February days are now gone and March has officially kicked in. I finally purchased a new monthly focus board. We ventured out for a day date which included a movie. I love our day dates. I will give my honest review about the movie for those interested. I wanted to see this movie as it was based on a true story. I did enjoy the movie but oh my, it was a tear jerker from the get go! It ended good but mercy! Let's just say that I am thankful that no one was sitting close enough to see my tear stained face. I am glad that I saw it but I am good for a while on sad movies, even if they do end good! My oldest daughter, her husband and their son participated in the Spartan race which is a series of obstacle courses that challenge. They done so well. As you can see from the pictures it gets pretty muddy! My three daughters participate each year in the Gate River Run. I love it that they do this together. They have so much support & encouragement from all the onlookers. I am just
I am what they call a "Stat" person. I enjoy reading and even at times researching stats on particular subjects. For example: Statistics show that first marriages end up in divorces in an average duration of just less than 8 years.
Studies show the most common time for a heart attack to occur is Monday morning. Saturday morning ranks second. Another common time is during the early morning hours, when blood platelets are stickier.
In 2008 it was listed under Statistics
for the Changing Church that Christians spend seven times as much time on entertainment as they do on
spiritual activities."
On August 1, 2011 Health Fitness News stated that 12 states had obesity rates above 30% (4 years prior there was only one)
As much as I enjoy "Stats" you would think I am the MATH queen. Truth is I hate math to be honest. But do you know what else I don't like about numbers?
Is how we as Christians tend to gauge the success of our Churches, Sunday School Classes and Bible Study classes by how many attend. We tend to measure other churches by how many members they have and we are WOWED and AWED by the big crowds.
Now don't misunderstand me on this. I am not downing any church or class room that over flows to the hilt by no means. That is not what I am talking about so please hear my heart.....
I don't think Jesus is as nearly interested in numbers as we tend to be. I would be willing to say that He CARES more about the condition of our hearts.
How many of us are "just satisfied" being godly enough to get ourselves to heaven?
May I ask you a question? Would you describe yourself as totally in love with Jesus? Or do the words lukewarm, partially committed, and half-hearted fit better? Nothing that I have not asked myself.
Our success is not gauged by our numbers of attendance or membership!
Pray with me that we would be like Paul when he said in Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
just my opinion of course but I think 1 honest, sincere Moment beats hours and hours of time spent in any spiritual way, just because its a Certain day or because its expected due to an event being participated it. The Spirit is either in your heart 24/7 or it isnt and no stat can compare with that, One Moment of sincere connection .. just sayin:)
ReplyDeleteGreat food for thought. Of course I want to think I'm completely sold out for Jesus...but "me" gets in the way every single day. My pride and selfishness stand in the way so many times!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy! You're right, so many are all into the numbers. I just know I've been in large churches and small ones and have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in both. All I know is, the older I get the most important thing in my life if Jesus and that I'm ready when my time comes! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I think you're right. Jesus always cares more about the heart.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I don't think numbers impress Jesus one bit, you are right he cares more about the condition of the heart
ReplyDelete