Driving home this afternoon after having lunch with my ninety-one year old mother-in-law, a true saint of God, my brain was alive with thoughts.I couldn’t wait to get to the computer to download the wonderful nuggets that were filling my mind to overflowing.
I could not type fast enough to keep up with the inspiring thought process of God’s prompting.Everything that came to me hinged on faith, whether seed faith or childlike faith.Faith was the message.
I believe the measure of faith that a person operates in is dependent upon how much they actually are willing to seek God for.What I mean by this; it is easy to “just get along” as it were.We must hold out for the full measure of faith that is available to those that believe in God who are the called according to His purpose.
Most everyone has faith that the sun is going to rise each morning and that things will continue in a routine, repeat performance as they had done the day before—such is life; such is faith.
I want you to catch a glimpse of faith that goes beyond everyday occurrences; to open your mind to the spiritual realm where eye cannot see, nor ear hear the things that are going on in the spirit world—the place where the Trinity operates—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
I passed from death unto life at the moment I invited Jesus into my heart in 1969.Old things passed away and all things became new in Him.I was a new creature, because of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross for all of humanity.
Though I was still in the physical world after my conversion, I now opened myself to the spiritual world of faith when I accepted God’s son as the perpetuation for my sins.I didn’t see Him; I just knew that if I asked for forgiveness that God would forgive me.This is faith, but how did I get it?
The Bible says in (Romans ) that faith comes from the Word of God.I had knowledge of Jesus, which was imparted to me in some way from the Bible, either through someone telling me or by me reading it for myself.Faith came from the Bible—God’s Word.It provides the needed light in a world that is dark with sin.
(Romans ), “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
(Psalm 119:105), “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
When a person receives the Spirit of God, does that person receive a portion of His Spirit, or all of Him?I have heard people pray, “Give me a double portion of your Spirit,” which leaves a thought that there is even more of God’s Spirit left to give after a double portion has been granted.
I believe that I received all of God, the fullness of the Godhead, when He entered my soul; not His partial presence. Seeing that I have all of God, I should believe (have faith) that I am able to be God’s hand extended, totally, not just part of His hand or a portion of His voice speaking truth, but the full richness of His glory.
Peter and John had faith that the fullness of the Holy Spirit dwelt within them when they looked upon a man that was lame from his mother’s womb and carried and laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those entering the temple.
Without hesitation, Peter said to the man, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you:In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”He took him by the hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.(Acts 3:1-10)
They knew the power of Jesus’ name and acted upon this knowledge (faith).The man was immediately healed as he leaped up, stood, and walked into the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.
“Why did miracles happen then and not now?” you might ask.“Why are Christians so timid to respond to the needs of others?Why do Believers, through their lack of reaching out, not have faith as in days gone by to do the things the disciples did?Why do many Christians fail to realize the full and total power that dwells within them?” At times I ponder these questions and more.
First of all, faith comes from reading the Bible; secondly, it takes putting oneself out there to be viewed as strange, weird, or worst yet, a Christian, while the eyes of the world look on.Does embarrassment enter into this scenario somewhere?
(Luke 9:26), “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.”
It is easier for Christians to hold back and close their eyes rather than seeing the need, because they lack faith to act upon what God is telling them to do.Some ask themselves, “Will God do it, or will I look stupid when He doesn’t?”This question alone negates faith and waters it down in our spiritual walk with the Lord.
Peter and John saw the need; they knew they had the answer within them, and then acted upon their compassion to see the man made whole.They had mustard seed faith and put it into action.
(Luke 17:5-6), “And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ ” vs.6 “So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.’ ”
(Matthew 17:20-21), “…I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”vs.21 “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
My spirit is stirring within me to seek God through reading more of His Word; to get back to the childlike faith I had in my youth.Mom and Dad taught me at an early age to believe God for healing when they prayed for me, which He did.God was always faithful.In my mind, as a child, it was as simple as…pray, believe (faith) and receive.
My mother-in-law has this kind of faith.Oh, to have faith in God as she; but it comes with a price.She rises early every morning and spends time with God in prayer and faithfully reads the Bible.She is a “prayer warrior” that sees miracles, because her faith moves the hand of God.
When Believers step out in mustard seed faith, things happen.If results fail to take place, we have done our part as God expected us to do.We must then leave it in His providence to do what His will dictates.He is God and His plan is perfect in all things.
When we feel God moving in our heart to do something, we must be in a place with Him to obey.This comes through prayer and supplication.Mustard seed faith will come as we read His Word.
(James 4:17), “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
“No! No! I refuse to hear the words that you are telling me!”These were my thoughts when word came that my sister, nine years my senior, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.We had already lost our mother and father to this dreadful disease though it had not yet been established that it was cancer that she had, but in my heart I feared the worse.I asked myself, “Why my sister?Why is our family once again being attacked by hell itself?”
After many doctor visits and M.R.I. scans, a date was scheduled for surgery at the Kaiser facilities in Sacramento.The day finally arrived and I drove from the city where I reside to Sacramento.
My heart was aching for my sister.Such a beautiful lady; why did something like this have to come upon her?It was hard to grasp what was happening.I could not reason in my mind why.There was no answer that could ease my concerns.
After parking my car in the large parking lot outside the hospital, I walked through the double swinging doors leading to the lobby.I was greeted with a familiar odor that I had smelled in another Kaiser hospital in Martinez, California several years prior.
I too had surgery for a growth located in the soft pallet of my mouth that was malignant.I distinctly remembered this smell as it again filled my nostrils; bringing back solemn memories of frustration, anxiety, and fear.Reflecting back, I relived the sensations that I had experienced that day—they were not fond memories.
As my wife and I walked closely together, I knew what she was thinking without her saying anything.The countenance on her face said it all.Drawing closer to the elevators I wanted to break and run, and hide my face in my hands hoping that this was just a horrible nightmare.I wanted it to go away, but it was no dream, reality was upon us—my sweet sister had a growth in her brain and today was the day it was going to be removed.That was the reality.
Getting off of the elevator we were directed by some of the family members through a door that led into the surgery preparation room where I saw my sis laying on a gurney with her head covered with a light blue towel.As her eyes met mine I was reliving something that happened before—déjà vu—Mom’s surgery.
Sis tried to smile, but I looked past her pale lips and saw fear staring back at me.It was the same look that I had seen in my mother’s eyes just before she went into surgery so many years ago.
As I approached my sister I kept asking myself, “What can I say?What words can I speak that will ease her troubled mind?”She was looking directly at me now with her right hand outstretched.It was all I could do to hold back the tears.I wanted to scream out, “Everything is going to be alright!”I wanted to throw my arms around her, lift her up, and steal her away to protect her from the very thing that had taken our mother.
I wanted to lay my head on her breast and have her stroke my head and tell me that everything was going to be alright—how selfish of me.All these thoughts were going through my head, but instead, I just smiled and took her hand in mine and said nothing.What can one say at a time like this?
I knew that she knew I was there for her; praying and believing God for a miracle.I also knew, though words were few, that her trust was in someone bigger that both of us.He would see her through this day.He would give her peace in this time of storm.God in His mercy would prevail.This is what she imparted to me through her touch.This is what she gave to her little brother in her darkest hour.Thank you, Sis.
The hours spent in the waiting room seemed like an eternity.I was surrounded by family members and friends that came from afar.I fought off negative thoughts and replaced them with thoughts of hope and healing.
It wasn’t until the surgeon slowly walked into the room; rounded shoulders; exhausted from the many hours in surgery; that I truly realized how frightened I was.As he began to speak I could hardly hear him, because of the pounding of my heart in my ears.
Did I hear him right?“Speak up!”I wanted to say.Was he sharing words of encouragement and hope?Then I saw my brother-in-law’s eyes light up like the sun peaking out from behind a black, cloud; announcing that the storm’s passing was nigh at hand.
He almost picked the doctor up off of his tired feet as he threw his big arms around this small-framed man and hugged him with compassion.The operation was a success!It was not cancer! The tumor was encapsulated in just one area!
The doctor was able to remove the growth without having to use a radical incision as he had anticipated that he would have to do.This was made so, because of a new machine that was being used for the first time at this hospital.It showed the surgeon exactly where the tumor was located and exactly how deep he had to make his incision.
The designer of this fabulous machine flew up from Los Angeles to assist the surgeon that day.How could I doubt the miraculous?The date for the surgery was God’s perfect timing.Any sooner and the machine would not have been in service.
After a short time of therapy my sister now walks, talks, and praises God for His never ending love and faithfulness that He so graciously imparted unto her.God loves you Sis, and so do I.
As I write these thoughts, the feeling of walls closing in around us was real, as were the emotions and numbness everyone felt.Through it all, a peace that passes all understanding was with each of us.God was in the operating room and the waiting room.God never forsakes His children—never.In times of need He is always there.
(Philippians 4:6-7), “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”vs.7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Through it all we learned to trust God even more and depend upon His Word.This experience reminds me of the gospel song written by Andrae Crouch; “Through it All.”The lyrics go something like this:
Verse 1
“I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow, there’ve been times I didn’t know right from wrong.But in every situation, God gave me blessed consolation that my trials come to only make me strong.”
Verse 2
“I’ve been to lots of places, I’ve seen a lot of faces, there’ve been times I felt so all alone.But in my lonely hours, yes, those precious lonely hours, Jesus lets me know that I was His own.”
Verse 3
“I thank God for the mountains, and I thank Him for the valleys; I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know God could solve them, I’d never know what faith in God could do.”
Chorus:
“Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God.Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.”
A gentleman by the name of Ray called me last evening to see how I was doing after undergoing surgery to close a small hole in the soft pallet of my mouth.He attends the same church as me.The hole was the result of surgery years ago to remove a cancer in this area. Liquid often entered the hole and food would become lodged, making it very uncomfortable and difficult to remove.
In my anxious moments of wanting complete healing sooner than later, my disappointment quickly turned to discouragement and a feeling of doubt were knocking at the door.I call these obstacles the 3Ds.I was in this state of mind when my friend called.
We need to guard against the 3Ds by sharing our disappointments with God in prayer, confiding with the church pastor, or going to someone that knows God’s Word.These people can help open our eyes to truth before disappointment breeds discouragement and doubt.
I should have shared my concerns with my pastor or a friend, but didn’t.By holding them inside, my emotions plummeted to low ebb.It didn’t happen over night, but allowing it to engulf me over a period of time was my downfall.I thought that I would rise above these feelings, but my anxieties sunk even lower each day.Soon I wanting to make decisions that I knew were wrong, but didn’t care, because of my state of mind.
When times get bad, Christian’s need those of like faith to come to their aid.As members in the body of Christ reach out to those needing help, restoration takes place.Rehabilitation and soundness of mind is renewed, and determination to serve the Lord is rekindled.Communion with God the Father is re-established.In this way, Christians can walk in victory and maintain an abundant life in Christ.
Ray, a godly man, prayed intently for me prior to the reconstructive surgery and has been praying that God would bring complete and total healing to my mouth.He is a walking miracle for he too is a cancer survivor.His great inspiration to me and others speaks loudly the healing power of God Almighty.
This man involves himself in the lives of others.He lends a helping hand where he can, while endeavoring to stay sensitive to the voice of God, ready to share with those around him the wonders that Jesus has done in his life.This precious saint of God is a true testimony of God’s amazing grace.He believes in what he preaches and lives life accordingly.I am blessed to know such a man.
I shared with him some of the concerns that I had regarding the surgery.I was struggling with post surgery nervousness; becoming a bit timid and conservative when attempting to sing, now that I had re-joined the church choir.My zeal and compassion to sing solos had lost momentum from what it was prior to surgery.I was contemplating dropping out of choir altogether even though I knew my ministry was that of singing.
Solo work had been deeply gratifying and rewarding in past years serving God.Though I was aware that my singing blessed others, I was still pondering and mulling over in my mind to give it all up; to throw in the towel of defeat.Doubts had crept into my mind, because things were not going exactly the way I thought they should go after reconstructive surgery, although it had only been four months since the surgery.
After sharing with Ray all that was bothering me, he immediately said, “I’m going to pray for you right now!”The prayer that he prayed was dynamic and powerful.I could feel the Spirit of God all over me.It was as if God was speaking healing into my body and mind the moment he prayed.I felt like an open vessel that God was pouring strength and potency into.
(James 5:16), “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
The depression lifted and my aching spirit became revived again.The power of prayer touched my clouded soul and raised me above the shadows of despair.Hope was renewed, because God’s Spirit flowed through this man’s prayer.It allowed me to climb out of the hole that I had dug for myself, and to once again feel a kindred connection with the Lord.
God knew the flame was growing dim in my soul, so He called upon a man that He could trust; a man that was ready to be used—God’s hand extended.He was ready to encourage and to be a conduit that the Lord could flow through to impart grace where grace was needed.How beautiful and remarkable this is!God is amazing and magnificent!He is an awesome God who loves us with an everlasting love!
Whether a person has been walking with the Lord for a few days or many years, trials find us where we are.Our faith though tested at times; God doesn’t leave us to fight the battles alone.He sends other believers our way to come along side us to provide a shoulder to lean on and a bosom to cry upon.
As men and women of faith share their stories of victories, with arms of compassion tightly wrapped around hurting people, tear filled eyes look into the face of the one sincerely praying for God’s deliverance and they see the beauty of God’s love in them.With strength now flowing and peace descending, they realize how much God truly cares, and they bask in His presence once again.
To lend a helping hand and to be used of God should be every Christian’s desire.Being His hands and arms outstretched to embrace others in need is what I want to do—to be someone that God can call upon when hope is needed to be shared.
I want to be God’s mouthpiece and vocal cords; ready to share God’s Word either in song or through God inspired conversation.By doing so, this will not only enable others to find happiness and fulfillment in their walk with God, it will help me to maintain and keep strong my relationship with the Father.
As in my situation, when faith was waning and waxing cold, God sent a person my way to minister strength to me.When a notion or relentless feeling to pick up the telephone to call someone, or to drop a line of encouragement in the mail does not subside, perhaps it is the voice of God trying to get your attention on behalf of someone in need.He may be prompting you to give of your time; to minister to the person He has lain on your heart.
Never quench the prodding of the Holy Spirit when He beckons you to do something, because encouragement may be needed somewhere.You could be the means of a person rising above a troublesome time in their walk of faith.Be available, sensitive, and quick to respond to the voice of God.Lend a helping hand.Allow God to flow through you.
My friend said that he felt the urge to call me for three days.I’m glad he listened to God.I’m grateful that the Holy Spirit kept dealing with him to do so.His prayer not only brought encouragement and hope to my soul, his act of love strengthened my faith in the knowledge that God was still on the throne and that He cared about me.
Through this man lending a helping hand to God, I was made to realize that my Father in heaven would bring complete restoration to the area of surgery and that He was not through using my singing talent.
It’s no wonder the United States is in the shape that it’s in.How can we expect anything different when people refuse to say no to sin and speak out against it?Uncaring people that sit on the sidelines with their feet propped up and hands tightly clasped behind their head are often the ones that are too lazy to vote when godly men are seeking office.
There are those sitting on their laurels refusing to get involved in state affairs, or city crime prevention, because of indifference.As a result of apathy, the streets of our nation, governmental institutions and agencies, and legislative branches are infested with crooks and scoundrels.
Some segments of society have their tail firmly tucked between their legs, blindly running amuck, unaware of the resulting affects that indifference and lack of involvement have.I’ve never seen such a sight in my life.It reminds me of the three blind mice in the nursery rhyme; and the three monkeys that are sitting next to each other…hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.
Criminals, gang bangers, and crooked politicians are encouraged to spew their putrefying propaganda, via the news media, which is slowly degrading the meaning of honesty and true integrity.Any nation that pays tribute to such degradation of moral values is headed for failure.
Wealthy, wan-a-be politicians crave power more than anything.Many of them speak lies and promise things that they cannot fulfill in order to deceive people.They want to win our confidence, approval, and our vote, at any cost.They are tickling the ears of gullible, naïve citizens.
These so-called politicians that seek positions in city, state, and federal government agencies will stop at nothing to obtain their objective.They confidently spout their agenda and liberal viewpoints that someone else wrote for them, as the news media gives their undivided attention and blessings; receiving them with open arms.
On our city streets, dirt bags are running rampant and spreading infectious behavior among impressionable young people.As they grow in numbers, pulling in vulnerable kids by seducing them with drugs and notoriety for their dasterdly deeds, their infestation breeds contempt for the law.
Dim-witted, money-hungry owners of television networks, wanting higher ratings for programs, put these misfits of society on the airwaves to flaunt their vicious and disgusting escapades without thought of the negative impact and consequences that arise from the interviews.This must stop!Who cares what dishonest politicians and jailed criminals have to say!I don’t!Do you?
When our judicial system fails to enforce mandatory sentencing for criminals, because of dishonest judges, technicalities concerning Miranda Rights, or glitches that restrict prosecuting attorneys from presenting key evidence that would convict unlawful activity, it makes a mockery of the system.
As liberal judges merely slap the wrists of these parasites of society, rather than holding them accountable for the crimes they commit, and failing to prosecute them to the full extent of the law, not only do criminals grow in numbers, but in power.Judges need to enforce the laws that are already on the books rather than law makers creating new ones.
Unions for prisoner’s rights are stronger than ever before in their efforts to reduce the penalties for crimes committed.The quest to provide lawbreakers with much nicer facilities in which to be incarcerated is finding merit with those that control the spending of taxpayer’s money.This is shameful.
Criminals are certainly a small minority of the populace around us, but they seemingly have more rights than the majority of law abiding citizens.Their rhetoric in the courtrooms and jail cells is heard above decent folks that were victimized through crimes perpetrated against them.
The phrase, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” if applied in today’s society, might curb one’s intent to commit crimes against the innocent.Perhaps then, law and order would be restored and somewhat respected; but probably not.Satan is as vicious as he ever was where man is concerned.
Television and theater screens are saturated with movies that stimulate impressionable minds to emulate what they see.Filmmakers, with the horde of misguided media are slowly eroding the values of our land by promoting ungodly movies and distasteful news stories.
It’s no wonder the Lord weeps over this ever-increasing, godless generation.The United States of America was founded upon godly principles, but is quickly falling into a state of rebellion against authority of any kind; especially God’s authority.
I cannot understand how a born-again Christian can neglect to speak out against wrongdoing.Many just gripe and complain at the dinner table of how school teachers, college professors, and government officials are going to hell in a hand basket and taking everyone else with them.Venting disagreements to family members won’t change the status quo, or what needs to be changed.It takes getting involved and standing up for what’s right.
Many Christians don’t see the need to stand in the gap and make up the hedge of righteousness.For some reason they have a so-so, “comme ci, comme ca” attitude, rather than involving themselves in matters that bring negative influences to people’s lives.I believe that it’s every Believer’s responsibility to challenge sin and do everything in their power to restrain and speak out against it.
By not challenging the election of ungodly people to important positions, our children and grandchildren will suffer the impact of godless leadership.When passive, inert, non-involved people refuse to vote and make a difference, sin abounds.
It’s no wonder that changes aren’t happening in high places with respect to honor and integrity. People are abandoning their responsibility to express their opinions inside the voting booth.Eligible voters need to exercise this privilege, while they still have it.
Treasonous, power-hungry law makers and leaders of our land continue to sell this nation down the river, because of non-involved people shirking their right to vote.Bible believing Christians need to open their eyes, while there is still time to act rather than sitting smugly in their ivory towers with a pampas, “I don’t want to get involved,” attitude, which allows sin to reign supreme.
I would like nothing more than to change the course of direction that society is heading.My desire is to awaken people from their slumber and make them aware of the need to verbalize their disagreement and distaste rather than remaining passive and saying nothing.It is time that the majority begins to rule and shove the minority (sinners) back into a place of accountability.
It’s no wonder our nation is on the brink of total anarchy.We live in a society that slaughters thousands of unborn babies every year, because they are an inconvenience, or the wrong sex.
I’ll never forget the picture I saw in a medical journal of a newly aborted baby.He was submerged upside down in a jar of formaldehyde.His lifeless body was perfectly formed in every way.The parents were too career-oriented and self-absorbed in having fun, rather than giving their baby a chance at life.Achieving their ambitions was more important than life itself.It’s no wonder the heart of God breaks when innocence is violated.
We live in a nation that winks at homosexuality and immoral living.Movie makers, advertising agencies, and the news media thrive on these kinds of explicit activities.Their sales skyrocket as do their ratings.They know what the general public wants and they give it to them.Sex sells.How far has Americans fallen from God’s grace?
It’s no wonder the world is headed for calamity, because of the molestation and killing of innocent children; drive by shootings; rapes; incest; acts of terrorism; and homicides; to name a few.It’s heartbreaking to hear of these assaults against blameless people.I could fill several pages with descriptive language about the sinful nature of scumbags that do such atrocities, but I won’t.You already know how bad things are.
Any person demonstrating a blatant disregard for the laws of the land and God’s laws is no better than pond scum.They are less than a maggot in my opinion, but God loves their soul.
Worldly speaking, these people are nothing more than pieces of dung floating in the cesspool of their own making, but God sees their need of a Savior.He would rather have them repent of their sins than see them in hell.If they continue down the path of disobedience, one day they will surely suffer the penalty for not obeying man’s laws, and for ignoring God’s laws.
Sin will be paid for one way or the other; if not in this life, the life to come.Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not mankind.If any human ends up there, they will have trampled the blood of Jesus under foot by disregarding the price He paid on the cross for their sins.
Serving the wrong master constitutes a life adding up to zero.It would have been better had they never been born than to suffer the penalty for their sinful existence on earth.
According to God’s teachings it is better to forgive than not.He expects us to love people that commit hennas crimes, but hate their sins. I have yet to reach this level of forgiveness and love.I pray that one day I can.For me to love with this capacity would certainly take a miracle, but God is able to help me grow in grace.After all, I am a sinner saved by grace.
God loves without reservation.He gave His only begotten son to die for sinners like this—sinners like me.By the Lord’s example we can learn to be more like Him and love our neighbors as our self.This is the commandment of God.I will try harder to obey it.
(Mark -31), “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.This is the first commandment.”vs.31 “And the second, like it, is this:You shall love your neighbor as yourself.There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Had it not been for God’s grace, where would I be today?What would my thought process be like?At what prison facilities might I be spending a life sentence?I am just a sinner saved by grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.I now have a hope that one day I will see Him in all of His glory, because He forgave me of my sins when I called out to Him.
How much longer will Jesus tarry before coming back to take Christians home with Him?How bad must our streets become before justice is rendered?How many more children will suffer at the hands of sick, demented individuals that serve the devil?
What will it take to cleanse the earth from the deluge of immorality and sedition that is flooding the land?How many babies will never see the light of day; only feel the razor edge of a scalpel as it slices through their tender flesh, dismembering them as though they were nothing more than a blob of tissue; only to be aborted through a vacuum tube into a garbage sack, and then tossed into a trash can?God help us!
One day Mother Earth will be purged of sin once and for all.God will use fire rather than water this time.Every person not abiding in truth will be burned to ashes.This planet will again be cleansed from the impurity of sin, but not before the trumpet of the Lord sounds and the dead in Christ rises to meet Him in the air, with those living for God.Together, they will receive their awesome and grand reward in heaven.
My prayer is this, “Come quickly Lord Jesus!Receive your bride unto yourself.”I am looking forward, with expectation, to that day when I sit at the marriage supper of the Lamb; to be united with Jesus, the Lamb of God.What a day that will be!
No longer will I have reservations of walking down darkened streets at nighttime—there is no night in heaven; Jesus is the Everlasting Light.No longer will I look over my shoulder in fear—serenity and peace will last forever in heaven.No longer will there be a need for intercessory prayer—I’ll see God face to face.No longer will I be tempted by the devil to sin—he and his angels will be cast into the lake of fire to burn in hell forever.
It’s no wonder I’m looking forward to heaven.I will be reunited with loved ones that have gone on before.What a glorious reunion that will be!It’s no wonder I feel joy in my soul.I have a hope that the world cannot take away.It’s no wonder I feel good about sharing these thoughts with you.You too can have hope in your heart through Jesus Christ if you don’t already have it.
It’s no wonder Jesus said in (Matthew -30), “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”vs.29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” vs.30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Jesus wants to free people from the bondage of this world.He desires to give everyone meaning in living and not just a mere existence.He wants each of us to have an abundant life; full of peace and happiness.
It’s no wonder the Holy Spirit breathed upon men of old; inspiring them to write the ‘Living Book of Love’. In the Bible we learn that God is love and He cares deeply for all of us.
(2 Peter 3:9), “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
It’s no wonder you are reading these words of encouragement.The hour of the Lord’s appearing is nigh at hand.Jesus is coming soon.We must be ready to meet Him when He returns.Today is the day of salvation…not tomorrow.
Prior to becoming a Christian in January, 1969, the words, “Is this all there is in life?” pounded inside my brain.On that special night when I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, I gave up the things that brought confusion and discontentment into my life.They had held me captive for years until Jesus set me free and placed a new zest for living inside me.
Before peace found lodging in my heart and I allowed the Lord to help me rise above self-indulgent living, I was grasping for truth and rational thinking, but they eluded me.I was confused and listening to the lies that Satan was telling me.He is the great deceiver and father of lies, but “Truth”—Jesus—was waiting patiently for me to recognize my need for Him.
God wanted to fill me with His Spirit, but until I was ready to submit to His plan for my life and ask Him for help, I suffered pangs of an emotional roller coaster, because of my stubbornness.I rejected the notion of surrendering my willpower to God’s interfering ways.I thought, “I’ve made it this far on my own.I don’t need Him to tell me what to do!”
Sin was like an albatross around my neck.It was not only a burden; it was the source of distress.I was insistent on making my own way, learning by my own mistakes, and leaning on my abilities to get things done without accepting help from anyone—especially God.
I considered myself most capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to do.My attitude was, “If I can’t do it, it can’t be done.”I was independent with thoughts like, “I don’t need people and I don’t need God.”
Slowly, sin was taking its toll both mentally and physically.Spiritually, I was a wreck.I was burning the candle at both ends; finding myself more dissatisfied with life with each passing day.Every day a battle raged within me to find something to feel good about.I was spinning out of control in an ever narrowing spiral of despair; looking for something, anything, to bring me happiness, but it evaded my grasp.
I hadn’t plummeted into total dismay, but was moving quickly toward that pit.It wasn’t that I was destitute, on skid row with no place to call home; nor was I pan handling to buy my next meal.I hadn’t hit rock bottom, or eating out of garbage cans, while living in a cardboard box under a freeway overpass; but it was only a matter of time that my world would have crashed around me had I not found the Lord when I did.
I had a job, money in the bank, a new car, girlfriends, and a closet full of the latest style clothing, but I was spiritually bankrupt, and my health was feeling the affects of sin.
My friends viewed me as successful, because they measured success by the number of expensive toys a person owned.My ability to buy just about anything I wanted painted a picture in their eyes that I was at the top of my game.They didn’t know I would have traded all of my worldly goods for peace of mind, and paid money to anyone that pointed me in the direction of true happiness; but no-one did, so I had none.
Although material things were plentiful, I could not find contentment, satisfaction, or joy in any of these possessions.I was living a mainstream high in the eyes of others, but behind closed doors, where no-one could see me, I lived a skid row existence.I couldn’t be more miserable when the highs subsided and the music stopped playing.
Again, that tormenting thought re-occurred, “Is this all there is in life?”I was walking on thin ice that was ready to break at any moment.The weight of life’s pressures was pressing down on my tired shoulders.I wanted to throw up my hands and surrender.
I can remember sitting at the kitchen table pouring a shot of whisky, trying to drown my sorrow.I was looking for answers, but the bottle was certainly the wrong place to find them.Something was missing, but I couldn’t establish what it was.Momentary pleasures were everywhere, but nothing lasting.
Relationships with female friends became void of meaning and substance.They were only a means to an end, which added to my frustration, confusion, and unquenchable thirst for something more.“Is this all there is in life?”The message kept playing over and over in my perplexed mind as I lit a cigarette and poured another drink.
In my quest for meaningful, lasting joy, the things that I thought would bring it only enslaved me to the temporal things that I had surrounded myself with.Peace was no-where to be found—hopelessness followed me everywhere.Nothing that I amassed to myself or people I met could bring peace and contentment to my starving soul.
What was missing?Why couldn’t I find what I wanted?Would I ever be content or happy?Try as I may to achieve satisfaction, things did not work for me.Again those words loomed inside my head, “Is this all there is in life?”
Sin was becoming second nature to me.The deeper I transgressed against God, the heavier my burden became.It seemed that I was drowning in a quagmire of self-destructive behavior that I had created for myself.
If someone had told me a year prior that I would be involved in the things I was caught up in, I would have said they were crazy.This is how sin deceives and destroys a person.It pulls them into its clutches through enticement, yet fails to reveal what the end result brings.
I disliked people and mistreated them.I was self-centered, self-reliant, and lonely.I entertained self-destructive thoughts, because I felt alone even in a crowed room.I had reached a place in life that when I laid my head on a pillow at night, tears would course down my cheeks, because sadness and misery haunted me.
I knew where my soul was headed if I was to die in my sleep, yet another prompting flooded my mind, “Is this all there is in life?”Satan was not only trying to destroy my physical body; he wanted my soul in hell.
I didn’t know myself anymore.The person I saw looking back at me in the mirror was a total stranger.I didn’t recognize this person.I only saw what sin had turned him into; a miserable old man in his late twenties.
I tried changing my selfish nature and sinful ways, but failed in the attempts, time after time.I needed someone else to organize my life and help me find myself.I was lost.I figured that a good woman might be the answer so I began my exhaustive search for the perfect companion; a sole mate to settle me down.
The search for the woman of my dreams was fruitless and painful.My patience grew thin.Irritated and filled with anger, I remember shouting in frustration, “Why can’t I find her!” as I threw my keys across the room.
Instead of looking in places that could perhaps yield positive results, I was looking in bars, going to parties, and even cruising the main in a nearby city hoping to find her, but to no avail.Again those words crept into my head, “Is this all there is in life?”
I finally admitted to myself that I needed help from someone other than me, but who?Was there anyone I knew that might know where to find the girl I wanted?“Wait.I know someone that knows.”I murmured.I hadn’t talked to God in years; since I was a child in Sunday school, but I felt that if anyone knew where she was, He did.
I knelt by my bed that lonely night and prayed this simple prayer.“You know where she’s at!Send her to me!” Out of no-where, a Bible verse that I had learned as a child came rushing back into my mind from the far recesses of my memory.It was one of the scriptures that I had learned in Sunday school.
The Sunday school teacher called them memory verses.She rewarded each child a special prize if they memorized a verse each week.I hadn’t thought of it in years.Why was this scripture coming back to me now?I believe that God planned it this way.He allowed unpleasant circumstances to happen in my life to show me of my need for Christ.After all, circumstances brought me to my knees.
(Matthew 6:33), “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
God was telling me through this scripture that if I put Him first in my life; above all things rather than last, He would bless me with not only peace, joy, fulfillment in living, and happiness, He could bring the companion that I was longing for into my life.
I was at a crossroad.I could continue down the wide road to destruction, with all its heartache and unrest, or choose a new direction; the straight and narrow path that leads to everlasting life.I chose life.
God took the heavy burden that I was carrying and set me free.I felt the ton of weight that was pressing down on me being lifted off of my shoulders.I literally took a deep breath and said, “I can breathe,” as the bondage of sin lifted.I experienced the wonderful indwelling of God’s Spirit as He took up residence within my soul.
In a moment of time things were different.I knew they were different, because I felt alive and well.I knew immediately that I had passed from death unto life through Jesus Christ.I was a new creation, because God forgave me of my sins when I asked Jesus into my heart.That night I became a child of God.
(2 Corinthians 5:17-19), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”vs.18 “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,” vs.19 “that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”
The words I now hear in my mind are, “I am all you need in life!” rather than, “Is this all there is in life.”One by one my needs and desires have been met.I found what my soul was searching for.His name is Jesus, the Son of the Living God.And yes, He brought me my soul mate, and entrusted her to my care.God has given me everything I could ever hope for and more.
God will do the same for you.His love is greater than any problem, situation, or habit that may be buffeting you.Please, give Jesus a chance to prove how much He loves you.The next few moments will change the rest of your life.Bow your head and cast all of your cares upon the Lord.Receive Him into your heart.Allow Jesus to heal you from the inside out.
