Friendly or Not?

 

I went into Ft. Oglethorpe Chick fil-A Monday morning, ordered breakfast and sat down.  As I looked around, the place was humming with activity.  The staff behind the counter were happy.  The food was coming out from the back in regular succession.  The drive-thru outside was moving along with pleasant faces taking orders.  Carry-out orders were being filled by attentive workers.  My food came in short order and the waitress asked, “Is there anything else that I can get for you?”  I replied, “Oh, yes.  I forget to get 2 packets of honey for my biscuit.”  She said, “Be right back.”  And she returned in a moment with 3 packets of honey – just in case I needed more.  The food was hot; the coffee was hot; the workers were pleasant; and the customers were content.  Hey, why are our churches shrinking?  Could it be that the people in the pews are sour?  Do we greet visitors with smiles or scowls?  Do new people feel welcomed or intimidated?  I John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

Happy People

 

Happy people need 3 things:

1. Something to do

2. Someone to love

3. Something to look forward to

This could apply to you, or your family, or your church.  So, today, I think you can make your own application.

I try to memorize Scripture.  I have a stack of memory cards that grows each week.  It used to be easy to review my verses, but lately, I have had to work on them more and more just to keep up.  Old age has its disadvantages, you know.  But yesterday I was thinking about those verses.  The Bible wasn’t written for information; the Bible was written to change my life.  Those cards are not to be studied for the information they give; those cards are to make a difference in the way that I live my life every day.  David said in Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  Hey, is the Bible just a book to you, or is the Bible the life-changing words of the living God?  Read it.  Meditate (reflect) on it.  Love it.  Make the Bible a part of your life - every day.  You’ll be glad that you did.

Guarantee

 

Years ago, I had a terrible day that ended up well.  Let me explain.  This particular Friday started out bad … and then got worse.  I went to Lowe’s and bought two pieces of ¾” plywood and had to load it myself.  A lady in the parking lot felt sorry for me and asked to help, but I was too macho to let her help (That’s what I get for being too proud).  And then my truck wouldn’t start.  I had been meaning to get my starter replaced, so I guess that morning was the time.  A shout-out to the redneck in the silver Dodge who gave me a jump.  After 2 hours and $220 at the garage, I was ready to roll.  I worked for a few hours and then left for home.  I stopped by Lowe’s to get three boards for the next day, but, the truck wouldn’t start again (new starter and all).  Another redneck in a white Ford gave me a jump.  I was off to Advance Auto to get the battery tested/replaced.  “Eric” tested the battery and told me that it had a bad cell (which I already knew).  But after a computer search, Eric discovered that I had bought the three-year-warrantee battery just eight months ago.  I signed the receipt and had a new $159 battery installed FOR FREE!  Guarantees are great!  Hey, I’m glad that I am guaranteed a home in heaven when I die.  And it’s not limited to three years, it’s a lifetime guarantee!  And I’m sure that the guarantee will be honored because the guarantor is none other than Jesus Christ Himself.  And Jesus Christ will never fail!  Jesus Himself said in John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”  I don’t have to hold on for my salvation because I am not the one who guarantees it; Jesus does!  And I don’t have to keep up with the paperwork, because my name is recorded in The Lamb’s Book of Life in heaven.  Hallelujah!  Now that’s a good deal!