A forgotten friendship
Not long ago on Facebook, I ran across a friend from my youth. We attended church and bible study together. I went to prom with his brother, and he loaned me a necklace with a cross made from nails. I think one or both of us moved away before I could return the necklace. I still have that cross necklace! For some reason, I've never wanted to part with it. Through the course of life, we both moved on and lost touch. But when I saw him on Facebook, I just HAD to send him a friend request. And what does he say? "I can't believe you remembered me!"
By the way, its been at least 17 years since we've talked or seen one another.
Of course I remembered him. And I'm glad I did. We've been chatting back and forth ever since about a very important topic: God. How is it that people I see every day can't find one thing to say in God's honor? But I reconnect with a childhood friend who lives hours away, works in the middle of the ocean, has a family, and still finds time to witness and guide me as if we never lost touch! That is what I consider a TRUE Christian. Yes, he has said that he sins. WHO DOESN'T? Being a Christian isn't about being perfect or just avoiding sin. It's so much more!
I've been doing much better on my search for an endless and unstoppable faith. I've shared some personal struggles and fears in my chats with my friend. He has referred me to several scriptures and stories. He's talked openly, given thoughts, and passed no judgment. And my friend has set an example for me in return.
Romans 12:9-10 says:
"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."
It can be difficult to accept "Christians" or their ways, because so many of them seem fake these days, or not genuine...
Romans 12:14
"Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them."
It's like something I heard in church this past Sunday: Too many Christians are too concerned with looking right that they don't take the time to actually DO right! What good is being a Christian if you will judge someone who is different than you, who has less than you? When did God give us the impression that he wants us to claim to be his followers and yet not show our love for him in our actions and the way we treat others? Being a Christian isn't just about believing in God. We all fall short. We make bad choices. That's why our God is merciful, and we are to ask for his forgiveness. Still, that doesn't change the fact that many "Christians" profess to know The Lord, yet they treat others poorly. That has been one of the most discouraging things for me on my journey. I'm a firm believer in treating others the way we wish to be treated, and in treating others the way God wants us to treat them.
Romans 12:13
"When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."
Last week, I experienced something so great, that I immediately emailed my friend to tell him about it. It was so inspiring to me, and to him. But the inspiration didn't stop there. I've thought about it all week, and I want to take what I witnessed, learn from it, and serve The Lord. I have so many talents and skills that I want to use to glorify God and help others to know him. Am I finished with my journey? No! I have much further to travel. But it's becoming such an amazing journey!
By the way, its been at least 17 years since we've talked or seen one another.
Of course I remembered him. And I'm glad I did. We've been chatting back and forth ever since about a very important topic: God. How is it that people I see every day can't find one thing to say in God's honor? But I reconnect with a childhood friend who lives hours away, works in the middle of the ocean, has a family, and still finds time to witness and guide me as if we never lost touch! That is what I consider a TRUE Christian. Yes, he has said that he sins. WHO DOESN'T? Being a Christian isn't about being perfect or just avoiding sin. It's so much more!
I've been doing much better on my search for an endless and unstoppable faith. I've shared some personal struggles and fears in my chats with my friend. He has referred me to several scriptures and stories. He's talked openly, given thoughts, and passed no judgment. And my friend has set an example for me in return.
Romans 12:9-10 says:
"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."
It can be difficult to accept "Christians" or their ways, because so many of them seem fake these days, or not genuine...
Romans 12:14
"Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them."
It's like something I heard in church this past Sunday: Too many Christians are too concerned with looking right that they don't take the time to actually DO right! What good is being a Christian if you will judge someone who is different than you, who has less than you? When did God give us the impression that he wants us to claim to be his followers and yet not show our love for him in our actions and the way we treat others? Being a Christian isn't just about believing in God. We all fall short. We make bad choices. That's why our God is merciful, and we are to ask for his forgiveness. Still, that doesn't change the fact that many "Christians" profess to know The Lord, yet they treat others poorly. That has been one of the most discouraging things for me on my journey. I'm a firm believer in treating others the way we wish to be treated, and in treating others the way God wants us to treat them.
Romans 12:13
"When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."
Last week, I experienced something so great, that I immediately emailed my friend to tell him about it. It was so inspiring to me, and to him. But the inspiration didn't stop there. I've thought about it all week, and I want to take what I witnessed, learn from it, and serve The Lord. I have so many talents and skills that I want to use to glorify God and help others to know him. Am I finished with my journey? No! I have much further to travel. But it's becoming such an amazing journey!
Rosetta Translation
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If you visit their website (www.RosettaTranslation.com), you'll see their contact information. Also, there is a contact form that you may use to submit a translation request and get a quote in return. How great could this be for someone who runs across an old letter while researching their family - a letter written in a foreign language! Or what about the local business owner who deals with a high volume of foreign customers?
Rosetta Translation has a long list of languages which their interpreters are experienced in. This will definitely come in handy for anyone will a language barrier!
If you visit their website (www.RosettaTranslation.com), you'll see their contact information. Also, there is a contact form that you may use to submit a translation request and get a quote in return. How great could this be for someone who runs across an old letter while researching their family - a letter written in a foreign language! Or what about the local business owner who deals with a high volume of foreign customers?
Rosetta Translation has a long list of languages which their interpreters are experienced in. This will definitely come in handy for anyone will a language barrier!
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