A Life Worth Living!

There were eight children in the Windsor home growing up on the farm. As you can imagine, there were few dull moments around our house! There was also never a lack of kids to help clean stalls, hoe weeds in the garden, feed the chickens, cows and horses, as well as mow the yard or haul some hay when needed – whether we wanted to or not. At the time, our world seemed pretty small.

Recently, I crossed another birthday milestone and as I look back, I’m amazed at the number of people that I have crossed paths with over the years. Yes, I’m an evangelist and travel quite a bit, but my wife, Nancy, was a teacher for fifteen plus years prior to our getting married. I am amazed at the number of people she knows just through her association with the school where she taught. When we stop and think about it, the number of people we have the potential of influencing grows exponentially over the years no matter where we live. Many of my childhood friends, including myself, moved away from the town where we grew up, but the Internet has made it easier than ever before to keep up with old friends and family.

We’ve all been given one life to live and most of us don’t realize the number of people watching how we live our lives—me included. Jesus Christ shares with us in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Some people today have been through tremendous challenges and may not feel like there is any light left, or that they have much of a life to share with others. But, the Scriptures are clear in Psalm 139:14, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

We are all made “in the image of God,” according to Genesis 1:27, so even when life stinks God has a plan and wants you to know that you are special to Him. You are unique and that uniqueness can speak volumes to others around you when you let God have preeminence in your life. Your life is a great gift from God—not just to you, but also to those around you. So live life to the fullest—it’s worth it!  

Can I Pray For You?

I recently had the opportunity to experience a divine appointment—much by surprise. I was enjoying breakfast at a hotel in Louisiana where I was staying with my family. I noticed the lady taking care of the food for some reason, although there wasn’t anything specific that stood out about her. However, I just couldn’t get her off my mind. It was as though the Holy Spirit was nudging me that she needed prayer. Since we all need prayer I didn’t really think a lot about this but said a quick prayer for her and thought I was through.

However, the Lord had other plans. All during my meal and even while reading the news and catching up on emails and planning needs I could not get this lady out of my mind. It wasn’t a pounding invitation or anything verbal—just constant gentle nudges that something was wrong. So after I cleaned up my table and threw away my trash, I approached this lady in the doorway to the kitchen and said: “I was just wondering if there was anything I could pray with you about today?”

Most people would just try to be nice and say something to get past the awkwardness of a total stranger asking them if he or she could pray for them. I often share that I’m a minister so that helps sometimes. But, today I was shocked—and relieved—when Betty asked in unbelief: “For me?” I said yes and shared that I was a minister and just felt like I needed to ask her if she needed prayer today. Betty began to tell me that her children had disowned her and that she had been through some very difficult days.

I held her hand and told her that I would be praying for her, but also that God wanted her to know that He loved her and cared enough to send someone to pray for her. Betty was so moved she asked if she could give me a hug and right then, Betty and I joined the Holy Spirit in a group hug. I never realized how much it could mean to a person to know that somebody—and especially God—cares about them. So the next time you can’t get rid of an urge to pray for someone, go ahead and step out of your comfort zone. You may just be God’s answer to someone’s prayers.

God’s best,

Dr. Marshall M. Windsor

Is That All There Is?

Well, the stockings are gone and the presents too. The tree has come down and packed away until next year. My wallet’s a little thinner and my bills seem to have grown as I work to pay what’s due after the Christmas gift harvest has ended. So what can I share with my children and others to ensure the real reason for the season is not forgotten? How can I address the need to place the light of the gospel above the light of Rudolf’s red nose? With all the marketing tactics of Christmas past, present, and future, it may indeed take a miracle to make sure Christ reigns supreme after all the militant shoppers have gone home and infomercials quit dancing in our heads like visions of sugarplums (according to a favorite Christmas bedtime story).

The apostle Peter gives us some sage advice about this to some degree. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter states (ESV): “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” There is something about God’s Word, spoken in a spirit of gentleness and respect—or as the King James Version of Scripture states: “with meekness and fear,” that has a powerful effect on other people.

Material things will always fail to bring continued fulfillment over time. So we all need to be ready when God provides divine opportunities for us to speak an encouraging word to someone who lacks the fullness that comes in a relationship with our heavenly Father. We must speak with a spirit of gentleness, meekness, respect, and godly fear. If God graciously gives us an opportunity to represent Him in this divine moment, we need to make sure we bring His gentle Spirit into that moment.

Over the years I’ve enjoyed all the Christmas stories—spiritual and not so spiritual. I enjoy them because they evoke a spirit of selflessness and remind me of Christ's sacrificial gift to us all. The stories of Christmas convey a sense of giving to others and helping people in their time of need. So now that Christmas is over, pray that God will give you opportunities to share why you had such a great time over the holidays. You had the privilege of celebrating the gift that changed your life forever…and His name is Jesus Christ.

God's best to you!

Marshall M. Windsor, D.Min.