or nervousness, we went to the Hair Gallery together, and Ms. Doris cut 10 inches of hair off Mallorie to donate to Locks of Love.
What a selfless, determined act of love. God calls us to take a stand for HIm in this world, and I am very proud of Mallorie. Not only for the donation of her hair, but because she made a decision 4 years ago and followed through. She remained committed to her decision, and she faithfully and whole-heartedly remained true.
Are we taking the same stand in our daily walk with Christ? Do we stay true to what we say we believe? Are we willing to take as long as God determines?
God wants us to always be true to Him.
WAY TO GO, MALLORIE!!! I am proud of you and your stand! You are an tremendous example! Hopefully, others will follow in your footsteps!
For more info on Locks of Love, visit http://www.locksoflove.org/.
Keep Shining,
Mr. Bill
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Hey BBC Kids!
Hey BBC Kids! It's Mr. Bill, and this is our blog.
I am so excited about how God is moving and working in our kids' ministry, and now we can share the exciting happenings of Jesus Christ through our blog!
I hope you will share prayer and praise reports on the blog, and I will update frequently with thoughts and tidbits to help get us through our days together!
I look forward to hearing from you!!!!
May God continue to bless you!
Keep SHINING!
I am so excited about how God is moving and working in our kids' ministry, and now we can share the exciting happenings of Jesus Christ through our blog!
I hope you will share prayer and praise reports on the blog, and I will update frequently with thoughts and tidbits to help get us through our days together!
I look forward to hearing from you!!!!
May God continue to bless you!
Keep SHINING!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
