Hi, this is Nurie. I thought I’d take a moment to share my heart with you….

Title: “Are We a Counterfeit Christian, or are we the REAL Thing?” I often challenge myself with the question, “Am I a real Christian?” In other words, do I appear to others as a godly person, but God sees me as someone who is dirty and unrighteous inside. I thank Jesus that His blood covers my sin. Yet, I never want to willingly LIVE in sin.

Sometimes it can be easy to fall into a rut of just acting out the Christian life. So many times people will act like a godly person in front of other Christians, but then behind closed doors, or in a worldly atmosphere, they act a totally different way.

Why is this? How can people change so quickly? I believe when this happens, it is because it is not in the depths of their heart to want to please God with their life.

Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.”

In the human life, we tend to focus more on the outward man more than the inward man. I have often found myself thinking too much about what others think of me. When I put my self confidence in man, I begin to struggle with thoughts of worry and my insides feels like they are tied up in a big knot.

Satan LOVES to find ways to distract the Christian and when Satan can get us to be more focused on what others think of us, rather than what GOD thinks, he has gotten a big foothold in our hearts.

I have found that when I am struggling in this area, it is harder for me to read my Bible, pray and listen to preaching because my mind is filled with distracting thoughts. I have come to the conclusion that one of the reasons Christians are falling so quickly to the standard of this world, is because they devote themselves to the image they set before men rather than God.

If it is truly in the DEPTHS of our hearts to want to please God, then we will not care what others think. If we are looked upon as the odd-ball, or hated for taking a righteous stand; may we remind ourselves that it is an honor to be hated for the LORD’s sake.

Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Luke 6:22 “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.”

I want to say that I am not an expert at this. I have only been around for 20 years. I still have a lot to learn, for it is only by God’s grace that I do not stumble and fall.

But, I have some amazing examples to look up to. It would be an honor to point out who a few of those people are.

First, I would like to say, that my parents have been such an encouragement to me in this area. They never drop their standards and beliefs so that they can “fit in” with what everyone else is doing around them. Also, my parents are not hypocrites. They live out what they teach us and they are true Christians to the core of their souls. When I look at all the sacrifices they have made to give us children a godly upbringing, my heart is filled with gratitude to them. I realize how blessed I am. I know there are many others who wish they had parents like this.

It saddens me to see how rare it is to find parents that are passionate about raising up their children for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. It also saddens me to see so many people that were raised in a godly, Christian home take for granted what they were given. They just throw away the great gift they have, and decide to live a life that is not pleasing to our precious Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“Thank you”, Daddy and Mama, for all you have given me!”

Secondly, I would like to point out my wonderful Grandpa and Grandma Noyes. They have set the perfect example of faithfulness. It is such a blessing to have grandparents I can look up to and see that all they have tried to do with their whole lives is to please God. I am thankful to have a godly heritage.

Thirdly, I would like to say what an inspiration my Aunt Amy has been to me in my life. She is truly someone who cares only what God thinks of her. In the midst of her suffering, and not having the use of her hands or legs, she continues to press onward for the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of allowing herself to wallow in discouragement, self-pity, or depression, she rises up and determines to choose joy. So many people in our world today, use their physical or spiritual attacks as an excuse to give up living a godly, passionate life. I want to thank Aunt Amy, Uncle Kevin, and all the Foster children for continuing to live righteously even in the midst of tragedy and hardship. You are such a good example to me and many others.

Lastly (but certainly NOT least) I want to thank my Heavenly Father who sets the perfect example in every area of life. When humans fail and disappoint me, I am thankful for a God who will never fail or forsake me. I often wonder why so many people blame God for so many bad things that happen when God is the One Who has given us hope and joy in this sinful world. If it was not for the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ, we would be hopeless, homeless, lost and dying a spiritual death.

If there is anyone reading this that is not saved, I BEG of you to accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour today!

II Corinthians 6:2 “For he sayeth, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

“I thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me from my sins when I was only 4 years old on November 7, 2003.” What a GLORIOUS day that was!

May we all be encouraged to strive to be REAL Christians. I do not want the Lord looking down at me and seeing a warm, and mediocre Christian. God is not pleased with that.

Revelation 3: 15 & 16 “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

May I and all of us, come before God with humble hearts and ask Him to help us be the kind of Christian that He would be pleased with.

“Oh, precious Lord and Saviour, I ask that you would help me and all the other Christians in this world to stand up and have courage to do what is right. May we not give in to the fleshly things of this world or the temptations that Satan will bring our way. Help those who are being persecuted for Your name’s sake to and give them strength to keep pressing onward.
Oh, Lord, please put your loving hand around people who are struggling with physical and spiritual sickness.
May we never use hard times as an excuse to stop serving you as we should. I beg of you, Lord, to help me never let pride get in the way of my worship to you.”
Give us a spiritual awakening and revival throughout the world. Open our eyes and help us realize how worthless we would be without the blood of Jesus Christ. Give us boldness that we may spread the Gospel to every creature. Raise up more generations of Christians who are truly passionate about serving you and are passionate about living a godly life.
Thank you, Lord, for loving me when I am not lovable.
Thank you for giving me the best family a person could ever ask for.
Thank you for allowing me to live in a country where I can freely worship you.
Thank you for all the godly examples you have given me in the Bible and on earth who are heroes of the faith.
Thank you for your Word.
Thank you for providing me with all my needs.
Thank you for giving me legs, arms and hands that work.
Thank you that I can talk, see, hear, touch, feel, taste and smell. Thank you for giving me good health.
I could go on and on with all that you have blessed me with, but there is just not enough time.
Lastly, thank you for my salvation…the greatest blessing of all. Lord, may I always remember that I only have one short life; so help me to live it for you! In Jesus Name, Amen.”

With Love, Nurie Rodrigues