Everyone's Doing It

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:12

A few days ago I got a new cell phone. I did my homework, and since they did not sell one that I wanted in store; I ordered it online. As I was waiting to pick it up on Saturday, I noticed that there was a sign that said the store was offering a fifty dollar gift card when you bought a smartphone. I thought, wow that would be so awesome to get a gift card. I asked about the gift card and was informed that I had to have gotten the phone that day. The lady said I could return the phone I bought and then rebuy it so I could get the discount. I was extremely tempted because I really could have used the gift card. After I had thought about it; I decided that, for me, it would be wrong to do that since I had bought it earlier and returning it and buying it back just to get the gift card seemed deceptive. I was told that everyone does that. That was the kiss of death; I have to look at myself in the mirror. It doesn’t truly matter what other people are doing. I am accountable for what I do. God says I have to answer to him for the things I have done. When I actually begin to realize that I answer for myself and no one else; it can be terribly freeing and empowering as a Christian. It frees me from worrying about other’s opinion on a topic because, at the end of time, their evaluation of my actions will not matter. God’s opinion will matter immensely. It also gives me the power to hold on to my convictions because I alone answer to God. There will not be anyone else to defend my actions. Friends hold to what you know is right and don’t let public opinion suck you into compromising your values. Remember you have to look yourself in the mirror every day. Live in such a way you can hold your head high knowing you have a clear conscience.

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Live Fearlessly

As I was driving home today, I passed a person walking on the side of the road. Since it was cold, and snowy, I thought I should stop and offer the person a ride. As I drove on by, I was irritated with myself for not stopping. I could have and should have but I didn't. Why? I was scared! Maybe that wouldn't bother you, but I'm willing to bet there are things that make you afraid. It may be snakes or spiders that send the ticker into overdrive. Or maybe it's your job and finances that keep you up at night when you should be resting. Then again perhaps it's relationships that consume your thoughts and energy. As followers of God, we know that we are told not to be afraid. Yet we often are afraid despite everything we know. As I was driving away from a missed opportunity, I began thinking about what it is that makes us afraid. I honestly am not sure what it is that causes us to be afraid when we should be bold, but I

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Just A Word of Praise!!

On Sunday, after church, we went to a town about thirty minutes away. On the way we drove through an area where they were working on the road. It was no big deal. We had lunch, bought some food for the week, and drove back home. Later, as we were on our way to church for the evening service, I heard the ominous flapping sound that a tire makes when it’s flat. Yikes! I pulled over and while I was debating how I was going to change a tire. A car coming in the opposite direction drove by and stopped. As the driver appeared from the vehicle, I recognized him as a neighbor and fellow believer. He approached the car, and asked if I had an air compressor to inflate the tire. My answer, “Yes, but I’m not sure how good it is. I’ve never actually managed to inflate a tire using it. I may not be using it properly.” I produced it from the trunk of the car and handed it to him. Within a few minutes, he had it hooked up and running. As it turned out, I was using it properly,

Inspirations

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