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June 19, 2008
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
Shout for Joy!, by Rubel Shelly
"Like a victorious locker room," says Philip Yancey, "church is a place
to exult, to give thanks, to celebrate the good news that all is
forgiven, that God is love, that victory is certain."
Have you ever noticed how the celebration goes after a World Series,
Super Bowl, or Junior Soccer Match? The players who made errors, missed
their assignments, and dropped passes are just as excited and happy as
the ones who hit home runs or kicked winning goals. If you're on
Christ's team, you get to shout for joy over what he has done and to
march in the victory parade.
But somebody says she doesn't feel like celebrating. Another pipes up
to say he is nothing but a loser. "My health is rotten!" protests
someone. "I'm on the verge of losing my job, and I don't know how we
can keep from losing our house," cries another. "My divorce will be
final next week," says a trembling voice, "and I never meant to be
alone at this point in my life."
Listen up! You're not a "loser." And despite the distress, sleepless
nights, or uncertain markets, you still have reason to cheer -- if you
know Jesus Christ.
Think about sports memorabilia for a moment. A few days ago, I walked
through a collection of bats, balls, jerseys, and other sports items
that were too expensive for me even to handle -- much less consider
buying. A baseball that once cost only a few dollars is worth several
thousand because Babe Ruth held it in his hands and wrote his name on
it. A football that might sell for $20 is worth hundreds because Troy
Aikman has held and signed it.
Do you get the point?
Most baseball cards are not worth the paper they're printed on.
However, a signed Ted Williams card my son has in his collection is
worth hundreds of dollars because the legendary player once held it in
his hands and signed his name on it.
Are you following me? Do you get the point?
You're not just another sales rep, truck driver, or programmer. Even if
you don't make headlines or tons of money, you're valuable. In spite of
the fact that you're embarrassed about something in the past or scared
of something in your future, you matter. So you can stop selling
yourself short. If you have been held in Christ's hands and have the
signature mark of the Spirit of God your heart, you are saved. You have
a reason for living. And you have a future that is secure.
You're no loser, my friend. You are the child of the King!
---------
(c) 2008 Used by permission. From Rubel Shelly <rshelly@rc.edu>'s
"FAX of Life" printed each Tuesday. See Faith Matters for
previous issues of the "FAX of Life."
RELATED LINKS:
* More Valuable Than You Know
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200707/20070703_valuable.html
* Expensive People
http://www.heartlight.org/two_minute/2min_970528.html
* The Best Gifts
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200612/20061213_bestgifts.html
* RubelShelly.com
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200806/20080619_shoutforjoy.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
VELVET ELVIS: REPAINTING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, by Rob Bell
In this provocative, hopeful book, Bell asks what the church might look
like if today's believers fully embraced "the way" of love, peace,
sharing possessions, compassion, risk, forgiveness, and harmony.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?254
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
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