2 Corinthians 5:17 (MSG)
“Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God;
he’s already a friend with you.
A dear friend sent this astounding video to me. I know I am a visual learner and that this type of visual sermon really gets me fired up. But, I think you will be touched as well. If you HAVEN’T seen it, it is worth a few minutes of your time. It challenged me. What would my cardboard testimony be? Brilliant thought by this young pastor. Being a writer, I would LOVE to know how and where he got this idea. It struck home.
In April, we were in Chicago for the International Kitchen and Bath Show, when I saw a homeless man in his early thirties, sitting on the side of the road. Resting on the side of a box, was a sign, which read, “I am not hopeless. I just made some bad decisions.” I found it very hard to walk by this young man. In hindsight, I wish I had taken a deep breath and confronted him, imploring him to make a good decision, TODAY. Okay, you’ve made bad decisions. But, why not start fresh today? Why not get up, take a shower, and try to get a job somewhere. Doing something other than sitting on the side of the road begging for pennies? Aren’t we all one good decision away from becoming who Christ created us to be? I’m sure there is a great deal more to his story. I’m sure there is a great deal of pain underneath the surface. I did offer up prayer on his behalf. Prayer that he will have the courage to make a good decision.
This video inspires me to be on my face before God for fresh messages. Fresh words from God’s heart to mine. My prayer today is simple: Speak, Lord. Please speak. I’ll let you know what I write on my cardboard. Will you share your?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ]
Janell, Thank you for sharing that video. How awesome and I really needed to see it today! Facing waves of discouragement and it encouraged me to look up! I check your blog daily! Blessings to you and your family!
Wow…..I could identify with so many of the phrases. I guess when all is said and done:
SINNER
(saved by grace)
Love to you and the fam,
Sherri
Yes, Sherri! I identify with them as well. I kept thinking about it in church today. This morning, I thought mine could be, “IDENTITY SHAPED BY THE OPINION OF MAN” and now, “KNOW WHO I AM IN CHRIST” —– “NEEDED TO KNOW HER DAD”, now, “IN LOVE WITH DADDY!” —– So many. . . Hope you are having a great day! xoxoJanell
Hi Colleen! I am so glad you were encouraged. I was silenced when I first saw it. It hit deep. Engrossed in a book project which deals primarily with LABELS – the labels this world puts on us – this visual really spoke loud and clear! It is so important that we know who we are in Christ, isn’t it??? I can’t wait to get together in Lynchburg! Do you have any dates planned yet? Rob and I will definitely be there for Family Weekend, Oct. 17-19th. Any chance you and Russ will be coming? 🙂 Lots of Love, Janell
WOW! Janell, here in central California, there are SO many homeless. Every major intersection and every public place is a home to many drifters, all carrying their signs. Most are honest: “Need money, will spend on booze” but usually they say “Anything helps.” Its as common here as ducks in a lake. I think this exercise would REALLY hit home with the Christians here and I plan to share this with the youth pastor I work with and see if we can’t get at least the high schoolers to do it. Like everyone else I was deeply moved and new right away what my sign should read:
“Slave to my fears, anger, and rage…
FREEDOM in Christ who strengthens me.”
Love you!
Oh, Meredith! So powerful. I feel the same way. Now, when I see a homeless man or woman, even here in Hampton Roads, I feel I can say, “If you could write something on the other side of your cardboard sign, what would it be? Anything at all.” It gives me a bridge to walk over and approach them. I love your sign. . . the key being “CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” He is OUR redeemer! Praise HIS name! HUGS, Janell