No Greater Love

Liviu Librescu survived the genocide of European Jews by the Nazis during World War II, but yesterday he did not survive America’s holocaust at Virginia Tech. As the gunman made his way through the building, Librescu barred the door with his own body so his students could escape through the second story windows. He lost his life and is a hero today.

Do you think Liviu ever wondered why his life was spared so many years ago? I didn’t know the man, but his life speaks volumes. He was a great teacher in Europe, Israel and the US. He touched many lives.

Yesterday’s survivors will look back and wonder why they were spared. They should look to the life of their professor. Everyone’s life has a reason. Liviu figured that out, lived it and eventually gave the ultimate sacrifice. He answered the door when death came calling and gave his students time to escape the wrath of a madman. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” Keep these people in your prayers as they fight the grief and anger.

>*<

There is another one they called “rabbi”, “teacher” who gave his life for his students. His name is Jesus. He still calls people to follow. He stood between you and everlasting death and made the ultimate sacrifice for you, so you could have eternal life with God. When death knocked on the door for you, He took your place and answered with His life.

Your life matters that much to God. What will you do with that information dear pupil?

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6

Surprise inside

My son loves practical jokes. His new one is an oldie—the “can of nuts” with a spring-loaded snake inside. It even has a nutritional index on the back of the label, so it’s pretty realistic. He left it sitting out at our last cookout, hoping for some unsuspecting relative or friend to get hungry and open it up. He was a little frustrated since no one seemed to bite the bait, so he offered to open it for me. I told him no thanks. I had seen those before, and I was familiar with the surprise inside.

In a recent bible study, we came across James 3:13: Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. It took a week of wrestling with my conscience before I understood what God was saying.

God was showing me the “can of nuts” that I was. Most of the times I looked and acted like a Christian. He seemed to be asking, but are you a “doer” 24/7? Did my label illustrate something that didn’t match what was on the inside? Was I showing my family, my coworkers, the convenience store clerk, my son…what it is to be a Christian?

No wonder people shy away from those who say they are Christians! A lot of times our actions speak louder than words. Non-Christians are familiar with that prize inside and choose to live without Jesus, thank you very much. Why would they want to be a can of nuts with a snake inside?

"You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” Matthew 12:34

This faith business requires continuous growth. Fellow Christians, I encourage you to keep reading your Bible and be a doer of the word, not just a hearer. Let it transform you, inside out.

To those of you who have not yet made a decision for Christ: if you come across one of those Christians like me who is still learning, please excuse us. We’re doing our best to get the snake out!

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the {law} of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25

40 Day Fast

My husband and I were driving to a restaurant the other evening. It was date night and we had a lot of talking to catch up on. We started to get testy with each other because we were finding it hard to understand each other. I thought, "Great...get some time together and we end up snipping at each othter instead!"

Suddently my hubby reached up and turned off the radio. I hadn't even realized the radio was on. What a difference! The music and djs that we were used to listening to all the time by ourselves were interrupting our conversation and we didn't realize it. Once the radio was off, we could clearly hear the conversation and enjoy each other's company.

Our church encouraged us to fast from something for 40 days this Easter season. And this is what the last 40 days has been for me...a turning off of the spiritual radio. I fasted from t.v. for 40 days and fasted from food for 24 hrs each week. (call me crazy, i don't think i'd make a 40 day food fast)

When I fasted from t.v., I was very amazed how much of a hold that squawk box had a hold on me! I LOVE home improvement shows. Now, many people would think that HGTV is G rated, safe to watch, family friendly...but I found that it should be called "the coveting channel" instead! That desire for more "stuff" for the house has dried up.

I also fasted from food from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday each week...Did you know that food has a voice? It squeals like a whining toddler. Once I got that under control, it was amazing how much clearer the voice of my God was! I had energy on Saturdays and found myself getting a lot more done.

What did I do with all that extra time of tv watching and munching? I journal, I listen to music, I read books, revisit my art, talk to friends and read my Bible.

These past 40 days has been a very blessed time with God. I can say now I would gladly give up cable--but alas I live with two Miami Dolphin fanatics!

I would encourage everyone to take some time and try a fast. Turn off the noise in your soul and reconnect with your First Love!

Have a blessed Easter!