James Collins's Blog: The Point Is..., page 3
January 16, 2021
Close the Gate
“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4
“Help me! Help me!” he screamed.
My friend, Bob Jackson, and I had just walked into a local assisted care home. Bob stepped around the corner and went into another room. I was left alone with the man. He screamed again, “Help me!”
He was sitting in front of a television. I glanced over and saw Michael Landon on the screen. I thought, “Maybe he doesn’t like Bonanza and wants someone to help him change the channel.” So, I walked over to where he was sitting and kneeled in front of him.
“I will help you.” I said.
“Close the gate.” he yelled.
“What gate?”
“That one. Close the gate before those calves get out.”
I pretended to close an imaginary gate.
“Okay. It’s closed.”
“Thank you.” He held out his hand. I took it.
He had a firm handshake.
“My name is James. I’m a preacher.”
“I’m Otis (not his real name). This is my ranch.”
For the next few minutes Otis told me all about his place. He had Angus cattle grazing out in the back pasture. He grew milo, corn, and wheat on the rest of his acreage. His wife, Anita (also not her real name) was waiting for him with their baby at the farmhouse.
“How long have you and Anita lived on this ranch?” I asked. There was a sparkle in his eye as he thought about Anita. He smiled and said, “I grew up here. I’ve lived here my whole life. Anita joined me a couple of years ago when we got married.”
“Otis,” I said, “I have to go. Before I leave, would it be okay if I prayed for you?” He said,
“Sure, preacher. But make it quick. I have to get back after those calves.”
He bowed his head and closed his eyes as I prayed. For just a moment, the confusion seemed to leave him. For just a second or two, he seemed to be with me there in the assisted care home. When I finished praying, we both said, “Amen,” and I could tell that in his mind, he was back on his ranch.
I stood up and walked away, but somehow Otis went with me. Oh, he didn’t physically come with me, but I have not been able to stop thinking about him. I plan to visit his ranch again next week.
Some people might question how a loving God would allow a man like Otis to spend his final days all alone in a state of mental confusion. However, I don’t believe Otis was alone. I felt the presence of Jesus in that room. Otis is far from alone in his old age.
The point is: If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, He promises to carry you when you are old and gray. You may not always be able to feel His arms beneath you, but the Lord has promised that He will never leave you. Your friends may leave. Your family may leave. Even your mind may leave. But Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.
I can’t tell you how many years you will live on this earth or what you might face as you grow old. But I can tell you one thing for certain: Christ will carry you even when you can’t carry yourself.
Soon, the sun will set on Otis’ ranch. When that final sunset comes, I believe he will hear Jesus say, “Enter into your rest, my good and faithful servant. Anita is waiting for you. Don’t worry about the calves. I will close the gate…”
James Collins is a chaplain, pastor, writer, and columnist. You can find his latest books at www.thepointis.net.
“Help me! Help me!” he screamed.
My friend, Bob Jackson, and I had just walked into a local assisted care home. Bob stepped around the corner and went into another room. I was left alone with the man. He screamed again, “Help me!”
He was sitting in front of a television. I glanced over and saw Michael Landon on the screen. I thought, “Maybe he doesn’t like Bonanza and wants someone to help him change the channel.” So, I walked over to where he was sitting and kneeled in front of him.
“I will help you.” I said.
“Close the gate.” he yelled.
“What gate?”
“That one. Close the gate before those calves get out.”
I pretended to close an imaginary gate.
“Okay. It’s closed.”
“Thank you.” He held out his hand. I took it.
He had a firm handshake.
“My name is James. I’m a preacher.”
“I’m Otis (not his real name). This is my ranch.”
For the next few minutes Otis told me all about his place. He had Angus cattle grazing out in the back pasture. He grew milo, corn, and wheat on the rest of his acreage. His wife, Anita (also not her real name) was waiting for him with their baby at the farmhouse.
“How long have you and Anita lived on this ranch?” I asked. There was a sparkle in his eye as he thought about Anita. He smiled and said, “I grew up here. I’ve lived here my whole life. Anita joined me a couple of years ago when we got married.”
“Otis,” I said, “I have to go. Before I leave, would it be okay if I prayed for you?” He said,
“Sure, preacher. But make it quick. I have to get back after those calves.”
He bowed his head and closed his eyes as I prayed. For just a moment, the confusion seemed to leave him. For just a second or two, he seemed to be with me there in the assisted care home. When I finished praying, we both said, “Amen,” and I could tell that in his mind, he was back on his ranch.
I stood up and walked away, but somehow Otis went with me. Oh, he didn’t physically come with me, but I have not been able to stop thinking about him. I plan to visit his ranch again next week.
Some people might question how a loving God would allow a man like Otis to spend his final days all alone in a state of mental confusion. However, I don’t believe Otis was alone. I felt the presence of Jesus in that room. Otis is far from alone in his old age.
The point is: If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, He promises to carry you when you are old and gray. You may not always be able to feel His arms beneath you, but the Lord has promised that He will never leave you. Your friends may leave. Your family may leave. Even your mind may leave. But Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.
I can’t tell you how many years you will live on this earth or what you might face as you grow old. But I can tell you one thing for certain: Christ will carry you even when you can’t carry yourself.
Soon, the sun will set on Otis’ ranch. When that final sunset comes, I believe he will hear Jesus say, “Enter into your rest, my good and faithful servant. Anita is waiting for you. Don’t worry about the calves. I will close the gate…”
James Collins is a chaplain, pastor, writer, and columnist. You can find his latest books at www.thepointis.net.
January 9, 2021
Buried
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Poppa looked out at the vultures circling near the back pasture. I walked out onto the back porch and handed him a cup of coffee. He took the cup with his right hand and put his left on my shoulder. I was seven-years-old. “Something’s dead out there,” he said. As he took a sip from his cup, I looked up at him and asked, “Is it Miss Bossy?” Miss Bossy was the name I had given to Poppa’s gentle, tan-colored Guernsey cow. We had raised her from a calf. For the past three or four days, she hadn’t come up to the feed lot. “Most likely,” he said.
We lived on a small forty-acre farm. I sat on the wheel cover as Poppa drove his old International Harvester tractor. It didn’t take us very long to reach the back pasture. Miss Bossy had been dead long enough to bloat. Flies buzzed around the carcass.
I asked, “What happened to her?”
“All living things die,” he answered. “We have to bury her.”
“Why? Why don’t you let the buzzards have her?”
“Because as she decays the soil and the ground water will be contaminated. We don’t know what killed her. She might have a disease that could spread to the other animals. Some diseases can even spread to people.”
I climbed off and watched as Poppa started digging. He had a small back-hoe attachment on the back, and a bucket on the front of the tractor. He made quick work of the hole and climbed down. He attached one end of a chain to Miss Bossy’s back hooves and the other end to the back of the tractor. He climbed back on, pulled the remains into the hole, climbed off, and unhooked the chain. Poppa got back on the tractor and used the front bucket to push the pile of dirt into the hole.
Tired of standing, I sat in the grass and intently observed him as he went about the job. When he finished he said, “Son, let’s go.” I started to crawl back up, but before I could, he reached down and pulled me up. He sat me in his lap. I steered the tractor as he shifted gears and ran the pedals.
When we got back to the house, I asked, “Poppa, why do things die?” He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “Dying is part of living. The trick is to learn to let the dead stay buried and go on with your life.”
His words, which I didn’t really understand at the time, have stuck with me over the years. I have come to realize the wisdom of an old Oklahoma farmer is echoed in the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul clearly stated the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died to take away our sins, He rose to defeat death, but why does the Bible emphasize His burial?
In first century Israel, when a Jewish person died, they were embalmed, wrapped in linen, and buried in a tomb. That is what Jesus did with our sins. Paul also wrote in Galatians 2, “I am crucified with Christ…” Not only have we been crucified with Christ, we have also been buried with Christ. Your past isn’t just dead, it’s buried.
The point is: If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, your old life is buried. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, you can be raised to live a new life of victory.
Are you preyed upon by buzzards of guilt? Is the devil buzzing around the bloated carcass of your old life? Does the stench of past sins remind you of the person you once were? Is the disease of your past killing your present?
You don’t have to live defeated. If you are a Christian, your past is dead and buried. Let the dead stay buried and go on with your life.
James Collins is the author of "Don't Throw The Believer Out With The Baptistry Water: The Best Of The Point Is... Volume 1" which is a collection of the best of his weekly newspaper column "The Point Is..."
Poppa looked out at the vultures circling near the back pasture. I walked out onto the back porch and handed him a cup of coffee. He took the cup with his right hand and put his left on my shoulder. I was seven-years-old. “Something’s dead out there,” he said. As he took a sip from his cup, I looked up at him and asked, “Is it Miss Bossy?” Miss Bossy was the name I had given to Poppa’s gentle, tan-colored Guernsey cow. We had raised her from a calf. For the past three or four days, she hadn’t come up to the feed lot. “Most likely,” he said.
We lived on a small forty-acre farm. I sat on the wheel cover as Poppa drove his old International Harvester tractor. It didn’t take us very long to reach the back pasture. Miss Bossy had been dead long enough to bloat. Flies buzzed around the carcass.
I asked, “What happened to her?”
“All living things die,” he answered. “We have to bury her.”
“Why? Why don’t you let the buzzards have her?”
“Because as she decays the soil and the ground water will be contaminated. We don’t know what killed her. She might have a disease that could spread to the other animals. Some diseases can even spread to people.”
I climbed off and watched as Poppa started digging. He had a small back-hoe attachment on the back, and a bucket on the front of the tractor. He made quick work of the hole and climbed down. He attached one end of a chain to Miss Bossy’s back hooves and the other end to the back of the tractor. He climbed back on, pulled the remains into the hole, climbed off, and unhooked the chain. Poppa got back on the tractor and used the front bucket to push the pile of dirt into the hole.
Tired of standing, I sat in the grass and intently observed him as he went about the job. When he finished he said, “Son, let’s go.” I started to crawl back up, but before I could, he reached down and pulled me up. He sat me in his lap. I steered the tractor as he shifted gears and ran the pedals.
When we got back to the house, I asked, “Poppa, why do things die?” He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “Dying is part of living. The trick is to learn to let the dead stay buried and go on with your life.”
His words, which I didn’t really understand at the time, have stuck with me over the years. I have come to realize the wisdom of an old Oklahoma farmer is echoed in the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul clearly stated the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died to take away our sins, He rose to defeat death, but why does the Bible emphasize His burial?
In first century Israel, when a Jewish person died, they were embalmed, wrapped in linen, and buried in a tomb. That is what Jesus did with our sins. Paul also wrote in Galatians 2, “I am crucified with Christ…” Not only have we been crucified with Christ, we have also been buried with Christ. Your past isn’t just dead, it’s buried.
The point is: If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, your old life is buried. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, you can be raised to live a new life of victory.
Are you preyed upon by buzzards of guilt? Is the devil buzzing around the bloated carcass of your old life? Does the stench of past sins remind you of the person you once were? Is the disease of your past killing your present?
You don’t have to live defeated. If you are a Christian, your past is dead and buried. Let the dead stay buried and go on with your life.
James Collins is the author of "Don't Throw The Believer Out With The Baptistry Water: The Best Of The Point Is... Volume 1" which is a collection of the best of his weekly newspaper column "The Point Is..."
January 2, 2021
Step by Step
“It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Since I retired from the Army, I have gained a pound or ten… For the New Year, I have decided to get into shape. Truthfully, my wife, Amanda, decided for me that I was going to get into shape. I said, “Honey, round is a shape.” She didn’t think that was funny. Consequently, I am now on a fat-free, gluten-free, low-carbohydrate, high-protein, sugar-free, low-sodium, macrobiotic consuming, metabolism boosting, organic, all-natural, cholesterol-free, calorie counting, detoxification, colon cleansing, diet. The only thing I can eat is cardboard flavored with essential oils…
Part of Amanda’s New Year’s resolution was for us to exercise more. I came up with a great exercise regimen. Start with a five-pound potato bag in each hand. Extend your arms straight out from your sides, hold them there for a full minute, and then relax. After a few weeks, move up to ten-pound potato bags. Then try 50-pound potato bags, and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-pound potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. Once you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.
For Christmas, Amanda gave me a pedometer. A pedometer is a fitness tracker I wear on my belt which logs the steps I take each day. It helps to motivate me to get up from my desk and take a walk several times throughout the day. I have a daily goal of ten thousand steps. However, most days, I fall way short. When I come home at night, I unclip the step-tracker from my belt and look at the number. Usually, I am disappointed. I feel I should have tried harder to meet my goal.
One unique feature of the pedometer is every night it resets. When I clip it on in the morning, the step-counter begins at zero. No matter what my count was the day before – two, two hundred, two thousand, or two hundred thousand – the next day I always have a clean slate.
My walk with God is a lot like that. Some days, I walk closely with the Lord. Some days, I align my steps with His steps. Those are the best days. Other days, I follow my own wants and desires. Other days, I barely check to see if I am following God’s path. Those are the worst days.
The good news is every day with Jesus starts with a clean slate. The Bible tells us God’s mercies are new every morning. Just as sure as the sun comes up every morning, you can be confident God’s mercies never end. They are not based on how good you are, but only on His steadfast character.
The point is: God sees you as you really are. He can see when you do well, and he can see when you miss the mark. You can find rest in Him today. Cast all your cares upon Him and find true peace.
His mercies are new every morning.
James Collins is the author of “Don’t Throw the Believer Out with the Baptistry Water,” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
Since I retired from the Army, I have gained a pound or ten… For the New Year, I have decided to get into shape. Truthfully, my wife, Amanda, decided for me that I was going to get into shape. I said, “Honey, round is a shape.” She didn’t think that was funny. Consequently, I am now on a fat-free, gluten-free, low-carbohydrate, high-protein, sugar-free, low-sodium, macrobiotic consuming, metabolism boosting, organic, all-natural, cholesterol-free, calorie counting, detoxification, colon cleansing, diet. The only thing I can eat is cardboard flavored with essential oils…
Part of Amanda’s New Year’s resolution was for us to exercise more. I came up with a great exercise regimen. Start with a five-pound potato bag in each hand. Extend your arms straight out from your sides, hold them there for a full minute, and then relax. After a few weeks, move up to ten-pound potato bags. Then try 50-pound potato bags, and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-pound potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. Once you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.
For Christmas, Amanda gave me a pedometer. A pedometer is a fitness tracker I wear on my belt which logs the steps I take each day. It helps to motivate me to get up from my desk and take a walk several times throughout the day. I have a daily goal of ten thousand steps. However, most days, I fall way short. When I come home at night, I unclip the step-tracker from my belt and look at the number. Usually, I am disappointed. I feel I should have tried harder to meet my goal.
One unique feature of the pedometer is every night it resets. When I clip it on in the morning, the step-counter begins at zero. No matter what my count was the day before – two, two hundred, two thousand, or two hundred thousand – the next day I always have a clean slate.
My walk with God is a lot like that. Some days, I walk closely with the Lord. Some days, I align my steps with His steps. Those are the best days. Other days, I follow my own wants and desires. Other days, I barely check to see if I am following God’s path. Those are the worst days.
The good news is every day with Jesus starts with a clean slate. The Bible tells us God’s mercies are new every morning. Just as sure as the sun comes up every morning, you can be confident God’s mercies never end. They are not based on how good you are, but only on His steadfast character.
The point is: God sees you as you really are. He can see when you do well, and he can see when you miss the mark. You can find rest in Him today. Cast all your cares upon Him and find true peace.
His mercies are new every morning.
James Collins is the author of “Don’t Throw the Believer Out with the Baptistry Water,” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
December 26, 2020
Use Me
“…but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.” 1 Samuel 9:27b
I am lonely for your company. For the past few years, you have promised to spend time with me. This year was no different. Why do you let others take your attention away from me?
Most resent being used, but I don’t. I want you to use me.
Use me and I will be many things to you.
When you are weary, I will be your strong staff.
When you sit in darkness, I will be your glorious light.
When you are hurting, I will ease your pain.
Use me.
When you are discouraged, I will whisper messages of hope.
When you are carrying a burden, I will give you rest.
When you are confused, I will offer clear advice.
Use me.
When the storms of life rage around you, I will be your anchor.
When you are alone, I will be your friend.
When you need knowledge, I will be your teacher.
Use me.
When you are afraid, I will calm your soul.
When you are lost, I will help you find your way.
Take hold of me, I will keep you from stumbling.
Use me.
Use me. I am crying out for you to use me.
Use me and I will change your life. Use me and I will change the lives of those around you. Use me and I can change the world.
I am the Bible. Long ago, you put me away. Over and over, you have said that you were going to bring me back into your life. Around the beginning of each year, you come back to me. But in no time, something else has your focus and you neglect me. A day becomes a week. A week becomes a month. A month becomes a year. Until I am no longer really a part of your life.
The point is: I want you to use me. I’m only asking for a few minutes of your time each day. Start now. I am right where you left me.
Pick me up.
Open me.
Use me.
James Collins is a chaplain, pastor, and author. You are invited to join him and read through the Bible in a year in 2021. For more information about his ministry visit the website thepointis.net.
I am lonely for your company. For the past few years, you have promised to spend time with me. This year was no different. Why do you let others take your attention away from me?
Most resent being used, but I don’t. I want you to use me.
Use me and I will be many things to you.
When you are weary, I will be your strong staff.
When you sit in darkness, I will be your glorious light.
When you are hurting, I will ease your pain.
Use me.
When you are discouraged, I will whisper messages of hope.
When you are carrying a burden, I will give you rest.
When you are confused, I will offer clear advice.
Use me.
When the storms of life rage around you, I will be your anchor.
When you are alone, I will be your friend.
When you need knowledge, I will be your teacher.
Use me.
When you are afraid, I will calm your soul.
When you are lost, I will help you find your way.
Take hold of me, I will keep you from stumbling.
Use me.
Use me. I am crying out for you to use me.
Use me and I will change your life. Use me and I will change the lives of those around you. Use me and I can change the world.
I am the Bible. Long ago, you put me away. Over and over, you have said that you were going to bring me back into your life. Around the beginning of each year, you come back to me. But in no time, something else has your focus and you neglect me. A day becomes a week. A week becomes a month. A month becomes a year. Until I am no longer really a part of your life.
The point is: I want you to use me. I’m only asking for a few minutes of your time each day. Start now. I am right where you left me.
Pick me up.
Open me.
Use me.
James Collins is a chaplain, pastor, and author. You are invited to join him and read through the Bible in a year in 2021. For more information about his ministry visit the website thepointis.net.
December 19, 2020
No Ice
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
When Amanda and I first got married, we bought an old used refrigerator. It was the kind with a freezer which we had to defrost regularly. It lasted only about a year. It would have lasted longer, but one time when I was defrosting it, I used a sharp knife to chip away at the ice…
We needed a new one anyway.
Amanda hated that refrigerator, and the one we bought to replace it, because of no ice-maker. We had to use plastic ice-trays. It was a hassle to get ice from the trays, fill them back up with water, and put them back in the freezer. It wasn’t so much a hassle for me because I never refilled the trays. I had a habit of getting ice and putting the empty tray back in the freezer which infuriated Amanda.
Two years ago, we remodeled our kitchen. We went to the appliance store where I embarrassed the life from my wife in my effort to bargain with the salesman. Finally, after I noticed a small scratch on the back, I got the store to discount the price on a brand-new side-by-side refrigerator-freezer with a built in ice-maker.
To save money, I opted to install the refrigerator myself. I spent the better part of a Saturday running the new water line. After everything was hooked up, I pushed the refrigerator into place and announced to Amanda that her fantastic husband had given her the ice-maker of her dreams.
The next morning, there was no ice.
“No problem,” I said, “I know what’s wrong. I will have it fixed in no time.” After “no time” hours, I confidently pushed the refrigerator back into place and informed Amanda that her wonderful husband had done it again.
The next morning, there was no ice.
“It must take time for the first batch to make, that’s all,” I assured her and started working on it again.
The next morning, there was no ice.
I went back to the appliance store and the salesman said, “Mr. Collins, you need a new what-you-may-call-it, but they are on backorder.” Six weeks later, the what-you-may-call-it showed up in the mail. I pulled the refrigerator from the wall, reached up to turn the water off, and made an incredible discovery. I had never turned the water on in the first place.
No water, no ice. No wonder, no ice.
If you think I looked foolish there, it is nothing compared to what God sees when He looks at people and our efforts to make life work without His power.
The point is: A Christian who forgets the Holy Spirit is like an ice-maker with no water.
How can we forget the infinite, personal Holy Spirit lives within us to guide us and give us power? The answer is regretfully clear. The power is off. When we are preoccupied with the pleasures of the world, we miss the power that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. His Spirit enables us to fulfill His purposes, but we must stay plugged in through prayer, reading God’s Word, and having complete reliance on His power – not our own.
Is the power flowing in your life?
James Collins’ book, “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life” is currently on sale on Amazon and at the website www.thepointis.net.
When Amanda and I first got married, we bought an old used refrigerator. It was the kind with a freezer which we had to defrost regularly. It lasted only about a year. It would have lasted longer, but one time when I was defrosting it, I used a sharp knife to chip away at the ice…
We needed a new one anyway.
Amanda hated that refrigerator, and the one we bought to replace it, because of no ice-maker. We had to use plastic ice-trays. It was a hassle to get ice from the trays, fill them back up with water, and put them back in the freezer. It wasn’t so much a hassle for me because I never refilled the trays. I had a habit of getting ice and putting the empty tray back in the freezer which infuriated Amanda.
Two years ago, we remodeled our kitchen. We went to the appliance store where I embarrassed the life from my wife in my effort to bargain with the salesman. Finally, after I noticed a small scratch on the back, I got the store to discount the price on a brand-new side-by-side refrigerator-freezer with a built in ice-maker.
To save money, I opted to install the refrigerator myself. I spent the better part of a Saturday running the new water line. After everything was hooked up, I pushed the refrigerator into place and announced to Amanda that her fantastic husband had given her the ice-maker of her dreams.
The next morning, there was no ice.
“No problem,” I said, “I know what’s wrong. I will have it fixed in no time.” After “no time” hours, I confidently pushed the refrigerator back into place and informed Amanda that her wonderful husband had done it again.
The next morning, there was no ice.
“It must take time for the first batch to make, that’s all,” I assured her and started working on it again.
The next morning, there was no ice.
I went back to the appliance store and the salesman said, “Mr. Collins, you need a new what-you-may-call-it, but they are on backorder.” Six weeks later, the what-you-may-call-it showed up in the mail. I pulled the refrigerator from the wall, reached up to turn the water off, and made an incredible discovery. I had never turned the water on in the first place.
No water, no ice. No wonder, no ice.
If you think I looked foolish there, it is nothing compared to what God sees when He looks at people and our efforts to make life work without His power.
The point is: A Christian who forgets the Holy Spirit is like an ice-maker with no water.
How can we forget the infinite, personal Holy Spirit lives within us to guide us and give us power? The answer is regretfully clear. The power is off. When we are preoccupied with the pleasures of the world, we miss the power that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. His Spirit enables us to fulfill His purposes, but we must stay plugged in through prayer, reading God’s Word, and having complete reliance on His power – not our own.
Is the power flowing in your life?
James Collins’ book, “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life” is currently on sale on Amazon and at the website www.thepointis.net.
December 12, 2020
The Broken Wise Man
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Over the years, my wife, Amanda, and I have amassed a collection of Christmas Nativity sets. At the beginning of each Christmas season, we pull boxes out of storage and decorate the house. One of our sets is just a little more special than the others – the first one that I purchased for Amanda on our first Christmas as husband and wife.
This past year, I changed jobs and we had to move. One of the Wise Men figures in our special Nativity was broken in the move. When we brought the box out, we were sad to find the broken Wise Man. Somehow, the piece had been broken into two pieces. He was split in half.
At first, I thought about replacing him. I searched eBay and found a new one for a cost of fifty dollars. Fifty bucks is a lot of money and I’m cheap. I am so cheap, for example, that when Amanda once asked for diamonds for our anniversary, I gave her two of them… the eight and the queen.
Anyway, since I didn’t want to spend that much money, I decided to glue the Wise Man back together. The results were less than perfect. The glue held fine. However, there was an obvious defect. His paint had chipped away in the break. The Wise Man now had a crack running right through his midsection. He appeared scarred and flawed.
I placed the Wise Man into the scene next to his two companions. The three were bowed in homage facing the newborn Christ Child. I looked at Amanda expecting a frown. Instead, she smiled and said, “I love it. It’s perfect because we are all broken people.”
The point is: There is much wisdom in my wife’s words. We are all broken people. But God loves broken people.
Today, if you will turn from your sins, turn to Jesus, and ask for forgiveness, God will fix your brokenness. That is why Jesus was born. God loves you so much that He sent His Son. If you will put your faith and trust in Him, you will have life abundantly and eternally.
When I look at the broken Wise Man, I am reminded of God’s great love for me. He fixed my brokenness. He can fix you too.
That’s what Christmas is all about…
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” Every year, millions of people around the globe celebrate Christmas. But what does it all mean? Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, James examines the most pivotal moment in human history―the birth of Jesus Christ. You will never look at the Christmas story the same way again. The Nativity is available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
Over the years, my wife, Amanda, and I have amassed a collection of Christmas Nativity sets. At the beginning of each Christmas season, we pull boxes out of storage and decorate the house. One of our sets is just a little more special than the others – the first one that I purchased for Amanda on our first Christmas as husband and wife.
This past year, I changed jobs and we had to move. One of the Wise Men figures in our special Nativity was broken in the move. When we brought the box out, we were sad to find the broken Wise Man. Somehow, the piece had been broken into two pieces. He was split in half.
At first, I thought about replacing him. I searched eBay and found a new one for a cost of fifty dollars. Fifty bucks is a lot of money and I’m cheap. I am so cheap, for example, that when Amanda once asked for diamonds for our anniversary, I gave her two of them… the eight and the queen.
Anyway, since I didn’t want to spend that much money, I decided to glue the Wise Man back together. The results were less than perfect. The glue held fine. However, there was an obvious defect. His paint had chipped away in the break. The Wise Man now had a crack running right through his midsection. He appeared scarred and flawed.
I placed the Wise Man into the scene next to his two companions. The three were bowed in homage facing the newborn Christ Child. I looked at Amanda expecting a frown. Instead, she smiled and said, “I love it. It’s perfect because we are all broken people.”
The point is: There is much wisdom in my wife’s words. We are all broken people. But God loves broken people.
Today, if you will turn from your sins, turn to Jesus, and ask for forgiveness, God will fix your brokenness. That is why Jesus was born. God loves you so much that He sent His Son. If you will put your faith and trust in Him, you will have life abundantly and eternally.
When I look at the broken Wise Man, I am reminded of God’s great love for me. He fixed my brokenness. He can fix you too.
That’s what Christmas is all about…
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” Every year, millions of people around the globe celebrate Christmas. But what does it all mean? Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, James examines the most pivotal moment in human history―the birth of Jesus Christ. You will never look at the Christmas story the same way again. The Nativity is available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
December 5, 2020
Do You Know The Story?
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
There once was a very famous professor of chemistry. This man discovered several industrial chemical compounds, and he wrote many books on chemistry. As a result, he became financially well-off and retired. In his retirement, he became a guest lecturer at colleges and universities.
As the professor got older, he developed poor eyesight. His poor vision made it difficult to drive. Therefore, he hired a chauffeur. Over the years, the professor and his chauffeur became best friends.
The chauffeur drove the professor to dozens of speaking engagements. He heard the professor give the same speech hundreds of times. One day, on the way to another speaking engagement, the chauffeur said, “Professor, I believe I could give your speech myself; I’ve heard it so often.” The professor said, “I’ll bet you $50 you can’t.” “You’re on,” said the driver.
The chauffeur stopped the car and the two exchanged clothes. They got to the college and they went into the lecture hall. The chauffeur was dressed in a tuxedo. He sat at the head table. The President of the College stood up and introduced him.
The chauffeur stood up and he gave the professor’s speech without missing a word. It was perfect. It was as if the professor gave it himself.
There was a standing ovation when the chauffeur finished. The President of the College got up and said, “You know, we are so fortunate to have such a fine resource with us tonight, and since we have a little extra time, let’s have some questions and answers.”
A student stood up in the back and asked, “Professor, the element, strontium when combined with radioactive isotopes does not produce a normal reaction. Why is this?” The chauffeur just stood there for a moment. He had a nervous look on his face. Finally, he said, “That’s just about the dumbest question I ever heard. In fact, it is so dumb I bet even my driver could answer that question!”
The point is: Sometimes we hear something so many times that we can lose the meaning. How many times have you heard the Christmas story? I’m sure you could stand up in public and tell the story. You have heard it hundreds of times. Even non-Christians know the story of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, Joseph’s confusion, and the visits by angels. Everyone knows the story of Caesar’s tax, the trip to Bethlehem, and the Christ-child born in a stable. We’ve heard it thousands of times. We even hear Linus tell the story every year on A Charlie Brown Christmas. We all know the story.
Could it be we have heard the story so many times it has lost its meaning. We think we know all there is to know about the Christmas story, but maybe we don’t. Maybe we don’t understand Christmas.
Christmas is God coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Christmas is Jesus being born to save us from our sins. Christmas is the Savior of mankind living with mankind. Christmas is God with us.
I am sure that you know the story, but do you know the Savior? I am sure you know about Christmas, but do you know Christ?
The Christmas season brings familiar sights and sounds. Don’t let the familiarity of the season cause you to lose sight of the baby in the manger. Get to know Him this Christmas.
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
There once was a very famous professor of chemistry. This man discovered several industrial chemical compounds, and he wrote many books on chemistry. As a result, he became financially well-off and retired. In his retirement, he became a guest lecturer at colleges and universities.
As the professor got older, he developed poor eyesight. His poor vision made it difficult to drive. Therefore, he hired a chauffeur. Over the years, the professor and his chauffeur became best friends.
The chauffeur drove the professor to dozens of speaking engagements. He heard the professor give the same speech hundreds of times. One day, on the way to another speaking engagement, the chauffeur said, “Professor, I believe I could give your speech myself; I’ve heard it so often.” The professor said, “I’ll bet you $50 you can’t.” “You’re on,” said the driver.
The chauffeur stopped the car and the two exchanged clothes. They got to the college and they went into the lecture hall. The chauffeur was dressed in a tuxedo. He sat at the head table. The President of the College stood up and introduced him.
The chauffeur stood up and he gave the professor’s speech without missing a word. It was perfect. It was as if the professor gave it himself.
There was a standing ovation when the chauffeur finished. The President of the College got up and said, “You know, we are so fortunate to have such a fine resource with us tonight, and since we have a little extra time, let’s have some questions and answers.”
A student stood up in the back and asked, “Professor, the element, strontium when combined with radioactive isotopes does not produce a normal reaction. Why is this?” The chauffeur just stood there for a moment. He had a nervous look on his face. Finally, he said, “That’s just about the dumbest question I ever heard. In fact, it is so dumb I bet even my driver could answer that question!”
The point is: Sometimes we hear something so many times that we can lose the meaning. How many times have you heard the Christmas story? I’m sure you could stand up in public and tell the story. You have heard it hundreds of times. Even non-Christians know the story of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, Joseph’s confusion, and the visits by angels. Everyone knows the story of Caesar’s tax, the trip to Bethlehem, and the Christ-child born in a stable. We’ve heard it thousands of times. We even hear Linus tell the story every year on A Charlie Brown Christmas. We all know the story.
Could it be we have heard the story so many times it has lost its meaning. We think we know all there is to know about the Christmas story, but maybe we don’t. Maybe we don’t understand Christmas.
Christmas is God coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Christmas is Jesus being born to save us from our sins. Christmas is the Savior of mankind living with mankind. Christmas is God with us.
I am sure that you know the story, but do you know the Savior? I am sure you know about Christmas, but do you know Christ?
The Christmas season brings familiar sights and sounds. Don’t let the familiarity of the season cause you to lose sight of the baby in the manger. Get to know Him this Christmas.
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
November 28, 2020
Black Friday
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34
Years ago, my wife, Amanda, talked me into going shopping with her. Shopping with Amanda is dangerous and stressful enough, but, we went shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We went shopping on Black Friday.
The name “Black Friday” sounds awful. It brings to mind being blackmailed, the black plague, and the black death. It sounds bad.
Black Friday has always puzzled me. Why is it that on Black Friday Americans are willing to kill over materialistic items just one day after celebrating what they are already thankful for?
I have heard that the term “Black Friday” refers to the pattern of pedestrian and vehicle traffic that hits large cities. However, that is not true. Retailers coined the term to describe the day of the year when their shops go from being in the red to going into profit or into the black.
Black Friday has become the largest day of shopping both on the internet and in retail stores. Last year on Black Friday, Americans spent an average of $938.58 per shopper, and Americans spent $655.8 billion overall.
Anyway, years ago, before our children were born, Amanda talked me into going shopping with her on Black Friday. And I went shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving for the first and last time in my life.
At first, I thought it would be fun. I thought it might become a family tradition. I thought we might do a little shopping. Then we would hang out and have breakfast. I thought it would be a nice way to spend time with my wife, but I was wrong.
The day started out okay. We got up early before dawn. We had coffee. Then we went to Walmart at 5 in the morning. I have never seen anything like what I saw that morning. Three-hundred people lined up waiting for Walmart to open. I can’t get three hundred people to get up that early and come see a new believer get baptized. Man! I can’t even get thirty people to get up that early and come see a new believer get baptized. To tell the truth, I can’t even get three people to get up that early and come see a new believer get baptized.
When they opened the doors, I was almost trampled by a wild pack of shoppers. Inside the store wasn’t any better. I made the mistake of standing in front of a door-buster sign. People pushed me out of the way to get to a video game that was on sale.
They wheeled out a blue flashing light. Grown men and women ran from all over the store to the blue light to get a Tickle Me Elmo toy.
Two women almost got in a fistfight. They were both going after the last coat on a 50% off rack. All over the store people were running, pushing, shoving, fighting, and cussing. I’m telling you, those people were crazy.
The point is: We have lost our way. On that Black Friday, I realized America has become a nation which has slipped away from worshipping God to a nation that worships material things. One day after giving thanks to God for all their blessings, Americans fight over TVs and toasters. On the day that kicks off the Christmas season, Americans act anything but Christ-like.
As we celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday this week, let us pause and give thanks to almighty God for all His blessings. Let us reflect on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we decorate for Christmas. Let us spend quality time with family and friends. It is okay to go shopping, but don’t let shopping come between you and your relationship with God.
Besides, I have discovered that Black Friday equals Broke Saturday.
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
Years ago, my wife, Amanda, talked me into going shopping with her. Shopping with Amanda is dangerous and stressful enough, but, we went shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We went shopping on Black Friday.
The name “Black Friday” sounds awful. It brings to mind being blackmailed, the black plague, and the black death. It sounds bad.
Black Friday has always puzzled me. Why is it that on Black Friday Americans are willing to kill over materialistic items just one day after celebrating what they are already thankful for?
I have heard that the term “Black Friday” refers to the pattern of pedestrian and vehicle traffic that hits large cities. However, that is not true. Retailers coined the term to describe the day of the year when their shops go from being in the red to going into profit or into the black.
Black Friday has become the largest day of shopping both on the internet and in retail stores. Last year on Black Friday, Americans spent an average of $938.58 per shopper, and Americans spent $655.8 billion overall.
Anyway, years ago, before our children were born, Amanda talked me into going shopping with her on Black Friday. And I went shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving for the first and last time in my life.
At first, I thought it would be fun. I thought it might become a family tradition. I thought we might do a little shopping. Then we would hang out and have breakfast. I thought it would be a nice way to spend time with my wife, but I was wrong.
The day started out okay. We got up early before dawn. We had coffee. Then we went to Walmart at 5 in the morning. I have never seen anything like what I saw that morning. Three-hundred people lined up waiting for Walmart to open. I can’t get three hundred people to get up that early and come see a new believer get baptized. Man! I can’t even get thirty people to get up that early and come see a new believer get baptized. To tell the truth, I can’t even get three people to get up that early and come see a new believer get baptized.
When they opened the doors, I was almost trampled by a wild pack of shoppers. Inside the store wasn’t any better. I made the mistake of standing in front of a door-buster sign. People pushed me out of the way to get to a video game that was on sale.
They wheeled out a blue flashing light. Grown men and women ran from all over the store to the blue light to get a Tickle Me Elmo toy.
Two women almost got in a fistfight. They were both going after the last coat on a 50% off rack. All over the store people were running, pushing, shoving, fighting, and cussing. I’m telling you, those people were crazy.
The point is: We have lost our way. On that Black Friday, I realized America has become a nation which has slipped away from worshipping God to a nation that worships material things. One day after giving thanks to God for all their blessings, Americans fight over TVs and toasters. On the day that kicks off the Christmas season, Americans act anything but Christ-like.
As we celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday this week, let us pause and give thanks to almighty God for all His blessings. Let us reflect on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we decorate for Christmas. Let us spend quality time with family and friends. It is okay to go shopping, but don’t let shopping come between you and your relationship with God.
Besides, I have discovered that Black Friday equals Broke Saturday.
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
November 14, 2020
The Bird
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
A lonely lady lived alone, and she didn’t like it. Finally, she decided to do something about her loneliness. She went to a pet store and looked at all the dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, and goldfish that were for sale, hoping to find a pet that would be good company. None of the pets really made the woman happy and she was ready to give up when the pet store owner showed her a very expensive parrot. “Does it talk” she asked. “Yes ma’am,” the owner replied, “He’s a genuine chatterbox.” The woman was thrilled. Excitedly, she paid $2000 for the parrot and his cage.
A week later, the woman came back to the pet shop and said, “I want my money back. I paid $2000 for my talking bird and he doesn’t talk at all.” The pet store owner said, “Ma’am, he will talk if you just entice him a little bit. Put some things in his cage with him.” She agreed and the pet shop owner sold her a mirror for the bird to look at himself and a ladder for the bird to run up and down. When the items were totaled up, it cost the lady $50.
Another week went by and the woman returned to the pet store. She was madder than a hornet. She said, “My talking bird still will not talk.” The pet shop owner said, “Ma’am, you have to entice him a little more. What you need to do is get him a bell to ring and a swing to swing on. He will get so excited, he will talk.” She said, “Okay.” By the time she left the pet store, she had paid another $50.
Another week later, the woman stomped back into the pet store. She was visibly angry.
“I want you to know that my talking bird is dead. He is dead, dead, dead and I’m out $2100,” she huffed.
“You’re kidding. That bird was healthy when I sold him to you 3 weeks ago,” the pet store owner said.
“Well, he’s dead now. He’s deader than a hammer. He swung on his swing. He rang his bell. He looked at himself in the mirror. He ran up and down his ladder. Then he fell on his little back in the bottom of the cage. He kicked his little legs up in the air and he blew out his last breath. He’s dead. My talking bird is dead.”
“I am so sorry.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, he finally said something before he died.”
“Really? What did he say?”
“Right before he died, my bird looked at me and said, ‘Hey dummy! Don’t they have any bird seed at that pet store!’”
The point is: You can have all the bells and whistles this world has to offer, but without Jesus, you will be dead. We have all sinned. As far as God is concerned, we deserve the death penalty, but He provided a way to have life. God gave His Son to die in our place, and all who believe on Him are saved.
Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, is food for your soul. There is no need to let your hunger for spiritual nourishment go unsatisfied. All you need is abundantly available in Jesus.
Don’t starve to death.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
A lonely lady lived alone, and she didn’t like it. Finally, she decided to do something about her loneliness. She went to a pet store and looked at all the dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, and goldfish that were for sale, hoping to find a pet that would be good company. None of the pets really made the woman happy and she was ready to give up when the pet store owner showed her a very expensive parrot. “Does it talk” she asked. “Yes ma’am,” the owner replied, “He’s a genuine chatterbox.” The woman was thrilled. Excitedly, she paid $2000 for the parrot and his cage.
A week later, the woman came back to the pet shop and said, “I want my money back. I paid $2000 for my talking bird and he doesn’t talk at all.” The pet store owner said, “Ma’am, he will talk if you just entice him a little bit. Put some things in his cage with him.” She agreed and the pet shop owner sold her a mirror for the bird to look at himself and a ladder for the bird to run up and down. When the items were totaled up, it cost the lady $50.
Another week went by and the woman returned to the pet store. She was madder than a hornet. She said, “My talking bird still will not talk.” The pet shop owner said, “Ma’am, you have to entice him a little more. What you need to do is get him a bell to ring and a swing to swing on. He will get so excited, he will talk.” She said, “Okay.” By the time she left the pet store, she had paid another $50.
Another week later, the woman stomped back into the pet store. She was visibly angry.
“I want you to know that my talking bird is dead. He is dead, dead, dead and I’m out $2100,” she huffed.
“You’re kidding. That bird was healthy when I sold him to you 3 weeks ago,” the pet store owner said.
“Well, he’s dead now. He’s deader than a hammer. He swung on his swing. He rang his bell. He looked at himself in the mirror. He ran up and down his ladder. Then he fell on his little back in the bottom of the cage. He kicked his little legs up in the air and he blew out his last breath. He’s dead. My talking bird is dead.”
“I am so sorry.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, he finally said something before he died.”
“Really? What did he say?”
“Right before he died, my bird looked at me and said, ‘Hey dummy! Don’t they have any bird seed at that pet store!’”
The point is: You can have all the bells and whistles this world has to offer, but without Jesus, you will be dead. We have all sinned. As far as God is concerned, we deserve the death penalty, but He provided a way to have life. God gave His Son to die in our place, and all who believe on Him are saved.
Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, is food for your soul. There is no need to let your hunger for spiritual nourishment go unsatisfied. All you need is abundantly available in Jesus.
Don’t starve to death.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
James Collins is the author of “The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” available now on Amazon or at the website www.thepointis.net.
November 7, 2020
Wounded
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
The hood of her jacket was pulled low over her face hiding her eyes. Without exception, she wore the same long-sleeve hoodie, even in warm weather. Juston glanced at her and smiled as she stepped onto the school bus. “Hello, Angelica,” he said. She gripped the handrail tighter and looked up at him from underneath her hoodie. Her face was pale. She didn’t return his smile.
Angelica stepped into the aisle and sat down in the front seat behind him. She always sat in the front seat. All the other high school kids were in the back of the bus, but not Angelica. She sat in front with the kindergarten kids.
Juston closed the door, shifted gears, and pulled the bus out of the school parking lot. He looked up at Angelica’s reflection in the rearview. She never looked up. Her crossed arms wrapped around her body, hugging herself.
“Do you like pizza?” he asked over his shoulder. “You probably think I just drive this bus all day long,” he continued. “But this is not my real job. I only do this to make ends meet. I’m the pastor for students at First Baptist. Our youth group is having pizza tonight. You should come.” He peeked up at the mirror to see her reply, but she still never looked up. So, they drove on in silence.
A few minutes later, the bus pulled up in front of her house. As she was stepping off, Juston said, “Church starts at seven.” She paused, then continued out the door without looking back.
Juston was surprised that night when Angelica walked into church. She sat in the back, away from everyone else. She never looked up as Juston shared the gospel. After he finished speaking, she grabbed a slice of pizza and hurried out the door.
He was surprised again next week when she came back.
“Can I talk to you?” she asked.
Juston nodded, “Sure.”
“Before we talk, I need you to take this.”
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Justin unzipped the small black case to reveal the contents inside - razorblades. It was full of razorblades. Angelica pulled up her sleeves. Scars started at the top of her arms and continued down to her wrists.
Trembling and sobbing, she shared her story. It was a tragedy – a story of abuse. Someone she loved and trusted had done unspeakable things to her. Eventually, her heart numbed. As a way of “feeling” something, she became a cutter.
She reached in her pocket and handed him a piece of paper – a suicide note. “A week ago, I decided to end my life. Then you invited me for pizza. Now, I don’t want to die. I want to live, and I want to know this Jesus you keep talking about…”
That night, Angelica gave her life to Jesus Christ. Today, she and her husband are missionaries in South America. They just had their first child – a baby girl.
You know, the world is full of Angelicas. The world is full of scarred, wounded people. But Jesus Christ can bind up your wounds.
The point is: Only Jesus can heal your broken heart. Like Angelica, you can bring Him your disappointments, your griefs, and your wounds. Whatever you are going through, there is healing in Jesus.
On the cross, Jesus bore our sins. By His wounds you have been healed. Step out in faith and place your life in His nail-scarred hands.
James Collins is the author of "The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life," available on Amazon.
The hood of her jacket was pulled low over her face hiding her eyes. Without exception, she wore the same long-sleeve hoodie, even in warm weather. Juston glanced at her and smiled as she stepped onto the school bus. “Hello, Angelica,” he said. She gripped the handrail tighter and looked up at him from underneath her hoodie. Her face was pale. She didn’t return his smile.
Angelica stepped into the aisle and sat down in the front seat behind him. She always sat in the front seat. All the other high school kids were in the back of the bus, but not Angelica. She sat in front with the kindergarten kids.
Juston closed the door, shifted gears, and pulled the bus out of the school parking lot. He looked up at Angelica’s reflection in the rearview. She never looked up. Her crossed arms wrapped around her body, hugging herself.
“Do you like pizza?” he asked over his shoulder. “You probably think I just drive this bus all day long,” he continued. “But this is not my real job. I only do this to make ends meet. I’m the pastor for students at First Baptist. Our youth group is having pizza tonight. You should come.” He peeked up at the mirror to see her reply, but she still never looked up. So, they drove on in silence.
A few minutes later, the bus pulled up in front of her house. As she was stepping off, Juston said, “Church starts at seven.” She paused, then continued out the door without looking back.
Juston was surprised that night when Angelica walked into church. She sat in the back, away from everyone else. She never looked up as Juston shared the gospel. After he finished speaking, she grabbed a slice of pizza and hurried out the door.
He was surprised again next week when she came back.
“Can I talk to you?” she asked.
Juston nodded, “Sure.”
“Before we talk, I need you to take this.”
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Justin unzipped the small black case to reveal the contents inside - razorblades. It was full of razorblades. Angelica pulled up her sleeves. Scars started at the top of her arms and continued down to her wrists.
Trembling and sobbing, she shared her story. It was a tragedy – a story of abuse. Someone she loved and trusted had done unspeakable things to her. Eventually, her heart numbed. As a way of “feeling” something, she became a cutter.
She reached in her pocket and handed him a piece of paper – a suicide note. “A week ago, I decided to end my life. Then you invited me for pizza. Now, I don’t want to die. I want to live, and I want to know this Jesus you keep talking about…”
That night, Angelica gave her life to Jesus Christ. Today, she and her husband are missionaries in South America. They just had their first child – a baby girl.
You know, the world is full of Angelicas. The world is full of scarred, wounded people. But Jesus Christ can bind up your wounds.
The point is: Only Jesus can heal your broken heart. Like Angelica, you can bring Him your disappointments, your griefs, and your wounds. Whatever you are going through, there is healing in Jesus.
On the cross, Jesus bore our sins. By His wounds you have been healed. Step out in faith and place your life in His nail-scarred hands.
James Collins is the author of "The Nativity: How the Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life," available on Amazon.
