It was three days before Christmas. I was a new Christian with two babies in diapers when I received a phone call from a relative. She said their family had decided to spend Christmas at our house!
What? Unbelievable! I hung up feeling shocked and angry! I was not asked, I was told! And with only three days to prepare!
I turned to Lorene, my dear mentor mom for advice. It’s important whom we go to for advice. Many people call themselves Christian, but not all of them give godly counsel. Lorene was a true woman of the Bible and I knew I could trust her.
“This is your opportunity to show them the love of Jesus! I think you should give them the best Christmas they’ve ever had! Make it fun and festive and shower them with God’s love!”
This was NOT the answer I was expecting! Yet deep inside I knew the Lord was speaking truth through Lorene. Her advice was love. My attitude began to change and in three days I had prepared my very best possible Christmas dinner.
When I greeted them at the door I said with honesty, “I’m so happy you came to spend Christmas with us!”
This relative replied, “Really? I thought you’d be angry.”
Now she really is kind and loving, but she was testing me. Later that day she said, “I surprised you for a reason. “I wanted to see if you were a real Christian.”
Whether we realize it or not, we are being tested all the time.
We are being watched.
Christians are the only Bible some people ever read.
- Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
- SONG: GOD IS READY – Words/Music by Kathleen; Robin Poem by Elizabeth Cheney, circa 1931
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[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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Awesome, Kathleen! Thanks for sharing that!
You’re so welcome, Richard. I hope it’s a reminder that as Christians we are being tested all the time.