Sundays are awesome
Inspiration Point
By Rick Leland

Donna was excited: "Sundays are awesome."

I remember some awesome Sundays in Donna and her family's life. I remember when Donna, her husband Joe and children finally came to church after several invitations. It was obvious God touched their lives that day.

Then a few Sundays later they both made a 20 step journey to the front of the church. Bowing their heads, they repented of their sins and made commitments to become followers of Jesus Christ.

Yes! Sundays are awesome.

An experience like that causes this Bible verse to come flowing out: "O Lord? Who is like You- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders."

Also the Sunday of their baptism is still etched in my mind. How could a person not have tears of joy? After church, a group gathered to celebrate the marvelous things God was doing in Donna and Joe's lives. Now, seven years later Donna is reveling in a day in which God said: "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God."

And the ancient Hebrew root word for Sabbath commands, "Rest, cease from exertion, celebrate."

Donna continued her praise for her Sundays, "It starts in the morning and goes all day." Unfortunately, she wasn't referring to a God focused experience. She was all excited about the generous tips she was receiving working as a waitress. Going to church is the only ceasing Donna has done in the last few years. She no longer sets aside a day for the Lord.

We have a difficult decision challenging us. How to make Sundays awesome? Countless activities loom. Leisure and financial pursuits entice. Yet, our spirit is longing to honor God's command.

Think. Can a day actually be awesome if it dishonors God?

Foolishness or power

"Should I ask?" I thought.

Rob was at the house measuring for carpeting. I immediately noticed he was wearing a cross. The question-- does that cross signify that you're a follower of Jesus?

So many people wear crosses, even though they're not on the Jesus team. Strange-- it's exceedingly more challenging initiating a spiritual conversation compared to conversing about a sports team identified on a person's T-shirt.

I didn't want to offend Rob. Well, confessionally, I didn't want to look foolish either. Yet I know the Bible says, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Foolishness or power? We usually won't find out without asking. Internally: "Go for it; honor God," tussled with, "You'll seem like a weirdo."

Why are so many Christians too chicken to squawk about their faith?

Rob got ready to leave. Ineloquently, I jumped in, "I noticed you're wearing a cross; what does it mean to you?"

He smiled, "Everything." "You're a follower of Jesus?" "Big time."

Wow, Rob's on the same team. Our conversation instantly elevated. And before he departed, he gave me a shoulder hug: "Stay on God's path . . that's where our true home is."

So is the cross you're wearing foolishness or power? Foolishness-- Isn't it time you switched teams? Isn't it time you received God's promised saving power of the cross?

And you power crossers, have you asked anyone lately about the cross they're wearing?

Jesus said, "For whoever is ashamed of Me . . . (Jesus) will be ashamed of Him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."

So repeat. "So what does that cross mean to you?" Again.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Buried in shallow Jackson grave	1
Reader responds to 'wet-dry' column	1
Area Obituaries	1
Lounge license denied in split vote	1