I love movies. Especially movies that have a great story. Ben-Hur is one of those classic stories that draws you in and keeps you engaged. This fictitious story overlays the true story of Jesus, so there are some great biblical themes and events to explore. That’s why I helped create a Bible study to go along with the new film. It’s great for small groups or individuals. I encourage you to get a copy of both the film and the study by giving a generous gift to Harvest today. Learn more »

Friday, March 3, 2017

Life's Second Greatest Joy

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

—Ephesians 2:10

When I started going to church, it was a whole new world to me. I had no knowledge of the Bible or church in general. I wasn’t raised in the church as a child, although I had been to church a few times. I was unfamiliar with the way Christians thought and reasoned. And I was certainly mystified by the rather cryptic language they used with one another. They spoke of blessing and conviction, and burdens and discernment. I wanted to learn the language. I wanted to learn more about the Lord. And, most importantly, I wanted to have this relationship with God. I just couldn’t get enough.

Then there were my old friends. I wanted to be a Christian, I wanted to learn the Bible, and I wanted to know God, but I still wanted to fit in with my friends. To be thought of as a fanatic was the one thing I dreaded above all things. For a short time, I tried desperately to live in both worlds. But I quickly found out that just didn’t work.

God was changing me, and I wanted to reach out to other people with the message of the gospel. I wanted to be used by Him. And as I have often said, next to being a Christian, the greatest joy that I know in this life is serving the Lord. It’s having God direct your steps. It may be preaching, or it may be a one-on-one conversation where the Lord is guiding and directing.

But it amazes me that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty God, would condescend to work in our lives and say, “I want to direct you to go over here and do thus and so.” It is the highest privilege conceivable that God would want to use us.