Thought for the Month - June 2005

A Living God - By Barry Adair

A story is told about a defendant who was on trial for murder...

There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse.

In the defense's closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick:
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all",
the lawyer said as he looked at his watch.
"Within one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom".

He looked toward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened.

Finally the lawyer said,
"Actually, I made up the previous statement. But you all looked on with anticipation. I therefore put it to you that there is reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict of not guilty".

The jury, clearly confused, retired to deliberate. A few minutes later, the jury returned and pronounced a verdict of guilty.

"How come?" inquired the lawyer. "You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door".

The jury foreman replied: "Oh, we did look, but your client didn't!"

Obviously, it was pretty evident from the way the defendant acted that he wasn't expecting to see the victim alive and well.

This got me thinking...
as the world around us looks at our lives, is it evident to them that we believe in a LIVING God?
In us, do they see a God who is very real to us?
Do they see a God who is working in us?
Do they see a God who is changing us to bring glory to Himself?

Hopefully those around us know we are Christians. But if they really saw the true nature of the God we serve, then who knows what the impact might be on our unbelieving work colleagues, friends and family?

1Tim. 4:10 "For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe"

Hebrews 10:31 "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God"

May it be evident to the people around us, by the way we act, that we serve a LIVING God!

Rom.12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service"

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!