JUST CALL ME RUDOLPH!

Well here we are. Christmas, just a few weeks away. The inspiration of this message comes from the song; Rudolf, the red nosed reindeer. This song speaks about a Deer, who apparently was different from the others around him. I am quite certain that anyone reading this, will agree. It is difficult when your in a situation where others around you bully, make fun and criticize you. Simply because you are different. All through out our lives, we face this. Since our Childhood years in school, right up to the present as growned up adults. Even more so, if you were raised up, as a Christian. Even as Kids, we tend to imitate our Parents. We speak differently, we conduct ourselves with patience. We are in most cases tolerant, or forgiving of unfairness, or injustices sent in our direction. Of course if you are still imitating your christian Parents? The Apostle Paul, once said "be imitators of me". (1st Corinthians 11:1) This he said because he made it a practice to follow and teach Gods, word to the people all around Him. He was a good imitator of Jesus Christ. And we all know they laughed at Him, just like they laughed at Jesus Christ. Where ever He found himself, he would always be an example of the teachings of Christ. We as Christians, appear to be different to non-believers, as well as those who know about God`s love. Yet still remain on the fence, as to committing to a one on one relation with Christ. They may know the story of Jesus. From His birth, right up to His crucifixion. Yet, they still have not asked Christ, to be their Lord and Savior. For some it may be simply because they have not been approached correctly. But there are others that look at the behavior of so-called believers, and their turned away because of language or behaviors they witness. This hits home to me. Though I was raised with sound Christian Parents. I strayed off the path of Christianity. I knew of certain people in the church, that spoke one way and acted another. At the time, my attitude was; " If I'm going to do wrong or be different, well I won`t do it flying a Christian flag". Ultimately I learned that this was just another trick of the Enemy (satan). He`ll put it in your head that Christ will not listen, or answer your prayer. But Satan is a lire. If he can get you to think like that. He can get you to stop praying! All through the History of the Bible, and in this world. Everyone who has ever called out, on the name of Jesus, has been heard. And has been answered. But tit for tat, you must be different. ( Proverbs 4: 14) Say`s; Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Several of the modern English versions, say; Oh, the joy of those who do not follow the advise of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. Other translated versions use the words scornful, or scoffers. A cross reference to this subject is found in (Psalms 5:9) " not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies". A very heartfelt thing is when a true born again believer, is treated as a non- believer. In the end, only God can, and will be the judge of all man. I remember once being called an ' halle-lu-ya'. I laughed right along with the person who said it. What tickled me the most, at the time was the love God, placed in me to be forgiving of the other persons ignorance. The old-Me,,, would have knocked him out. God`s word tells us; " Be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power unto salvation, for the Jew, and the gentile. So you don`t want to be like Rudolf ? Getting picked on? People laughing, or making jokes. Remember the facts! In the song, Santa say`s;" Rudolf, with your nose so bright, wont you guide my slay tonight". Remember the facts! In this life, God say`s, He picks you! He wants to do for you. (2 Corinthians 6:2) For He say`s; " In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God`s favor, now is the time of salvation". This is the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas a few days away. But a New beginning with Christ can start, RIGHT NOW! (2 Corinthians 6:3) We put no stumbling block in any one's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather as servants of God, we commend ourselves in every way; in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distress, in beatings, imprisonments and riots, in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger, in purity, understanding, patience and kindness in the Holy Spirit, and in sincere love. In truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet unknown,dyeing, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything". In short, this is the life of a Christian. I hope to erg you to take a closer walk with Jesus. I know He can change your life. Look if you step outside thinking your gonna trip and fall. That is exactly what will happen. Many say, Oh God, help me out of this mess, but refuse to go in the direction He has chosen for you. I'm going to close with a passage from 2 Corinthians , ' Blessed be the God of OUR Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of MERCIES, and God of ALL COMFORT, who comforts US, in ALL our TRIBULATIONS, that WE may be able to comfort THOSE in ANY TROUBLE, with the comfort with which we OURSELVES, are comforted BY GOD". I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and I pray you make Christ, center in your life. God bless, love always, Irving Serrano Sr.