September 21

I know I am going to risk sounding very “old-fashioned,” but that is exactly what I am!  I liked the days before car seats when parents had enough gumption to tell their kids they could not stand while moving, or climb across the seats!  I liked the days when you opened a hymnal and actually followed the notes across the page when you didn’t know the song.  I liked the days when you had to wait more than two minutes for your dinner to be cooked (before microwaves … I know that sounds almost pre-historic).  I liked the days when a man’s word meant something.  I liked the days when you could tell a woman from a man. 

I liked the days when Christians lived by convictions, not by the most popular “wind” that was blowing through evangelicalism.  Where are convictions today?  Where are standards today?  Where are the Christians that are willing to stand even though it may not be popular?  I am sorry for my ranting … but, honestly, I am tired of watching people I knew that stood for the truth and were willing to stand against the flow of popularity, changing to fit into the popular mold today.  I’m tired of watching convictions become options.  I’m tired of being with “Christian” friends that must change their behavior in order not to offend me.  I’m tired of old friends feeling they must hide things from me when I stop to visit them!  I just want to see some Christians today that are willing to be Christians!

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:13-20).

Where did Christians go who actually believe and live these verses?  I know I risk the danger of coming across a bit pharisaical here, but I want to see revival in our homes and churches today!  I believe it can happen, if we will run back to our Bibles!  I thank God for all the new ways to reach out to the world, but I want us to be careful not to allow the world to influence us!