Not long ago, I was a depressed Christian. Not being obedient to what God wanted from me really caused years of depression. I know what it means to be the 'pew' Christian. Even though I believed I was saved from Hell, to call myself a Christian was a far stretch. Today, I know the non-secret to joyfulness... the Apostle Paul explained that his joy came from leading lost souls to Jesus Christ.
Today, I believe a Christian should be able to hear Jesus' voice and follow Him (John 10:27). A Christian should let his/her light shine when they EXIT the church building. A Christian should be an encourager instead of an excellent critic, judge, juror, and prosecutor. A Christian should love, not hate... build up - not devour...
My wife Jessica was a waitress for many years. She told me time and time again that it was on Sundays (after church let out) that she hated being a server. She told me that the 'Christians' are the most critical of their food and service. She told me she would rather serve rowdy teenagers than Christians. How are you letting your light (Jesus) shine through you?
I can definitely relate. I've heard the critics respond to my inspirational e-mails: "you are clogging up me e-mail", "you are embarrassing your family", "you are just too Holy for me", "your inspirations are too long"...
I used to get my feelings hurt, but these comments typically come from the critics who TRULY live their lives in constant fear and are insecure, and they start criticizing EVERYTHING (everything but themselves) as soon as they lift their heads off their pillows.
The reason for my web-site (full of inspirations) is simple. If I can shine God's light to anyone in darkness (the same darkness I was in just over a year ago), then Praise be to GOD!!!
With all of my heart, I am so thankful that God chose me to receive His light. Not only did He give me His light, He then encourages me (the sinner) to go tell the good news FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOPS of what JESUS CHRIST did for me!!!
When someone is down, they need to be encouraged and not labeled and criticized. You may be asking me, 'how do I encourage those who mess up bad, those dreaded sinners who think they know it all...?' (please go look in the mirror). To be an encourager instead of one who discourages is simple, ready? Let others know you hear them (after you LISTEN), then repeat this next phrase often: Jesus loves you! There is HOPE!!! Jesus didn't walk the earth to criticize and judge. He came to agope love and to save who are lost. Save the judgment for judgment day... PLEASE!!!
Be the light God wants you to be. It may make all of the difference in the world, in the life of someone hurting and lost. Don't make excuses that you're not good enough, educated enough, rich enough, religious enough... because, if you are waiting to be perfect... you WILL BE WAITING UNTIL YOU REACH HEAVEN!!!
God wants us to shine our candles NOW, so the lost sheep can see that light and want what we have!!! A positive attitude is effective - not a negative one, a servant's heart - not a selfish one, a healing tongue - not a hurtful one, a joyful heart - not a depressing one, a believing heart - not a doubting heart, a healer - not an abuser, an encourager - not a discourager (I hear you! Jesus loves you! There is hope!)
It is simple! Write these next words on index cards, then hand them out: John 3:16 (Jesus loves you).
Don't wait! Let your life shine!
(Matthew 5:14-16 (Jesus said) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.)
Please click on the video below and take the time to LISTEN.
Thank you Jesus for your light!!!!!
In His Hands,
Love, Whoever Davidson