Articles by Steve Ridgell at Heartlight

What Ever Happened to that Country?

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

One of my friends sent me an online geography test the other day. The countries of the world were outlined and you clicked on the name of the country to place it in the proper place. It took me a long time to get it right. I travel overseas frequently and thought this would be easy. I had never heard of some of the countries listed. I was looking for names that were no longer used. I knew I had been out of school for some time, but I thought I kept up with world events. There were countries that divided into smaller countries, and countries that changed names. Boundaries were different than they used to be. My world had changed more than I knew.

Of course, if you find a map just a few hundred years old, the country where I live will not be listed. The state where I live used to be a country. Before that, it was part of a different country. For a short time, it was part of a country that seceded from the country it is now part of again. How can you keep up? What will the world map look like when my grandchildren's grandchildren study it?

Then there are those parts of the world that have clearly defined boundaries, but the tribes and cultures cross those lines. So they have practical boundaries that differ from the formal ones. There are people who have citizenship in one country but live in yet another. Every time the Olympics are held, there are athletes who change allegiances in order to compete for different countries. Some athletes have competed for different counties in successive Olympics.

So how do you claim allegiance to a country that no longer exists? Can you have national pride in a country that is no longer a country? Some nations were quite powerful at one time. Some were empires that ruled much of the world. And now they are gone. Countries just do not last. They never have ... and evidently they never will.

So what I really want is to be part of a country -- a kingdom -- that would last. It would be a kingdom more powerful than any country or empire. It would never be defeated. It would never be conquered. It would not be constrained by any geographic boundaries. It would be a kingdom that my children, my grandchildren, and my descendants through the ages could be part of. It would be a kingdom that would never end. It would be a kingdom that anyone could join. That is the kingdom to which I could give total allegiance.

And I am a citizen of a kingdom just like that. You can be too.

It is the kingdom of God.

If you want to know more about becoming a citizen of this kingdom, write me at steve@hopeforlife.org. Or join our blog discussion at www.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!

Red Light, Green Light

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The town where I live is about to put cameras at all traffic lights to catch those who run red lights. It got me thinking about how many people I see who take the yellow light as a signal to go faster. I also do not understand those people who do not pay attention and thus sit still after the light turns green. But that is not dangerous like the people that do not notice the light is red. I really wonder about the purpose of traffic lights some days.

Yet ... the alternative is even more frightening. Imagine letting people make their own decisions at crowded intersections. Do the biggest cars get to go first? Who decides who is next to go? So I guess I do like the idea of a system to govern our traffic, and I do my best to follow the traffic signals: when to go, when to be cautious, and when to stop.

It helps me realize that God has done much the same for me in terms of how to live my life in this world. He has given so many green lights for my life: live in community, listen to Him, talk to Him, help others, live with joy and purpose. He has even given me some red lights so that I do not wreck my life: do not covet, watch my temper, control my lust. He even has some yellow caution lights: watch how much I drink, watch my ego, be smart with the company I keep.

And every one of these is so my life will be better. Just as I am wise to pay attention to traffic lights when I am driving, I am wise to pay attention to the "life signals" given me by my Creator. If you would like to visit about God's life plan for you, write me at steve@hopeforlife.org. Or join our blog discussion at www.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!

Am I Lucky ... Or What?

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500

"Boy, you are one lucky fella." That’s what the policeman told me when he was evaluating the wreck. I had been stopped at a red light when a car ran into the back of my pickup. There was no sound of brakes and no skid marks. She hit hard enough to cave in the front of her car and deploy the airbag. It was such a violent collision that my spare tire was knocked from underneath the truck. The frame was even bent from the force of the collision. And I was not hurt. I was not even sore. I had absolutely no discomfort from the accident. The medics and police kept asking me if I was sure I was not hurt. Everyone kept talking about how lucky I was.

But my truck was totaled. I was going to have to find a new one. I worked out what I thought I could pay -- how much per month and for how long. Then I began to shop around. The dealer I usually work with had a demo they were ready to sell. And in this economic climate there were a couple of other discounts available. So I figured out what I would have to receive for my totaled vehicle for the deal to work. The salesman did not think I would get what I needed. But I did. Most people would call that "dumb luck."

I would agree with both of these assessments except for one thing: I am a Christian. I often pray for God to protect me on my travels. When I began shopping for another truck, I prayed that God would help me find the right vehicle that would be reliable but keep me fiscally responsible. I believed my truck had belonged to God and I promised Him the next one would also.

Everyone operates with a world view that enables them to "make sense" of what happens in this world. Some believe in dumb luck; others call it blind fate. I believe in God. I believe God is active in this world for His people. He wants you to be one of those people. He wants you so much that He sent his Son Jesus to this earth to provide a way for you to get to Him.

So how did God work in my situation? I do not know that I completely understand. If I did, I would be God ... and I am not. But it makes more sense to me that God was at work rather than attribute all that to luck. If you would like to know more about a relationship with a God that is real and active in your world, write me at steve@hopeforlife.org and let’s talk. Or join the discussion at our blog on www.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!

Another Epidemic

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It happens periodically in our world. There is an outbreak of some disease that threatens to become an epidemic. People get nervous, then worried, and some even panic. I do not. It is not because I think I am immune to any disease. But I do not worry.

This time it is Swine Flu. Athletic contests have been canceled, travel has been restricted, and the medical community is on alert. I have no idea what will happen this time. This may become a full fledged epidemic endangering thousands and resulting in hundreds of deaths. Or it may subside and become a footnote in the annals of medical care. But as I write this, even the medical experts seem unsure of what will happen. There is incredible uncertainty.

So where do you turn to secure your future? You could look to the knowledge of our medical community but they seem unable to assure us that they can offer adequate protection. They are not sure if it will become an epidemic, or how to control it if it does. I have heard of swine flu for years but this has caught everyone off guard. All of the science and all of the knowledge in our society may not be enough to protect us.

Maybe money is the answer. If someone can accumulate enough money, surely they can buy some sort of protection. But this strain of flu strikes without regard to economic status. And no matter how much money you scrape together, you cannot buy protection from this illness. So maybe the answer is just to trust in luck. Or fate. Or karma. Of course, there are no guarantees with any of these. The future still remains just as uncertain.

So why am I not worried? It is because my future is guaranteed. I trust God more than science, money, or luck. He has the power to spare me if He so chooses. And if I get swine flu and die, I go to heaven and live forever. It is popular in our culture to dismiss the security Christians claim in Jesus. But in times like these, it seems to me to be the most secure future of all.

I believe it. If you are looking for something you can count on, write me at steve@hopeforlife.org, and let’s talk. 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.

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!

Just Watch the Ball

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I love sports. I enjoy playing them and watching them. I especially enjoy watching three and four year olds play ball. I remember teaching my children to play ball when they were young, and now I am watching my grandchildren start to play ball. After watching preschool teams for thirty years, I am convinced nothing is as cute, or as frustrating, as teaching them how to play soccer or baseball.

An airplane passing overhead can bring the whole game to a stop. Flowers are somehow much more interesting than what is going on in the game. Friends must be waved at, parents must be located, and outfits adjusted. Sometimes I wonder if they even realize there is such a thing as a ball ... much less what its function might be. I have watched soccer players run up and down the field for an entire game without once knowing where the ball was. If the other kids ran, so did they. I cannot count the times a slowly hit ball has rolled past three fielders and not a one of them even noticed. I have witnessed powerful swings of the bat that did not come within two feet of the ball -- and the ball was sitting on a tee. Of course, the batter had his eyes tightly shut.

So here is my coaching advice for preschool soccer and baseball: just focus on one thing. Do not try to explain strategy, or even all the rules. Just teach them to watch the ball. They will learn the rest later. If they do not get this basic principle down, they will never learn to play well. It works in soccer. If they learn to watch the ball, they will kick it more often. It works in baseball also. Watch the ball and you will hit it. Watch the ball and you will catch it. It is the basic principle in sports. Just watch the ball. Interestingly enough, that basic principle never changes in sports no matter how old you get.

The same principle works for learning about Jesus. If you do not know much about Jesus and his followers, it sure looks confusing. What is all the activity about, what are all the rules, and is there a strategy I need to know? Let me encourage you to focus on the one thing that really matters: Jesus. He died for the things we have done that were wrong, he was buried, and God raised him from the dead. Focus on that and the rest will begin to make sense. And if you miss that, nothing else will ever make sense.

That is still good advice for those of us who have been following Jesus for a long time. Focus on the one important thing. Jesus.

If you would like to explore this idea more, write me at steve@hopeforlife.org. Or check out our blog at www.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!

It Is Not News

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Does faith heal? A major American news magazine just devoted a recent issue to this question. There was a balanced presentation of all sides of the question. It is clear that to some degree a person of faith heals quicker, lives longer, and lives healthier. Some are convinced that the data is being misinterpreted, that there must be other factors at work that have not been identified. Others assume that the benefits of faith are psychological: that is, if you believe strongly enough in something, you may feel better because you are convinced in your mind that you will.

However, it is evident that faith plays some role in health and healing. I am not surprised by these findings. I am a Christian. I know God heals. But I am not a Christian because it makes me healthier. Or wealthier. Or wiser. I am a Christian because I believe that there is a God who loves me and who sent a Son to this earth so I could live forever. My faith is not about how I can use it to make my life better. It is about believing in what God has already done for me.

Yes, God does take care of us on this earth. He said:

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up (James 5:14-15).

Science is just now beginning to affirm something we Christians have known for a long time. God acts on behalf of his people. I am never surprised when science “discovers” that what God said in the Bible is true. My faith does not depend on what scientists decide. I am convinced that God is who he says he is.

As a Christian, I know that God is the One who heals. When I am sick, I ask Him for healing. If he grants health, I acknowledge Him. If not, it is His decision and I still acknowledge Him as God. My faith is what allows me to trust God with my health. And I trust Him with my health just like with everything else in my life.

If you would like to explore this idea of faith more, check out 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!

Big Fish and Lost Worms

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I recently spent three days fishing with my son at a lake famous for its large bass. We had a great time and caught lots of fish. As we visited with the other fisherman, we realized we also caught more big bass than anyone else. However, there was one oddly embarrassing fact we discovered. We lost more plastic worms than anyone else. We hung them on trees, rocks, and logs. Sometimes we had to break them off, sometimes they were simply unreachable.

We cast those worms into places where it was very difficult for us to see. It was not easy or comfortable. It cost us a number of plastic worms to fish where we did. We could have fished the easy places and still caught a number of fish. So why take the hard and difficult way? Because that was where the fish we wanted to catch were located. We followed a simple rule: to catch big fish, you need to be where they are. So we fished in the hard to get to places, the places others did not go.

It occurs to me that is exactly what God did when he wanted to “catch” me. He sent his Son Jesus into the hard place to find me. It was difficult and it was costly. God is holy and perfect. I am not. There are so many things I should have done and did not; so many things I should not have done, and did. So God sent his perfect Son to where I live so he could find me. Jesus left heaven so he could find me. He died so my failures would not be held against me, and I could live forever in the presence of God and his son.

I am so grateful that God took the initiative to come after me. He found me. He caught me. I am so grateful that I will spend the rest of my life "fishing" for others so they can know the good news that God sent his Son ... to catch them.

If you want to know more about the God who loved you so much that he came after you, then contact me at steve@hopeforlife.org. 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.

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!