Something Real

A few reasons I am becoming an old man:

My college roommate of 4 years got married this weekend.

I went to bed last night before 9 o’clock.

I am not into getting Christmas presents at all. Giving is pretty cool, but I find it too obligatory.

I now take vacation.

Oilfield word/phrase of the week:

“this is fast-hole country” – an expression used to describe how quickly oil wells can be drilled in the Permian Basin; often used as frequently and with similar gusto as with similar expressions, such as ‘this is America!’ or ‘this is our town!’; can be used to encourage others to do something with more speed or enthusiasm; usually spoken with great pride

Something real

This weekend in Dallas for Mark’s wedding was one of the best times that I have had in a while. At Texas A&M, Dallas is the Mecca of destinations after graduation, and I always thought that was goofy and just a fad. However, after just being there for a few days, I can see why.

It was such a blessing to see so many good friends from college that I have had very little contact with in many months. I often forget of how good God has been to me. I am blessed to know some of the most Godly, passionate young people in the world. I was so encouraged this weekend to hear of how God is moving in their individual lives, communities, and entire countries. I am so blessed to have seen these people, and we immediately begin to share of how God is teaching and changing us. To me, that signifies that something real has happened within me and them.

Is speaking about Jesus and His gospel quick to roll off our tongues?

A great friend of mine was talking about this progression the other day.

God miraculously opens our hearts to see the beauty of the gospel and God saves us.

The next natural progression is to begin to live it out. Our living out Godly, holy and righteous lives is proof of the change that has happened within us, but changing our behavior does not produce a changed heart. Only God can do that.

However, the next natural progression of a regenerated heart is to talk about it and share it with others.

Sure, some will see our lives and maybe ask, ‘what’s different about that guy/girl?’ But, we need to be quick to see God and His gospel in everyday life and to point it out to others. We need to encourage each other with words as we see God’s Grace in their lives. We need to lose our fear of man, and talk about the majesty of our God. Someone (often quoted) once said, ‘Preach the gospel always, when necessary use words’ To me, that is an excuse not to speak. That is a crutch that we use so that we might not offend people. That is a vice that we need God to remove from our lives. We need to open our mouths to talk about God and His gospel, with Christians and non-Christians the like.

By God’s grace I have succeeded a few times, but my missed opportunities far outweigh my successes. May we not be good, moral people who only speak of sports, the weather and the economy. May we speak about God’s great Love for us – His Son.