Our church distributes the daily devotional, "The Word for You Today." It is full of Godly wisdom and insight for everyday living and always features witty quotes or poems that really help illustrate scriptural truths.
The reading from September 15 of this year included the following poem:
There was a very cautious man who never laughed or played; he never risked, he never tried, he never sang or prayed. AND when one day he passed away, his insurance was denied; for since he never really lived, they claimed he never died!
What this poor man thought was being cautious and safe actually reflected either fear or a lack of trust in God--which go hand in hand. But, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
God has placed us each here for a reason and a season, not to just fearfully wait on the sidelines of life until we get to Heaven. God has deposited songs, poems, dances, speeches, sermons, designs, innovations and scientific calculations in various individuals who are destined to be world-changers and ambassadors of Jesus Christ.
Our gifts and destinies are not given on an "either/or" basis -- either we use them now, or just wait until we are in glory. We are to give God glory through the creativity He has placed in each one of us now AND when we are with God for eternity.
Julian Jackson, a young adult at my church really exemplifies this concept. In fact, his Gospel rap group is called A.N.D. which stands for "Alive Not Dead."
Unlike the gentleman in the poem mentioned earlier, no insurance salesman will ever be able to accuse Julian of not living, because he is continually and boldly submitting himself AND his gifts to God in appreciation for the sacrificial gift of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ-- who is most certainly alive, not dead!
Julian has (at times narrowly) escaped becoming a statistic. That is, he did not die a violent death at a young age, a statistic that still rings true for far too many young African-American males in America.
He is proud and thankful that he is Alive Not Dead and has Jesus Christ to thank for every day he has on this side of glory.
At 6pm Friday, October 28, A.N.D. will release their first CD at a special concert at our church, The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church.
If you have been dragging or slacking with regard to giving your all for Christ, come see A.N.D. in action and catch some of their energy! Your presence will send a strong message of support to young men like Julian and his band members, AND, you will be blessed exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ask or imagine!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
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