Day of the Dead

Every year in Croatia the grave yards are lit up like Christmas trees! Stores are filled with candles, flowers and small battery operated lamps. People line up to buy these items by the droves. After being here 14 years it still amazes me of how many folks go out and spend money on loved ones who have already gone. On the 1st of November after a family meal, folks will gather at the grave yard  to pay their respects to a mom or dad, friend or sibling. They will place a flower or candle on the grave, most of the time not for any religious reason, but simply because the remembering that loved one who is with them no more. Last night we went to our local grave yard to see all the candles burning. As we walked through I couldn't help but ask my self, how many of these folks are burning in hell? How many of them never heard a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My heart is convicted to do more to get the Gospel to these precious people! We can't help those who are dead, but we can do all we can for those who are alive! 

Many folks made sure that Jesus wasn't left out. To honor their dead "Jesus" they went out and bought him some candles. Maybe they should have read John11:25 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"

 

It's Sunday again in Croatia!

It's Sunday again in Croatia! I've been preaching for many years, and Sunday is still my favorite day of the week. I wait with anticipation of what God might do today in our Church. Maybe today some sinner will get glorious saved! Maybe some home will be strengthened! Maybe a Christian who has drifted from their Savior's presence will come back today. Maybe, and prayerfully, God will work in my heart and mold me into the image of the blessed Christ! I don't know what today holds, but I'm sure glad it's Sunday in Croatia!

Lifting up Christ

Most Saturday mornings are spent lifting up Christ in Croatia. Over the years I've come to learn that all of my efforts are for nothing if Christ hasn't been lifted up. I spent many years frustrated and discouraged for lack of results. One of the greatest days in my ministry is when God showed me that it was not about me, and what I could do, but rather it was all about Christ! Because of this realization our emphasis every Saturday morning is to lift up Christ. 

Croatian people have religion, but what they truly need is Christ! They don't always, ok most of the time don't want Christ. But they desperately need Christ! In a place like this we don't always see great results, but I've learned that if Christ has been lifted up for all to see then we have not failed but succeeded. 

Where ever you may be serving, learn to lift up Christ! Give your people a fighting chance to stay out of hell! Remember my friend, it's not about you or your ability, it's all about Christ. Lift Him up so that all can see Christ!