Fwd: Thoughts to ponder (with permission from Regina)

From: Regina Daniel <rldanielusa@yahoo.com>

I just read this in a devotional magazine I use.  Below is a synopsis of the material.  (Of course I threw in my own comments) Jesus was addressing the end-time church in Revelation 3:19 - "You say 'I am rich - and have need of nothing' - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked - I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.  Therefore...repent"   Why would Christ say such strong words to us?  Here are some reasons. 1.  Instead of believing God for New Testament results, we say God doesn't do miracles anymore. 2.  We've tolerated division in the name of denominational loyalty.  (It's more important to be "Baptist" than to be a follower of Christ - and this comment is from a SOUTHERN BAPTIST to the core.) 3.  We've taught that Christianity is mainly about avoiding things.  As a result we've lost our joy, because intimacy with Christ cannot be achieved through performance.  (To me this is an incredibly truthful statement.  The world sees Christians as people who are not ALLOWED to do anything "fun" - therefore they think we have no joy in our life!) 4.  Many of our leaders have stopped modeling servant-hood and forgotten that Jesus washed feet and rode on a donkey.  (How blessed we are at Grace to have a pastor that is a servant!  Now if everyone would just follow the example of Christ as a servant - how far could we take the Gospel?) 5.  Instead of using our financial blessing to reach the world for Christ and care for the poor, we're acquiring and splurging on ourselves.  (OUCH) 6.  We get upset when somebody uses contemporary methods to reach the younger generation.  Instead of engaging the culture - we're hiding from it.  (AMEN and AMEN) 7.  Instead of "occupy till I come", we'd rather fly away.  We read rapture novels when we should be praying for those living on the verge of martyrdom all around the world.  I thought these were some incredible thoughts to ponder for all Christians. Love, Regina