Two-Twelve: April 2010

At 211º water is hot.  At 212 degrees water boils…..creating steam.. which can power a train… the difference?  One degree.  Effort? or Extra Effort.  In the Christian walk, we can live life… or a Victorious life! The difference between 211 and 212…is one degree… we ALL need to strive to be at 212º.

By Bryan Hutson

In April we will celebrate the greatest day in all of history. Easter Sunday.  No matter what the society says Easter is not about eggs, candy or a rabbit, but a Savior. Jesus Christ was sent to the earth to redeem mankind and give to US salvation. He died on the cross and was resurrected.

Jesus spoke more of his death and resurrection than He did His birth. He arose from death’s hold to prove He was God. He lives forevermore.

Does He live IN YOU? Oh, we sing the song; “You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.” But- does He?

If so, does He occupy your whole heart? Are there areas of your heart where you won’t allow Him in? See, Christ is a gentleman and will not force His way into ANY area of our life.

Is He Lord of your marriage? Are you and your spouse praying together? Do you attend church together? Have you considered doing a couple’s devotion? Yes, with my schedule it is difficult to attend church with Yvonne. I miss that SO much. However, she goes and takes notes and we go together every chance we can. We began a couple’s devotion years before we actually got married. We then pray together. It helps us stay connected and the CLOSER WE ARE TO GOD, the CLOSER we will be to each other.

Is Christ Lord over your children? Now, what I mean by this is; Is Christ VISIBLE in your life IN FRONT of your kids? Do they see Christ in you? Do you parent in a way that displays Christ? My desire is to be a godly man in front of our children. I want them to see Christ LIVING in me. I firmly believe that if we LIVE for Christ in front of them, they will want to LIVE for Christ as well.

Is Christ Lord of your career? You might believe that maybe because you are not in “Ministry”- that this might exclude you, however God’s word says;

Ephesians 6:7
“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

You can a greater witness in front of your unsaved co-workers in the workplace than any church service they can attend. Not long ago, Yvonne told me that one of her associates (who has had a real NEGATIVE attitude since Yvonne started working at Kohls) was seen SERVING at the church that we started attending. Yvonne’s response?  “I never would’ve guessed she was a Christian.” We can be a negative witness or a godly positive witness.

Is Christ Lord over your finances? Wait a minute Bryan! I WORK HARD for MY money! Who gives us the ability to work? Who gives us LIFE? God! He doesn’t need our money, but He expects US to help spread His message. Many times, that involves our finances.

2 Corinthians 9:7
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Yes, Easter is the day we celebrate the Savior who is RISEN! He is LORD..and I pray that He is LORD over YOUR LIFE!

If He is not, invite Him today to be Lord in your heart and soul. Ask Him to show you the areas of your life where He needs to be present.

”You ask me how I KNOW He lives..”

~

Bryan was born in Batesville, IN.  He began playing the drums for his family group “The Woods Family” at the age of 13. Later in 1984 Bryan along with his brother Jim and cousin formed the group “The New Generation”.

Bryan’s hobbies include surfing the internet and spending time with his wife Yvonne and family; Alexa, Jordan, Jake and Bailey.