Tuesday, January 1, 2013

History Makers--Part Two

 
 
 
 
 
 
It is never about us.  God will not share His glory with anyone.
In 2013 let us take a stand for God and what we believe in.
Let us become History Makers

History Makers-- Part One

It's a beautiful day, the world has changed. It is now time for us to change the world.

2012 is behind us and so is yesterday.  We cannot do anything to change what has already occurred, however we can affect change for today and the lives of everyone near and dear to us. 

A few days ago I got the news that my Uncle Calvin had passed away and went home to be with the Lord.  This came as a shock to me because I had talked to him a few weeks before.  More sadly, I found out after Sunday morning service at my church.  Over the past couple of years we have had several conversations and I was greatly encouraged by him.  Let me explain.  Uncle Calvin sounded different when we first talked, and in my spirit I could sense 'something'.  Then he dropped the bomb on me, "Jesus was now his Lord and Saviour."  Wow!!  God is great.  Many, many years my mother (who passed many years ago) would be up at night praying for her brothers and sisters and all that she shared the gospel with.  She would pray for their salvation and tell them of God's love for them and that they should accept Jesus as Lord of their lives.  I cannot even begin to say how many lives have been touched by my mother and my Uncle who faithfully carried the torch that was passed onto them by believers before them.

Just two days before hearing about my uncle I read a verse in the bible from Psalm 116:15 and it says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints."   For a while I was confused by this verse and then the Holy Spirit showed me my error.  "Read it from God's perspective."
Titus 2:13 reads, "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ." 
We look to the eastern sky and daily anticipate His return to call us home via the rapture.  If we are waiting and looking for Him, surely Jehovah is watching and waiting for us to return to Him.  Then and only then can the once perfect union between God and His creation(s) be wholly restored.  There is no more separation.  We are in His presence and we shall see Him as He is, the veil that limited our finite minds (humanity) has been removed.  Now, when I speak about the old and new testament saints and how they were makers of history because they dared to believe and were counted worthy because of their beliefs, I can add my uncle Calvin.  I am sure you can add to the list of history makers who went forth in the name of Jesus and shared the gospel of salvation.  History makers are remembered for giving of themselves.  Let us remember all the missionaries and aid workers and other believers who are being persecuted and more so faithful to the calling placed on each and everyone of them.  History makers change lives and in the name of Jesus Christ, we too have that power.

 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

The People's Champion

I was walking through the mall last year about 10 days before Christmas on a break from work when I noticed large groups of people numbering at least 100, lining up outside the stores fronts near the main entrance of the mall.  Not knowing what to expect I made my way towards the smallest concentration of people, Was someone hurt?  Was someone robbed or what?  (During this time of season, one never knows what to expect by way of humanity.  Most people i observed during holidays past, do nothing to help someone in need or trouble.) 

Having reached my destination, a gentleman in very holiday-esque clothing joyfully exclaimed "Santa is coming."  Where do I begin?
A few seconds later I hear a faint, unintelligible sound which becomes clearer as the 40 strong, throng of children get closer. 
"We love Santa, we love Santa."  Over and over they sing these words while holding signs that echoed the same sentiment.  "Incredible" I say.  The merry gentleman next to me says "Isn't it!" while filming the parade before us.  Stunned would be the appropriate word for my silence.
A man dressed as Santa waved, nodded and smiled the biggest, toothiest grin I had ever seen.  It was akin to a king returning from some far off land having won some great conquest, being greeted by his loyal subjects and servants. 
Slowly, I backed away.  My heart was saddened by everything around me and what my senses were taking in.  Immediately, I thought about the words of Jesus as He entered into Jerusalem, during His final days on this earth, mourning for its people and the nearness of life that they have totally missed.  "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!  How often I wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing."  Even today those words ring true as the season has lost its meaning to so many.  Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas.  How much closer does Christ need to be, before the masses realize the nearness of life, is about to pass them by?  With His true meaning still lost to them?  Looking at my watch I turn and leave behind me this 'scene'.  Kids singing "We love Santa", parents basking in the glow of their child participating in the pageant for Santa.  Will Santa Claus champion their cause before the Most High God?  No, he will not.  Why?  He does not exist.  Jesus Christ however, does exist.  He went before God on the world's behalf and died on the cross so that the sins and darkness of our/my past would be washed away.  Truly, Jesus is the Ultimate champion.  He defeated death, Satan, sin, conquered hell, and is now seated at the right hand of God.  Jesus is the One I love and I pray that you love Him too.                

Monday, December 17, 2012

Broken Pieces

"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." 2 Peter 3:13


Today is the first time i have had the opportunity to see photos of a few of the kids and teachers who lost their lives in Newtown, CT. The pains of this past week will be with us for quite a while. The loss of life has been great and my condolences go out to the many families affected by this.

For those of us who sit and watch and listen to accounts of what has happened, we can only shake our heads and continuously cry. Questions that will not find sufficient answers, spring forth. How? Why? What could have been done to prevent it? What did we miss?
Speculation runs rampant and opinions of every flavor are being offered. The only true salve for the families and communities and school district and all emergency workers and police officers who were directly affected by this is time and prayer.

I cannot empathize with the family members nor can I offer anything other than my prayers to God on their behalf and hope.
We live in a fallen world and until the time of Christ's return to set up His earthly kingdom, we will have difficult days. Take hope my brothers and sisters in the faith.
The 'we' spoken of in this verse are those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Are we shaken by this tragedy? Yes, because we see a senseless loss of lives and the grieving families who have to find ways to pick up the broken pieces. Take heart and draw closer to God and continue to pray for those in CT and the other cities who have had to deal with such things.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Famous Quotes

"Take 15 minutes each day to listen to God talking to you;
Take 15 minutes each day to talk to God;
Take 15 minutes each day to talk to others about God."

Billy Sunday

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Famous Quotes

Lord, send me anywhere;
Only go with me.
Lay any burden upon me;
Only sustain me.

David Livingston

Friday, November 30, 2012

Candid Conversations (prequal)

Several months ago I was given a challenge. Well, no really a challenge. Let me rephrase that. I was asked to seize upon the opportunity to talk to any older person and get their impressions on life and the advancements within the past 30+ years or more. Thinking about this caused a(n) bit of excitement because I do not often (ever) spend a fair amount of time with people of the 'older persuasion'. Truth be told, I am looking forward to these candid talks with the upper class. (I use that term upper class to show a respect for them and their age.) If I am able I would like to record the talks and find a way to post them onto my blog. If I am unable to do so then, maybe, podcasts are in my future. Interesting!!!!!! Well, in any case I hope you like it. I am also currently working on a ten part series of posts called unofficially "Ten". This is a long time in the writing and I will debut it in January starting in reverse order from ten. Whew!! One last item and I'm done. I am currently working on a post called 'The People's Champion', that was supposed to be a Christmas post from 2011 however that changed when I lost the video, accidental deletion. That will be posted soon. Happy holidays and God bless from Marshylnerd.