Articles by Steve Ridgell at Heartlight

I Love My Shredder

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

I admit it. I love the office shredder. It might be because I am mesmerized by loud machines that destroy things. But I am also fascinated by the process. After a document is run through, there is no way to reconstruct it, no way to put it together again, and no way to know what was originally there. We use it to destroy sensitive documents, addresses, and any material we do not want seen.

I also use it for something else. I use it to destroy my mistakes. If I print the wrong form, misspell a name, or use the wrong name -- a quick trip to the shredder and it is as if it never happened. It is gone forever.

But I also enjoy the shredder because there are times when see it as a reminder of what God has done for me. I envision lists of my mistakes and sins kept somewhere by the Devil himself. And I picture Jesus taking those lists and running them through the shredder. The evidence of my guilt is destroyed. The list of my sins can never be reconstructed. They are gone forever.

That is exactly what God did when He sent His Son Jesus to die for my sins. Because I believe in Jesus, because I decided to die with him, my sins are gone forever. The devil cannot use them against me to keep me out of heaven.

So I enjoy using the shredder. It reminds me how grateful I am that God has wiped away my sins forever. He can do that for you too. If you want to visit more about this, check out our blog at www.hopeforlife.org.
Or write me at steve@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

Website: Hope for Life!

Which Way Does Your Name Tag Face?

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

I was at a large convention recently where all the participants wore name tags around their neck. This is a really good idea. It lets people know who you are, prompts you when you cannot remember names, and gives you a visual aid when you are meeting people. Name tags identify the company people work for. They let you know who you are talking to. But they only work when they are facing the right way. If they are turned around, they are absolutely useless.

Why would you wear a name tag no one is able to read? Why would you forget to check and be sure it had not twisted the wrong direction? Maybe they do not care if anyone knows their name. Maybe they do not want anyone to know who they are. Maybe they are ashamed of whom they are, or the company they work for.

I have known Christians who want to keep their identity secret. Maybe they are ashamed of things in their life, or they are embarrassed to be seen as a Jesus follower, or perhaps they do not even realize they are hiding their identity.

Jesus did not call us to live as "hidden" believers. The very act of coming to Jesus is not done in secret. It involves confession and baptism. From that point on, Christians serve as light in a dark world pointing to Jesus.

If you believe in Jesus, but are still living as if it were a secret, let me help you turn your name tag around. Visit our blog at www.hopeforlife.org.
Or write me at steve@hopeforlife.org

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

Website: Hope for Life!

What Good Is One Puzzle Piece?

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

One of the grandchildren brought me one puzzle piece the other day. I am not sure exactly what she wanted me to do with it, but I found myself attempting to explain how one puzzle piece is not good for much. It's true. It does not matter how pretty, or how intricate it looks -- there is just not much you can do with one puzzle piece. It needs the rest of the pieces to make a picture. That is the way puzzles are designed.

Christians are that way too. The Christian life was never intended to be lived in isolation. In fact, one of the great attractions of following Jesus is that you live in community with other believers. So when we are not in community with other believers, we are like that puzzle piece. We are not going to function the way we are supposed to function. And if God's plan for His people is like a puzzle ... we do not want our piece to be missing.

Christian community is where we find support, encouragement, and accountability. The Christian family -- the church -- takes care of each other. We provide for needs, we provide resources to help strengthen weaknesses. We show up at weddings, funerals, hospitals, and living rooms. We are there for each other. We rejoice together, we cry together, we pray together, we sing together, and we remind each other that we are not alone.

This is one of the reasons Christians meet together. We get to know each other. We demonstrate our unity around the Communion meal as we remember together the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are inspired to love God and His Son Jesus. We express our love to each other. We are motivated to do good works for the glory of God.

If you believe in Jesus, but are not connected to a body of believers, I want to encourage you to find your place in the family of believers. If you want to visit more about this, join our blog at www.hopeforlife.org. If you are looking for a group of believers near you, I can help you find one. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

Website: Hope for Life!

I Never Dreamed It Could Be This Good ...

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I was checking in at London Heathrow airport for a trip back to the States when the most amazing thing happened. The ticket agent told me that they had overbooked the flight and would I take a complimentary upgrade to Business class. My first reaction was to look for the hidden camera. I was sure it was a prank. But it was real. I flew across the ocean in Business class. I never dreamed anything could be that nice.

I had seen glimpses of that section of the plane before, and I had heard stories about what it was like. But I had no idea. I could stretch my legs out. I could recline my seat in four different configurations. Flight attendants kept bringing me drinks and snacks. The meal was like something I would expect at a nice restaurant. I never even waited in line to use the restroom. I just never imagined.

That is exactly what it is like to live in Jesus. Our world is full of those who cannot imagine a life full of joy and peace. They have no idea concerning the hope within each of the followers of Jesus. They only dream of a life of purpose, glory, and immortality. So I am reminded not to take this life for granted. I am so thankful for abundant life now. I am even more thankful for the life to come.

I doubt I will ever fly in Business class again. I cannot pay the price for that ticket, and it may never be given to me again. And I certainly cannot provide that service for my fellow airplane travelers. But I can help others know the life they only imagine. The ticket for that life has been paid for ... they just need someone to tell them the good news.

If you are reading this, and have wondered about the life fully given to Jesus, it is better than you have ever dreamed. There is a life of joy, peace, purpose, and hope available to you. I can help you find it. Write me at steve@heraldoftruth.org. Or join our discussion blog on HopeForLife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

© Herald of Truth Ministries

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

Website: Hope for Life!

They Don't Know Me at My Gym...

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500
I walked into my health club the other day and was immediately impressed. They had remodeled and added a number of new workout stations. I went to the front desk to ask how they were paying for this. I was a little offended that they did not seem to know who I was, but I asked my question anyway. It seems that health clubs have a number of people who pay dues but do not show up to work out. They love the idea of a healthy body, and the club seems like the right place to accomplish that, but they do not want to actually come in and exercise.

I admitted that I only came to the gym a couple of times a week. Then I confessed that over the past few months it may have been more like a couple of times per month. Then they had the nerve to ask me if I was serious about a healthy life style. They suggested workout partners to encourage me and hold me accountable. They challenged me to decide if I was serious or not.

The whole experience reminded me of the discussions I have had about Jesus. There are many people who like the idea of going to heaven. They consider themselves to be Christians. They are "members" of a local church. And they are offended if no one recognizes them when they show up.

Jesus intends for his followers to live in community: to help each other, to hold each other accountable, to encourage each other, and to be family. The Christian life cannot be lived in isolation. If you want to be serious about Jesus, get serious about being connected to His people. I can help you find a group of believers in your area. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or visit our blog at www.hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.

© Herald of Truth Ministries

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

Website: Hope for Life!

Great Smokey Mountains and Tourists

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500
My wife and I visited the Great Smokey Mountain National Park this summer. It was beautiful, breath-taking, and spectacular. While there, we stayed in Pigeon Forge. I was amazed. There is a twenty mile stretch of road leading from Interstate 40 into the Park and it is solid tourist attractions. Bumper-to-bumper traffic and an endless array of shops, restaurants, attractions, and shows. The people, the traffic, and the tourist venues were enough to overwhelm me. Yet every time I looked up I could see the mountains.

I could not help but wonder what the real attraction was for all the people we saw. It appeared that most of them spent their time in the man-made tourist center. The National Park was less crowded, cheaper, and more beautiful. I am sure the mountains were the original attraction for this area, but they have been overtaken by the modern tourist hustle and bustle. Yet, there they are ... just a short drive away.

It occurs to me that some people live their lives like the tourists I saw. They are busy with the life they created. Yet it is often too busy, too crowded, and too artificial. And all the while, there is a different life available -- the life God designed us to live. God created each of us. He has a purpose for each of us. He wants us to live a life full of hope, joy, purpose, and peace. But most of us will choose to live as tourists in a society absent of those emotions, never looking up to see that there is a different life to choose.

If you have a sense that you are missing something real in your life, and you would like to know if there is a different way to live, then write me at steve@hopeforlife.org. Or check out the blog at www.hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.

© Herald of Truth Ministries

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

Website: Hope for Life!

I Thought I Was Right

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500
"I thought I was in the right yard." That is what he told me when I found the person who had mowed half of my yard. He had gotten the wrong address. He was supposed to be mowing the overgrown yard next door, and he was to mow it as low as possible. By mistake, he was scalping my yard. He thought he was doing the right job. He had good intentions. I would even concede his heart was in the right place. But he was wrong. He damaged my yard. Good intentions and a certainty that he was right did not change the facts.

I know that is how some people view their relationship with God. If we have good intentions, or really believe that what we are doing is right ... then everything will be fine in the end. Why would anyone believe that we, the created, have the power over God, the Creator? Or, why would anyone assume that if it turns out that the God they have denied actually exists, that He will overlook their ignorance.

God is either real ... or He is not. If He is, then He sets the rules, not us. Being mistaken about God is not a decision without real consequences. It is a matter of life or death. Literally!

I believe He is real. I have staked my life on it. But I cannot make that decision for you or anyone else. I would if I could. But I can't. You are the only one who can make that decision. But I would be honored to visit more about why I made my decision. Just write me at steve@hopeforlife.org. Or join the blog at www.hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.

© Herald of Truth Ministries

Steve Ridgell serves as the Director of Ministry for Herald of Truth Ministries in Abilene, Texas and writes for Hopeforlife.org. You can reach him by writing to sridgell@heraldoftruth.org.

Website: Hope for Life!