Isn't it amazing how easily we pass off what God has called us to do to those we think are more gifted? I've not had the training. I don't have the personal charisma. I'm too old? I'm too young. What becomes obvious in God's word is that he's chosen to use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Jesus didn't go to the synagogue, the jewish schools, or the places of religious learning to find those that would eventually change the world and deliver a message that would bring peace to troubled souls, give hope to those who have given up, or to offer forgiveness to those plagued and weighed down by the realization of our sin. They were simple men, fishermen, tax collectors, and a political zealot. They were emotional even ambitious. What becomes evident is their desire to share not just their story but His Story. The idea was not to gather men and women for the purpose of being 'better, cleaner, nor holier' but to inspire them in such a way that after recognizing God's great gift in them they'd find it impossible to stay quiet about the work of God in their life. To have an encounter with Jesus and not to be changed is no more possible than sticking your fingers in an electrical outlet, being shocked to the point a good hair curling, and saying you didn't feel a thing! Of course you did and of course an encounter with Jesus produces a change! And, dare I say it, 'long live the change'!
It's no surprise that the untimely, premature, and unexpected death of Robin Williams has captured both our hearts and minds. After all over the years we've invited him into our homes and paid to be entertained by him. To say that he was a comic genius is still not the accolade that we feel best describes his talent. His creativity, his quickness, his expressions have fascinated us to the point eliciting our admiration and dumbfounded response . . . "How could anybody do that?" The tweeted reactions declare our loss and echo a hope, possibly unfounded, that he is now entertaining angels in heaven. Robin's search for personal happiness and fulfillment led him such that he ended his life this side of heaven by asphyxiation, hanging by his belt. Heaven is a part of our Christian belief system - it has made its way into the fabric of our collective DNA and consciousness. Unfortunately what so many apparently believe is heaven is 'our gift' to someone we...
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