IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  (John 10:10)

A man in our church [in London] told me recently about how he had come to Christ. He was going through difficulties in his business and had to go to the United States on a business trip. He was not feeling very happy as he rode in a taxi to the airport. On the dashboard of the taxi he noticed pictures of the taxi driver’s children. He could not see the face of the driver, but he asked him about his family. He felt great love coming from the man. As the conversation went on, the taxi driver said to him, “I sense that you are not happy. If you believe in Christ it makes all the difference.”

The businessman said to me, “Here was a man speaking with authority. I thought I was the one in authority. After all, I was paying.” The taxi driver said to him eventually, “Don't you think it's time you settled all this by accepting Christ?” They arrived at the airport. For the first time the taxi driver turned around and the businessman saw his face; it was full of kindness. The driver said to him, “Why don't we pray? If you want Christ in your life, ask Him.” They prayed together and the driver gave him a booklet about the Christian faith. The taxi driver was a modest, unassuming person who was there one moment and gone the next, but he had taken the opportunity to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. This changed the whole course of a man's life.

-- Nicky Gumbel in Alpha’s “Questions of Life: A Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith” 

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CREATION SPEAKS OF THE CREATOR – Part 2 of 2

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”  (Genesis 1:1,31a NIV)

Creation Reveals God’s Beauty. From the delicate symmetry of a snowflake to the vibrant colors of a sunset, to the soft petals of a rose, beauty is woven into the world. “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”  (Genesis 1:31)  Beauty is not accidental, it is intentional. It reflects a God who delights in goodness, creativity, and joy.

Creation Reveals God’s Faithfulness. The rhythm of seasons, the rising and setting of the sun, the cycle of seedtime and harvest -- all whisper the same truth: God is steady and dependable. “As long as the earth endures… day and night will never cease.” (Genesis 8:22)  Even when life feels unpredictable, creation reminds us that God is not. He is faithful in every season.

Creation Reveals God’s Care. Jesus pointed to the birds and flowers as living illustrations of God’s tender provision. “Look at the birds of the air… your heavenly Father feeds them.” (Matthew 6:26)  “See how the flowers of the field grow… not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28–29)  If God cares for sparrows and lilies, how much more does He care for you.

Creation is not God. But it is God’s artwork -- His signature on the canvas of the world. When we pay attention, creation becomes a daily invitation to worship. May your eyes be open today to the God who speaks through everything He has made. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™ 

#6417

CREATION SPEAKS OF THE CREATOR – Part 1 of 2

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”  (Psalm 19:1)

Creation is not silent. Every sunrise, every crashing wave, every whisper of wind carries a message. The world God made is not merely scenery -- it is testimony. It reveals God’s character, power, and heart. When we slow down long enough to look, creation becomes a sanctuary where God’s fingerprints are everywhere.

Creation Reveals God’s Glory. The vastness of the heavens stretches our imagination. Billions of stars, galaxies beyond counting -- yet God calls each one by name. “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” (Psalm 147:4) The night sky reminds us that God is both majestic and mindful. If He knows the stars, He surely knows you.

Creation Reveals God’s Power. Mountains that pierce the clouds, oceans that roar with strength -- these are glimpses of His might. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities -- His eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20)  Creation is God’s sermon without words. Its power points to a God who is never overwhelmed, never outmatched, never uncertain. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™ 

#6416

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO MY FRIEND

Jesus said, "I no longer call you servants, for a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you."  (John 15:15 NIV)

“Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”  (John 17:3 NIV)

We talk about God in the third person. We teach about God. However, we don't teach about our spouses or about our good friends. We introduce them, not teach about them. Too often we relate to God as a myth or a theorem to be talked about and not as a friend to be introduced.

-- Adapted from Norman Shawchuck in “A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God”

#6415

WHAT KIND OF WITNESS ARE WE?

Jesus said to His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”  (John 13:34-35 NIV)

Sheldon Vanauken (1914–1996) wrote that the strongest argument for Christianity is Christians, when they are drawing life from God. The strongest argument against Christianity? Also Christians, when they become exclusive, self-righteous, and complacent.

Dallas Willard (1925-2013) [in his book “The Spirit of the Disciplines”] wrote, "How many people are radically and permanently repelled from The Way by Christians who are unfeeling, stiff, unapproachable, boringly lifeless, obsessive, and dissatisfied? Yet such Christians are everywhere, and what they are missing is the wholesome liveliness springing from a balanced vitality with the freedom of God's loving rule…. Spirituality wrongly understood or pursued is a major source of human misery and rebellion against God."

-- John Ortberg in “The Life You've Always Wanted”

#6414