Happy Birthday Jim

Today is my (John's) brother Jim's birthday and that got me thinking about the following...

Jesus said that a prophet has no honor in his own town. You see, although Jesus was perfect in every way, even as a child, He still grew up as a little boy in his dad's carpenter shop in Nazareth. I would guess, He skinned his knee and He banged his finger. He grew up with the other boys from Nazareth. And for this reason, when He claimed to be the Messiah, the people of Nazareth did not or could not believe Him. In fact, Jesus marveled two times in His life on earth. Once, He marveled at the Centurion's great faith and the other time at the "lack of faith" of the people from Nazareth.

It was hard for them, after all... He grew up right here and played with our children. We know his parents, how can he be the Messiah?

Now, the reality is too many people have a different kind of problem. After telling everyone that they have a "relationship with Christ," their family members are the ones who don't believe it the most. Why?

Not so much because of the simple fact that they grew up and played in our house, but because of the WAY they live after they come to Christ. I can't tell you how many people have complained, "my son/daughter/husband/wife/etc says they are Christians, but with the way they act... who can believe them?"

You want to now how you are doing with your walk with Christ? Ask you parents, your wife, your children. Our families are the real testing grounds of our faith. And that is Just something to think about!

By the way... Based on my brother Jim's life... I know that Christ is real! My brother has always showed me that! No, he isn't perfect, but he was always true to what God called him to do. Thank you, Jim for being the genuine article. I love you and...

Happy Birthday!