Choose Your Destiny

 

Parts of our culture have become so desperate to rid our society of the name of Jesus Christ that many “intellectuals” now substitute the abbreviations B.C. (Before Christ) with B.C.E (Before Common Era) when referring to time-lined historical events. Nice try people, whoever you are. But do tell, what answer will you give to the person that asks, “Why is there a split in the timeline to begin with?” Just what will you have to talk about to explain and satisfactorily answer that question? You can’t get around or away from Him. He is the “Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 1:8) and there is no timeline where He is not the beginning, the middle and the end.

And, for some, religion is a fairy-tale for children and a false hope for the aged. To those folks God is the product of a weak mind and Jesus is a fanatic who demonstrated this characteristic. They believe that heaven is only a Christian’s wishful thinking and hell only a believer’s nightmare. They charge that sin is the invention of the hypocritical pious who partake of the very actions they condemn. Yet, those very folks do not want a society based on their unbelief. Viruses, social diseases, murder, hatred, envy, and a number of un-natural lifestyles would be more prevalent if there were not good people who kept our society from going further into destructive horror. Christians are taught to recognize and confess their sins (1 John 1:8-10). And yes, Christianity has its share of hypocrites. Peter had to be corrected for manifesting it (Galatians 2:11-14). However, the core believers are folks who follow the Lord Jesus Christ because he is the only one who can cleanse us from our sins and give us real life, now and forever.

[Matthew 7:21-23] Life has many choices, eternity has only two. Life does present one with many choices. The devil presents one with many choices in life. Rather than marriage one can choose to commit fornication (1 Corinthians 7:1-2). Rather than marriage one can choose the gay lifestyle (Romans 1:18-32). Rather than serve God one can choose to become an atheist (Psalm 14:1). Rather than put God first in one’s life, one can choose to put him last (Matthew 6:25-34). Rather than choosing to give liberally one can choose to give sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Instead of choosing morality one can choose immorality (Colossians 3:5-6). However, as one begins to think about it there are really only two choices in life. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). All peoples have the same choice. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13). One is either serving God or is not. One is either saved or lost. Hell is not built on a slant for those who say they “lean toward the church”. The New Testament is filled with illustrations of those who made choices in life either right or wrong in their decisions. The “Rich Young Ruler” of Matthew 19 made the wrong decision. The Bible records, “…he went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Matthew 19:22). Moses is an excellent example of one who made the right choice for the Scriptures say, “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25).Yes, a person has many ways to do wrong but there is only one way to do right and that is to follow the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 8:34-35). The choice one makes in this life will depend on where one will spend eternity. If I died this very night I would spend eternity in H------?

Revival Is The Price

 

An old farmer went to the big city hospital to visit a lifelong friend. After driving up to the front door of the building he was instructed that he would have to park in the parking lot next door. At the entrance his way was blocked by a gate. Not knowing what to do, an attendant assisted him in retrieving a ticket from the kiosk, whereupon the gate lifted immediately. He drove right in and parked his pick-up in the shade of a big tree. He had a nice visit with his friend, then returned to his pick-up and drove to the exit only to find another closed gate. The attendant in the little booth at the gate asked him for his ticket. Then he found out that it takes money to get the exit gate to lift up.

What happened in the parking lot is also true of sin. It is so easy to get in, but so hard to get out without paying a price. Read the story of David’s sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11 - 12:23). The gate to sin opened easily, but David and those around him paid dearly in his resolute to exit what appeared on the surface to be a right of the king. Yes, the gate opens quickly and easily to that first cigarette, that first alcoholic beverage, or that first act of sexual immorality. A moment of pleasure could cost you “an arm and a leg” or a heart, or a lung. You could end up paying the maximum price – your life. Habits are so easy to get started but so difficult to break and do without. Satan’s message has always been, “Come on in! Don’t worry, you can pay me later.” Not only does he get it later, the cost to you is usually at a very high rate of interest.

[Galatians 6:7-8] “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” In Daniel chapter 5, we read about how a man was stripped of his blessings. The man’s name was Belshazzar, one of the rulers of ancient Babylon. This fellow was rich and powerful. As is often the case with those born rich, he was arrogant and irreligious. One night, Belshazzar was partying and getting drunk. He and his friends were profaning Jehovah God. Then a frightening event occurred. A hand appeared and wrote a message on the wall. It was a message of judgment. No one could read and understand the message but Daniel the prophet. Daniel told the king that he would lose everything because, “…you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified” (Daniel 5:23b). In the past year, due to the COVID-19 virus, people have died and many have lost their jobs and everything they have ever worked for. The economy nearly tanked. Retirement funds have depleted to almost nothing. We saw people act with mob mentality as they stockpiled anything from toilet paper to food and medicine. Make no mistake about it; the coronavirus is an evil thing. But, might I suggest that the Lord is using this virus to remind the irreligious of our nation (and the world) that He is still in control. The handwriting is on the wall: “You were rich and healthy and powerful, but you did not honor the God who gave you these blessings.” “…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). I know that if our nation will turn back to God; then, He will bless us once again. Revolution is too costly and not a proper stance for today. Revival of God’s truth and obedience to His Word is the price we must pay to regain and maintain our freedoms as a Republic.

The Mousetrap

 

“One day a mouse noticed the truck with a smile delivered a package to the farmer’s house. Curious, the mouse ran to the hole in the wall of the house and peeked in to see what came in the box. As the farmer and his wife opened the box and lifted out its contents, the mouse gasped at the sight of a brand new mousetrap. The couple immediately baited and set the trap placing it near the hole in the wall. In a panic the mouse ran out to the barnyard and told the chicken about the mousetrap. She clucked and scratched and said to the mouse, ‘I have no cause to worry about a mousetrap.’ The mouse scurried around the corner of the barn to find the pig wallowing in the mud. The mouse got its attention and told him about the new mousetrap. The pig grunted and said, ‘A little-bitty mousetrap couldn’t possible hurt me you silly mouse!’ Wriggling through a hole in the wall of the barn the mouse found the cow waiting to be milked. After the mouse had told the cow about the new mousetrap the cow said, ‘You better be careful little buddy. Don’t get temped by the bait and get caught in that trap.’ The mouse was disappointed by the reactions he received from his friends and went away fearful of his eventual plight. Well, that night the farmer’s wife heard the trap “SNAP!” She got out of bed to investigate and found a snake caught by its tail in the trap. The poisonous snake was swishing back and forth on the floor in anger. The farmer’s wife got too close and the snake bit her before the farmer could kill it. The farmer rushed his wife into town for emergency care where the doctor administered the anti-venom needed to combat the snake’s poison and instructed the farmer to take her home, make her rest, and feed her some chicken soup. After the couple had returned home and settled down the farmer went out to the barnyard, found the chicken, cut off her head, and made chicken soup for his wife. After two days she did not appear to be getting any better. The farmer had to get into the field to help with the harvest but did not want to leave his wife alone so called some friends to come to his house to be with her. Knowing he would need to feed those folks, he went out by the barn and found the small pig. After slaughtering the pig there was enough to feed the helpers for several days with pork chops and hams and chitlins. Sadly, the farmer’s wife did succumb to the poison of her assailant. A big funeral was planned and the farmer let it be known that if everyone would bring the trimmings he would supply the meat for the barbeque that his wife loved so much. So the farmer went into the barn, milked the cow, and then slaughtered her for the barbeque that was enjoyed by all. Nearby, the mouse sat on a stump, hanging his head low and with tears in his eyes said, ‘I tried to tell them the farmer had a new mousetrap’”

[1 Peter 5:8] “The Enemy of The Enemy is My Friend.” This proverbial statement is something the Bible also implicitly teaches. It informs us that the Devil is our enemy.  It tells us the enemy of the Devil is the Lord. “…for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me…” (John 14:30-31). And speaking of Jesus it says, “…that by his death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is the devil…” (Hebrews 2:14). Therefore we conclude, the enemy (the Lord) of my enemy (the Devil) is my friend! “For He (Jesus) must reign until He has put all his enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:20-27). “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Amen! The trap has been set for the Devil and his followers (Romans 1:18-32). Will the domino effect sweep you into eternal torment or will your friend (Jesus) save you? (Romans 13:8-14)

Mother's Love / God's Love

 

In 1907, in a little town in Taylor County, West Vir­ginia, Anna Jarvis began a campaign to establish a national Mother’s Day. The spe­cial day would fall on the anniversary of her mother’s death. So on May 10, 1908 the day was observed in Philadelphia Pennsylvania where Jarvis had recently moved. It wasn’t until 1914 that President Woodrow Wilson made the official announcement to the nation that every second Sunday of May would be a national day of observance – Mother’s Day.

Reporter and columnist Rick Woodall wrote the following: “Mother’s Day is a special day in which we take a moment to honor the women who make a difference in our lives. In my years of Christian service I had the privilege of inter­viewing senior statesmen, great community leaders and church leaders who are making a difference in all of our lives. In our first few weeks after moving to Logansport, Indi­ana I was given a personal invitation to meet with Mayor Michael Fincher. Mayor Finch­er impressed me as he spoke in tears about his mother. I am convinced that the world is a better place because of all the mothers that were readers, teachers and fitting examples. Dedicated mothers produce determined chil­dren. We all know that it takes a considerable amount of determination to make a differ­ence in today’s world.” So take some time this Mother’s Day to re­member Mom. My mother wasn’t hesitant to remind her children, “You’ll miss me when I’m gone” and no truer words have ever been spoken. “Honor your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3).

[2 Timothy 1:5] The apostle Paul reminds his “son in the faith” (Timothy) where his personal faith originated. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grand­mother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” The Bible gives many comparisons of God’s constant care for His children. In the 103rd Psalm and in Proverbs 3, God is depicted as a concerned and disciplining father. Isaiah 27 mentions God as a gardener tending His garden. And in the 23rd Psalm, we read of God as a shepherd. But when God through Isaiah illustrated how great His love was for Israel, He likened it to the love of a mother for her child: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13, see also Isaiah 49:15). 

Truly, there is nothing more natural than for a mother to cherish, care for, and comfort her child. Note, for example: • The unconditional love mothers demonstrate for their children is probably the closest thing on earth to His incredible love for us. • The gentle tenderness a mother expresses in handling her newborn child is so reminiscent of the tender loving care God promises to all the faithful. • The sincere sympathy mothers’ show for hurt elbows and hurt hearts is very much like the heart-felt compassion God feels and gives to each of us. • The sacrifice and unselfishness mothers’ exhibit time and time again toward their children reminds us of how benevolent and generous God has been to you and me. • The soft special kisses and the always sweet smiles that mothers so generously give can help us to understand and appreciate the joy God has for us now and forevermore. So thank you, mothers, for giving us a glimpse of God’s immense love! 

This is dedicated to my Mom who made many sacrifices and uttered many prayers that I believe made a tremendous difference in the lives of her children and the decisions we made throughout our life – Thank you Lord!.

"I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” – Abraham Lincoln

Planting Good Seeds

 

William Jennings Bryan wrote of a visit he made to a restaurant in which he ordered a slice of watermelon. He writes, “I was so pleased with the taste of the melon that I took the seeds home with me to plant in my garden. That night a thought came to my mind. How many watermelon seeds would it take to make a pound? The next day I weighed them and found that it would take about 5,000 dried seeds to weigh one pound. A few weeks later I planted just one of the seeds. Under the influence of sunshine and shower, the little seed had taken off its coat and gone to work. It had gathered from somewhere two hundred thousand times its own weight, and forced the enormous weight through a tiny stem and built a watermelon. On the outside it had a covering of green and within a rind of white, and within that a core of red; and then it had scattered through the red many little black seeds each one capable of doing the same thing over again.” He continues, “What architect drew the plan? Where did that little seed get its tremendous strength? Where did it find its flavoring, extract, and coloring matter? How did it build a watermelon? Until you can explain a watermelon, do not be too sure that you can set limits to the power of the Almighty. The most learned men in the world cannot explain a watermelon, but the most ignorant man can eat one and enjoy it. God has given us the knowledge necessary to use those things, and the truth He has revealed to us is infinitely more important for our welfare than it would be to understand the mysteries that He has seen fit to conceal from our faltering view.”

Seed planting time is upon us. The gardener/farmer knows the importance of planting the right seeds at the right time. For the Christian, planting the right seeds makes all the difference, as well. I found a list of what we reap if we plant certain things in our lives. • If you plant honesty, you will reap trust. • If you plant goodness, you will reap friends. • If you plant love, you will reap happiness. • Plant perseverance and you will reap maturity. • If you plant kindness, you will reap blessings. • If you plant hard work, you will reap success. • If you plant self-discipline, you will reap satisfaction. • If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation. • If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap bountiful blessings. In addition to these, let us also be concerned about planting the gospel seed. Plant the Word and God will give the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)

[Philippians 1:6] “…He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” To any individual striving to become more and more like Jesus, but keenly aware of their many stumbles, these are refreshing words! One of the characteristics of our God that boggles the mind is His wonderful and incredible patience. Indeed, He is “longsuffering toward us” (2 Peter 3:9) as He molds our character through our life events (Philippians 2:12-13). Through each experience, each decision made, each Bible verse read, each prayer uttered, each person served, each trial faced, each victory enjoyed, and each defeat endured, God is working on us. And He will continue to work on us until the day of Christ’s return. When you discover personal sin, remind yourself that you are a work in progress. Don’t ever justify your sin on that basis. Deal with it and obtain forgiveness for it according to God’s will. Then thank Him for His amazing patience and forgive yourself. God desires that you mature in the faith (James 1:2-6) and that you become increasingly holy (Romans 12:1-2). Through His amazing patience, He helps us overcome our weaknesses and sins, by giving us the necessary room to learn from them. Weed your garden often and live (Matthew 13:38).