Articles by Steve Ridgell at Heartlight

My Cell Phone Doesn't Work

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Those were the first words my father-in-law said when we walked in the door. It had stopped working, and he wanted to know why. That was all the proof he needed that cell phones were not everything they claimed to be. He never really wanted one anyway, but we insisted. We thought he needed it in the truck, up at the farm, out in the yard. It was portable and a great thing to have if something happened and he needed help. He didn’t think he needed it. It was inconceivable to him that he would need it.
Besides, he did not understand how it worked. He had a really hard time realizing that if he wanted to talk to me on my cell, he did not have to call from his cell. He could use a land line. Unlimited minutes through our shared plan must be too good to be true. So he used his phone as little as possible and was as brief as possible. He still cannot retrieve any messages he gets, nor does he want to.
But now all of his suspicions and fears were proved correct. The phone quit working. And he made it clear that he had plugged it in so that was not the problem. It was just dead. It had quit working. So my wife went over, got his phone, and … turned it on. Somehow he had turned it off.
I was giving my wife a hard time about all of this until she reminded me that up until a few months ago I had very similar feelings about texting. I did not understand it, did not want to use it, and saw absolutely no benefit in it. I didn’t even want to try it. To be honest, I think my father-in-law and I both were scared of something we did not understand and did not think we needed – until we tried it. Now I think texting is a wonderful way to communicate and he uses his cell phone all the time. And that is why he was in crisis when it did not work.
It made me think about how some people think about Christianity. They do not think they need it, they do not understand how it works, and it seems too good to be true. But when they try it out, they find out they had no idea what they were missing. Their life makes sense. They find peace, joy, purpose, and hope. Until something goes wrong. They see a spiritual leader struggle with sin, or they get their first taste of persecution, or the trials of life are still there. And they suddenly think all of their previous fears and concerns are now validated. What is needed at that time is a Christian to come alongside and show how to get connected again to Jesus. Someone who understands and can help.
So if you are one of those that tried the Jesus way but gave up because you thought it would not work for you, I would love to help you connect to someone who would be honored to help you take another look. Some of us have been where you are. We remember and we can help. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.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)

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!

This Year I Will Get One Resolution Right ...

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Here we are, just a few days into the New Year, and many of us are already lamenting the fact that we have failed to keep our resolutions. New Year’s resolutions consist of two truths: most of us make them, and then we break them. In fact, the people that fail to make resolutions have generally learned from experience that they are hard to keep, so why bother.
But shouldn’t resolutions be hard to keep? If they involved behavior that was easy, we would not have to make a resolution in the first place. Most resolutions require real work. Yet every year we make them. We do it at New Year’s. We do it at birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. We make them because we want to be better. We want to be healthier. We long to be people who make a difference. We desire to be better mates, parents, and friends.
So this year I have determined to keep my list of resolutions short. I am making just one: I am resolved to know Jesus Christ and him crucified. That’s it. That is the one and only thing I am resolved to do this year. If you are a Christian, you may recognize this as something the apostle Paul said. If you are not a Christian, let me share with you why it is the perfect resolution.
1. Knowing Jesus will make me a better man, a better husband, a better father, and a better friend. He left me an example of how to live in this world and how to treat people. Jesus teaches me how to love people.
2. Knowing Jesus makes everything new. Christians are a new creation. They have a new life. The old life is gone, forgiven, and washed away. Jesus allows you to have the perfect do-over.
3. Jesus restores the broken resolution. As long as we stay focused on following Jesus, we do not have to be perfect. In fact, we will not be. We know it, and God knows it. But the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us. Just stay focused on Jesus, the light of the world. Perpetual newness.

I believe the three things listed above. They have proven true in my life. I believe they can be proven true in yours. As for me, I actually make this one resolution each and every day. Just to know Jesus, and to remember that he died for my sins. I would be honored to visit with you about how this can be true in your life. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.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)

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 Do You Do with Jesus at Christmas?

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

It is a strange question, but one that perplexes many people this time of year: what do you do with Jesus at Christmas? Is this a religious or a secular holiday? Since this year Christmas falls on a Sunday, do you go to church or open presents around the tree? Or both? How do you treat friends who insist that Jesus is the reason for the season? What about friends who do not believe in Jesus? How do you combine Santa Claus, baby Jesus, reindeer, and wise men into one season? What do people do with Jesus this time of year?

1. Ignore him. Xmas instead of Christmas. Trees and stockings, but not nativity scenes. “Deck the Halls”, but not “Away in a Manger”. Read The Night Before Christmas, but not Matthew 1 and 2.
2. Be a little religious. Be nicer to people. Focus on giving, not getting. Show up at church on Christmas day, or at least Christmas Eve. Make a charitable donation or two. Give some presents to the underprivileged. Include going to church and being a better person with your New Year’s Resolutions.
3. Keep Jesus a baby. Focus on the nativity. Attend the wise men, shepherds, animals, Mary and Joseph pageants. Be sure to go to the ones put on by the little kids. They are cuter than and not as startling as the real event was. This approach does not seem to recognize that the baby grew up and died on a cross. So save that for Easter weekend.
4. Celebrate Jesus just like you do every day. Realize that Jesus did not come to earth so we could celebrate a birthday. He came to save us from our sins. That is the good news. He was born to die. He was raised to live. Jesus is not the reason for the season. He is the reason for every season.

As for me, I am happy to celebrate Jesus at Christmas… and in January, and in spring, and summer… and well, every day. If the holiday season has caused you to wonder what to do about Jesus, I would enjoy discussing it with you. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.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)

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!

Stray Dogs and Jesus

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

I like people who take in strays. I recently preached a funeral for a friend who loved stray dogs. He was drawn to dogs that had been abandoned and hurt. He liked to love them, heal them, and make them into functioning pets. My children had that same heart for stray animals, especially my daughter. She would bring home every stray dog and cat she came across. She thought all they needed was a good home with lots of love. Everything else could be fixed.
Of course, every stray dog cannot be healed. Some were too far gone physically, while others never could function in a healthy environment. It was as if they did not want anything better. But they got a chance at a new and different life … a life where they were valued and loved. And some of them did make it. They lived a long time as healthy pets. Loved by a family, and loving their family.
It makes me think about Jesus and people – you and me. I think in many ways we are like stray dogs in this world. Some of us feel unloved, beat down by life, unworthy to belong to a family. Others of us function well in this world, but realize that we are not worthy enough – good enough – to be part of God’s world. God is perfect and holy. We are not. Spiritually we are unlovable, hungry, mangy, and slinking through life with our tail between our legs.
But God sent His Son into this world to bring strays like us into His family. God loves us, offers us a home and a family, and gives us value. Jesus, God’s own Son, died on the cross so we could become part of God’s family. He makes the stray part of the family. It seems too good to be true. Maybe that is what some stray dogs think when they are rescued. Why would someone love them, feed them, pet them, and give them a home? It is because people like my friend and my daughter have a heart for strays.
Why would God send His Son into this dark world to find someone like me? Why would He offer me a home and a family? It is because He has a heart for stray people like I used to be. And I love God and Jesus because they found me when I was not lovable. They are looking for you. It seemed too good to be true, but I believed it. And it changed me forever. You can make that choice too.
I would love to share more of the God who loves you so much He sent His Son to find you. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.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)

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!

New Roofs and Jesus

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

All the houses in my neighborhood are getting new roofs. A recent hailstorm did significant damage and there have been scores of roofing companies working the area to get business. I spent many years in the roofing business so I enjoy watching the way roofers do their business. And I see a great many parallels to how Christians go about God’s business.
The best way to get a roofing job is by a good referral. I always counted on the quality of my work to get additional roofs. It works the same way for Christians. The way you live your life is your referral. Jesus has made all the difference in my life and it is easy to see that. As a Christ follower, I am the evidence of God’s workmanship.
The real test of a new roof is how it holds up during the first storm. The real test of a Christian is his testimony during the storms of life. I never promised that my roofs would not have any problems, but I did promise that I would fix any problems. That is exactly how Jesus has worked in my life. Christians are not exempt from life’s problems, but we are confident in the One who fixes our problems.
I even think some people approach their Christian life the way some people roof houses. Some just shingle over what is already there. This way is easy and cheaper than tearing off the old roof and replacing it with new shingles. But sometimes the old shingles cause problems for the new roof. That is the way some would live their Christian life. They want the easiest, cheapest way to follow Jesus. Trying to live a new life without getting rid of the old life is not going to work well. It cannot.
I have even known roofers to tear off the edges of the old roof and then put new shingles down. At first glance it seems right, but it is an illusion. They want it to appear as if the old roof has been removed but in reality it has not been. Some try that approach with Jesus. They want to look different while still clinging to their old life. It does not work.
The best way to have a new roof is to first remove the old one. Then replace it with new shingles. That is what Jesus wants to do for you. He wants to tear away the old life with its problems and pain and then replace it with a new life of hope, peace, joy, and purpose. Every time I see an old roof being torn off, I am reminded that my old life of bad choices and failures has been done away with. And the new roof reminds me that I am created new in Jesus.
I would enjoy visiting with you about the new life that Jesus offers. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.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)

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!

God Does Not Fix Everyone

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

One of my favorite phrases is this: God is the great fixer. I believe that God is the fixer, healer, restorer of broken hearts, shattered relationships, and meaningless lives. There are wonderful stories you can read in the Bible of David, a man after God’s own heart, who battled anger, lust, and pride. Or of Peter, the man who preached the first sermon after Jesus died and was raised. This is the same Peter who two months earlier cried bitterly after he denied knowing Jesus. Have a Christian tell you the story of Legion, the Samaritan woman at the well, Bartimaeus, or the woman caught in adultery.
Today, I know alcoholics made sober, sexually immoral made pure, greedy people made generous, and angry people made sweet. I have seen broken marriages restored, wasted lives given meaning, and people with no hope find purpose. I have seen lonely people find belonging. I have seen the hungry fed, the sick healed, and orphans and widows become part of a family.
God is a great fixer.
But not always.
Read the story of Cain who murdered his brother and was driven from his family. Or the story of Saul whose arrogance and jealousy caused him to lose his family, his kingdom, and eventually to commit suicide. Learn about the rich young man who left Jesus sad because he valued his money more than God. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead by God because they lied to Him.
And I know marriages that ended in divorce. I know bitter, angry, hateful people who have no hope. I know alcoholics who have destroyed relationships. I know people who have died all alone. These people knew about God and Jesus. They were not fixed.
Every one of those people that God fixed were those that turned to God, cried out to God, begged God to enter their life and do whatever it took to be fixed. And He did.
Every one of those people that were not fixed rejected God, ignored God, turned away from God, or left God. Or they refused to do what God asked of them. So he didn’t fix them.
So some people God fixes… some He doesn’t. What makes the difference?
It is a choice. Our choice.
He can fix you. I know because He fixed me. It’s your choice.
If you want to talk about making that choice, write me steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.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)

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!

Church Is a Wellness Center ... Not Just a Hospital

steve@hopeforlife.org (Steve Ridgell) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

We Christians often make the statement that the church is a hospital for sinners. We mean that to be a warm and inviting description for any of you who do not know Jesus. It is our attempt to say that we are not perfect, but forgiven. It is an effort to say that messy lives are welcome in our midst. It is our confession that we often have messy lives too. It is a plea for you to know that we are a place of hope for the hopeless, a community for the lonely, a place of healing for the broken, a place of joy for the heartsick, a people of peace in a world at war, and a church of purpose for the life without meaning.
But we are not just a hospital, we are also a wellness center. If we have given the impression that church is simply a place where everyone is broken, wounded, or hurting … then we have misled you. We are a place where people like this can come. In fact, many of us were like that when we first showed up. But we do not stay like that. Church is where healing happens. It is where broken lives are restored. It is where joy, peace, purpose, and hope can be found.
Yes, church is a place where critical care for spiritually wounded people takes place. And sometimes those of us in church find ourselves in need of emergency spiritual care. We still have struggles with living out our faith and we still battle with Satan. But most of us are in the wellness center, not the hospital. We are learning together how to live as healthy followers of Jesus. We are learning how to extend care to each other and to those who wish to join our community.
So in one of our churches, you will see people who are bleeding from the wounds inflicted by a hard world of sin and trouble. They are receiving emergency care. You will see people with bandages and wounds that are still healing. They are receiving ongoing care. But what you will see more than anything else is those of us with scars. We are healed. We are healthy. The scars are our reminder of the God who heals. It reminds us of how God saves. And they remind the wounded that they too will be healed. Just like we have been.
If you are looking for spiritual healing, I would enjoy visiting with you. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or join the blog discussion at www.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)

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!