The Dream

A great minister, who was noted for his Christ-like spirit as well as for his consecrated ability, dreamed that he had died and stood at the gate of heaven knocking for admission.  He gave his name, only to be told that his name did not appear upon the books.  Finally, at his earnest petition, he was forbidden to enter and was told he would have the privilege of appearing before the Judge of all the earth, and if he could stand His test he might abide in heaven forever.  Standing before the throne, he gave his name, and the following questions were asked of him: “Have you led a righteous life?” He said, “No.” “Have you always been kind and gentle?” Again he replied no. “Have you always been forgiving to those who have been around you?” “No, I have miserably failed there.” “Have you always been honest and just?” He answered, “No.” As question after question was asked of him by the Judge, his case seemed more and more hopeless.  The last question was asked, and to that, too, he was indebted to give the same negative reply no. Just when he seemed to be in despair, the brightness about the throne became brighter, and suddenly he heard a beautiful voice—the most beautiful to which his ears had ever heard.  It was sweeter than a mother’s voice; it was more beautiful than all the music of heaven; it filled all the arches of the skies and thrilled the soul of this man as he stood before the Judge trembling and about to fall.  The speaker said, “My Father, I know this man.  It is true that he was weak in many ways, but he stood for Me in the world, and I take his place before Thee.” Just as the last words of this sentence were spoken, the dream was over and the man awoke; he had his lesson, and it is a lesson for all of us.  Will you stand for Jesus?  Will you be His example?  Will you follow the shepherds leading?  I pray that you would!

Our God saves

If you ever have read the end of the bible you will find that in the end we really do win and Our God ultimately saves.  It is because of the cross of Jesus Christ that a person is saved.  I read an article about those who were attempting to save the cross.  A case before the US Supreme Court focused on whether a religious symbol, specifically a cross, should be allowed on public land.  Mark Sherman, writing for the Associated Press, said that although the cross in question was erected in 1934 as a memorial to soldiers who died in World War I, one veteran’s group that opposed it called the cross “a powerful Christian symbol” and “not a symbol of any other religion.”  That is why they want to tear it down.  It is true; it is a Christian symbol because it represents Christ.  Titus 3:5 says it this way, “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” God wants to save us.  It is by the cross of Jesus Christ that God saved us from our sin and continues to save sinners who would call out to Him!

God's revelation

Have you ever had something revealed to you that really caught you off guard? This week I was doing some work in my garage. I had a piece of metal that I needed to cut with a saw. I got the metal and clamped it down on my work bench and began sawing through it. All of a sudden in the corner of my eye something was revealed to me bellow my feet. It was a little slimy green tail. At first, I thought it was a snake so I jumped up and popped open my garage door so I could get a good look at it to chase it out. Too my surprise, it was a huge lizard. I thought to myself this is nothing I’ll just shoo it out. So I grabbed the broom and attempted to kick him out of my garage. This little guy decided that he wasn’t going to leave and attempted to run back into the garage. So I grabbed the broom again and swept him out this time he opened up his mouth and hissed at me. I thought to myself man this is worse than national geographic. Who does he think he is he doesn’t pay the bills this is my house and my garage. Finally with one final sweep he ran. Things aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes things are revealed to us that not only catch us off guard but leave us in awe. 1 John 3:2 says, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." One day as believers we will get to see God's divine revelation.

God's handi-work

Speaking about creation G. K Chesterton said, “God must have made some parts of creation for sheer fun—how else would you account for the kangaroo?” God’s creation is all around us. If you’ve seen the sunburst color of the sun going down behind the mountains you’ve witnessed the greatness of God. If you’ve ever seen the moon’s reflection on the glassy ocean at night you’ve witnessed the amazement of God. And if you’ve ever lost yourself in the night sky admiring the countless stars you’ve witnessed the splendor of the Lord. A Christian was invited to admire a great skyscraper. After looking at its majestic height, he called his host’s attention to a little flower that he had on his lapel, saying, “True, this building speaks of man’s achievement, but this flower with its life speaks of God’s creation. I can see God more clearly in the flower than in the skyscraper.” Paul writing to the Romans said, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” Rom 1:20 Could it be that creation is trying to declare the creators glory? Is His handi-work revealing the majesty of God? Look around and you will definitely see God's glory!!!

The Rock

Rock climbing is a hobby that a lot of people are into today. They have even opened up indoor rock climbing places that you can practice your skill by going up and down man made walls. If you’re a dedicated climber perhaps you might attempt to climb and actual mountain. They say that one of the tallest mountains in the world is Mount Everest. According to the National Geographic Society the height of Everest is 29,035 feet tall. If you’re ever visiting the Hawaiian Islands you can always try climbing Mauna Kea Mountain. It’s almost 4,205 meters /13,800 feet tall. Those are some pretty big rocks. We are told in scripture that there is a rock bigger than these rocks I just mentioned. Psalm 95:1 says, “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Jesus is the solid rock in our lives and if we put our faith in Him no matter how shaky things might get, we will be okay because our feet our placed on a solid foundation.