What Traditions Do You Follow
Acts 11 Wow! If Peter had not had the special vision he had,
hadn’t trusted God and His Holy Spirit for saying it was ok to go with the men
that will be knocking on his door, and if he had not shared what God encouraged
him to share – none of would be Christians today! Well, I guess that is not
fully true! LOL Because God would have used someone else to spread this truth
too ;-)
What struck me about Acts chapter 11, was that there were
several steps to this confirmation, that ALL people are offered and can accept
the GIFT from God of salvation! Breaking the long practiced traditions
throughout history. Can you imagine?!?! Living life a certain way for as long
as you can remember. Following (well, what you can) all of the ‘rules’ and ‘traditions’
– and then to have it all turned upside down with one dream/vision?!?! Wow MEF
(mind’s eye flash) just now: we live this way now. People learn and pass down
what they learn and live as a child. Good, bad or indifferent. We all repeat
the “traditions” we witness as a child. Good ones as well and not so good ones.
I think it is SO neat that the Lord allows us to do this,
and then He gently shows us His truths. We then have a “choice” a “free will”
to keep going in the traditions of what we learned, OR we can start a fresh new
way of living: for Him! No judgment, no condemnation, no ridicule, no questions
– just complete acceptance and love! Wow! That is pretty neat!
What struck me also, is that we have a choice as to the “legacy”
we leave those in our families. What we pass down to our kids, grandkids,
great-grandkids – for many future generations to come. I like that! Even if we
had a rough start, or not so good of a beginning to how we chose to bring up
our families or live our lives… We can change and follow Jesus ANY time, any
moment! Then pass on the “new traditions” to our families and friends. Pretty
awesome!!
Today, I encourage you to look at your life and the
traditions you follow. Are they in line with following Jesus? Or, are they in line
with following “what we’ve always done”? OR, are they in line with following
selfish desires and sinful choices? EVERY day, we have a choice. We can choose
which road we walk on. Sure there are speed bumps, we ALL have them – but it is
how quickly we realize we are off the correct path, and find our way back on
the right road – THAT is what carries through for many generations to come ;-)
This weekend is Mother’s Day. If you still have your Mother
here with you, give her the gift of expressing at least 3 ways you are thankful
to/for her and the legacy she left you. (yes – even if she has lead an unsavory
life – believe me – you CAN still find 3 things to share that have been a
blessing) If your Mom is not here with you any longer, then take a moment to
sit at Gods feet and give Him at least 3 things that you are thankful that He
allowed her to bless you with. If you are a Mom yourself: then I encourage you
to call, speak to, see your children. Let them know 3 things that you are
blessed by them with. Yes, turn the tables on ‘thankfulness’ and encourage them
with something that you see and admire in them. Have a GREAT day! Be well, be
safe, and be blessed! Until we meet again – with the love of Christ, I pray
blessings for you!
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