With Passion

 I really enjoy a series on AMC called "Turn." It is a show based on the spy ring George Washington created during the Revolutionary War. This show, of course, takes liberties with the true account. I am currently reading a book that tells the true story called "Washington's Secret Six." It is fascinating to read about these individuals living their daily lives while yet spying on the British and trying to get that information to the Patriots. Several died in their attempts to get that information to General Washington. It's fascinating to read about folks who were so passionate in their belief that America should be free that they would put their lives in danger to achieve it.

I am also watching a miniseries on TV called "A.D: The Bible Continues" about what happened to the disciples after Christ rose from the dead. Like Washington's secret six, the disciples risked their lives to get the information out that Christ alone provided the freedom each man seeks. Many of those disciples lost their lives in the attempt to get that information out. Imagine having that kind of passion. Yet, isn't that what we are required to do as Christians?

After seeing the risen Christ, the disciples knew people needed to have this information: that Christ died for them that they might have eternity with God. And they spread out all over the world to do that. That is our responsibility as well. We need to dedicate our lives to it. Wherever the Lord has place or sent us, that is our mission field. That is where we are called to share the good news. Is there any better news? Is there anything you have to tell the people around you that could possibly compare with this Gospel?

Both of my children have betrothed themselves to others, making them no longer single missionaries, but a team working for Christ. If you remember that your first love is God, your first job is sharing Christ, then you will be a powerhouse of a team for Him. One day God will ask, "What have you done for me? How have you grown the Kingdom of God?" Look around you at the people he has put in your path. Not all of them know Jesus. If you saw them drowning around you, you would throw them a life preserver, right? That's what the gospel is: an eternal life preserver.

As Brad left for work the other day he said as he walked out the door, "We have so much more to do yet for God. He has a plan for us." Yes, indeed, for all of us. So much more to do ... do it with passion.

Discussion: Who do you see around you that needs to hear about the saving grace of Christ? Do you have the passion to share the Good News with people around you?

Prayer: Oh Father, that we would all, as Christians, do everything in our power to make sure the news of your son Jesus Christ would get to all who need to hear it! Instill in us a passion to spread this Good News. In Jesus, Amen.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Newspapers are slowly losing their value in our world today. With the internet, people can get all the news they want, whether in text or video, in a matter of seconds. Long before the radio or television ever came along, it was the newspaper that gave you all your information. Some papers came out with both morning and evening editions to get out the latest news. Now newspapers compete with all forms of media to provide the news. While your Daddy and I have a special place in our heart for newspapers for obvious reasons, to us they also provide lasting memories, especially of wedding and engagement announcements.

We had our wedding announcement placed in three papers: in PA, TN and IA to make sure all the family members could have a copy. Again, since there wasn't Facebook and other social networks to get out the news about an engagement or marriage, the newspaper was it. It was a way of heralding the good news.

Nowadays, the engagement and weddings announcements, like obituaries, have a fee for publication in newspapers. The more space you take up, the pricier it gets. Whether in the newspaper or social media, people always find ways to get the news out.

Interestingly, there is another kind of Good News, the best news, that we are required to get out, and that is of the Gospel - which actually means "good news." The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ: who He is and what He did for us. Mark 16:15 says, "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'" Notice that it is a command. Thankfully, we live in a country where we can share the Good News on those same social networks, in the newspaper, on television, in movie theaters and on the radio (especially love that last one). The world isn't quite as friendly, but the Lord did say to go out into the world, not just our country. So we need to do our very best to tell everyone about the love and grace of Christ.

Hear the Good News! As Peter said in Acts 10:36, we're to preach the "good news of peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)." Praying you both will do so throughout your marriage. Glory to Him! “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:15)

Discussion: Do you think you will publish an engagement or wedding announcement in the newspaper? What does sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ mean to you? What are some ways you do that?

Prayer: Father, may we with full enthusiasm share the Good News about what Christ has done for us using all means possible as often as possible. In Jesus, Amen.