Nightmare Becomes Joy

 “It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.” – Joel 2:28

It was a dark scene.  The skies were grey and the earth looked scorched.  Those around were standing in clothes that were torn as rags, and dirt covered their faces.  The men were in one line and the ladies were in another.  Children couldn’t be seen anywhere.  Then the line started to move forward, and I looked down.  My feet were shackled together which made walking nearly impossible, but those behind me were pushing and shoving.  I wasn’t really sure why we were in this line, but some behind me seemed anxious to move along.

As we neared the building, attitudes changed and people became very fearful to enter the room.  Stairs led up along the wall to our right and there was a smell in the air.  I struggled to step up the stairs, and lost my balance a few times.  As I reached the summit I looked across the big room to another staircase, where I saw my daughter in a similar line. 

She was with friends, dressed in rags like the rest of us, but laughing and smiling with that unbelievable joy she always presented to the world.  As I moved along the platform, she saw me out of the corner of her eye and waved.  I motioned her over and she came within a few steps.  As I reached out to take her hand, she was told to get back in line.  I yelled across the room, “Don’t give up the faith.  Whatever you do, don’t give up the faith.”  Just then I was pushed through a small door into a 3 foot by 3 foot box, and I could no longer see her.

I had heard stories about these boxes in other areas of the world, but only now did I realize what was going on.  The box started to fill with water and I realized within 5 minutes I would be dead.  The instructions from the voice outside simply said, “Deny Him.  Deny Him and it will stop.”  I screamed louder, “Don’t give up the faith” as the water rose to my chin.  I held my breath, prayed for God to receive me into His Kingdom and prayed that my wife and children would be spared this torturous death.  I could not stop thinking of my daughter in the line just on the other side of the room, let her be given a chance to live her life.  Please don’t take her at such a young age.  I closed my eyes, and felt the water consume me, and then it was over and light filled the blue skies above me.

I opened my eyes to see the face of Jesus, smiling with His arms opened wide to accept me into His Kingdom.  I couldn’t help but fear for those I loved, those I knew from my entire life.  Before my mind flashed every person I had ever known: from my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, friends in school, friends at work, my wife, my children and grandchildren, and even brief acquaintances from around the globe.  Had I done enough in my life to reach them, to help them and to share the gospel with them? It was too late now, there was nothing more I could do, and I wept bitterly.

 

I woke this morning panicked for those I love and care about.  Please don't miss the opportunity to tell those you love about salvation through Jesus Christ.

37 Days – A Promise of Heaven

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. John 14:1-4

February 4^th Prayer:
Jesus, you have prepared a place for me that is more wonderful than I can imagine. In Your presence is fullness of joy and at Your right hand are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). When fear of death tries to cripple me and discourage me, I will trust in Your promise of a more wonderful place than earth. I am so excited to see You in heaven. And yet, it brings me joy and peace on this earth knowing that I will live eternally with You in a wonderful, beautiful place. I love this earth that You’ve made and consider it glorious. I can only imagine how much better our eternal home will be. Thank You, Jesus!

My thoughts:

Look around your surroundings.  Yes, right now, just look around.  Do you see furniture, electronics, food, animals, family members; perhaps outside of a window - trees, grass, snow, and bushes; perhaps on the road – cars, buses, bicycles, people walking or running?  Now imagine one day sitting in heaven and looking around yourself. What might you see?  Jesus, Paul, Abraham, Moses, Peter, John, Mary.  Perhaps your parents, grandparents, siblings and family.  Perhaps your friends, co-workers or people from church.  Do you see trees, grass, bushes, electronics, furniture, cars, buses or bicycles?  Are there sports stadiums, golf courses, fitness gyms, airports, office buildings, shopping malls, bars, movie theaters?  What about poverty housing, projects, drug houses, strip clubs, brothels, dark alleys or war zones?

Can you decipher the heavenly places from the earthly places?  There are obvious ones which aren’t likely to be in heaven, yet are very common here on earth.  If these are so obviously wrong from God’s Kingdom view, why are we even entertaining the idea and considering participating in such things.  You see, inherently you know what is “of God” and what is not.  Jesus tells us He will prepare a place for you in His Father’s Kingdom and then come back to take you there.  Can we not be patient in our waiting to join with Him at the appropriate time?

Choose wisely my friends.  Choose spiritually, that which is of God and resist that which is not of God for in the end, your treasure is in heaven, not here on this earth.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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Forever - Amen

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“For thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen” – Matthew 6:13b

This verse has been debated because it is not found in some of the early Greek manuscripts of Jesus prayer.  It was likely added by the early Christian church as this was a common doxology, or benediction, to early church gatherings and scripture readings.  It also has roots in 1 Chronicles 29:11, where David speaks of the Lord’s power, glory, greatness and kingdom.

Do not get hung up on whether this verse was or was not part of Jesus actual prayer.  The verse speaks of the truth of the Father and is a respectful, humble way to close a prayer.  For thine = “God”; is the Kingdom = “it is all His, heavens and earth”; and the power = “God is all powerful, all knowing and sovereign over all things”; and the glory = “God deserves all glory, honor and praise”; forever and ever = “eternity is infinite, forever, without end”. 

Over this last week we have looked at the fundamentals of praying to the Father as taught by Jesus Christ himself.  Secular men will claim that prayers are futile and a waste of time.  I strongly recommend that you heed warning to avoid their counsel.  Prayer is a foundational element to building a stronger relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  Do not let the world tell you that it is worthless and pursue God through a daily moment.  Let your words be true and just as you lift them to your Father in heaven.  Because even in the 21st century – God answers prayers, within His will to do so.

Prayer:

Our Father,

Who art in heaven.  Hallowed be thy name.
They Kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory forever and ever. - Amen

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The Lord's Prayer: There's Only One

Make 2014 a year for sharing

"Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name.” – Matthew 6:9

Taught in Sunday schools all over the world, The Lord’s Prayer, contains the core essence of how to pray.  Let’s face it, there are mornings and evenings when your prayer seems hollow and transparent almost.  If you, like me, struggle with praying now and then, realize that you’re not alone.  Over the next few days let’s look at the breakdown of this wonderful blessing provided by Jesus for our education.

Jesus is teaching the disciples on the importance of prayer, the fact that it is essential to building a strong, healthy and lasting relationship with the Father.  Leading up to the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus has rebuked those that pray for the glory and admiration that it brings them and instructs His disciples that prayers should be between you and God, so that all of the glory is given to Him.  It’s important that we recognize everything we do should be giving glory back to God, for everything we have comes from Him.  Our knowledge, our spirit, our character, our prosperity, our health down to our every breath; all come from the Creator of the Universe.

The first stanza of the prayer brings glory to God.  Acknowledge right up front that He is sovereign, holy and above all things.  His name must be kept holy in everything we do and say.   “Hallowed” is certainly not a term that is used in our daily conversations around the water cooler, but how many times are we willing to stand around and quietly listen while God’s name is used in vain.  I’m not just referring to cursing as some might think.  I’m referring to those that refuse to acknowledge His superiority, His oneness, and for all intensive purposes are blaspheming His name on a daily basis.  The antonym to the word hallowed is desecrated.  If we are not lifting up God’s name, we are desecrating His name. 

Your prayers should first and always lift up God as the Lord of Lord’s, King of King’s and Supreme authority over all things.  He is perfectly holy and righteous and we need to acknowledge that first.

 Prayer:
Almighty God,
You are holy and righteous and we bow down before You.  Forgive us for our not defending Your holiness when we hear it in our daily walk.  Forgive us for not lifting You up above all things in our own actions and giving You the glory for all that we have.  I pray that we are convicted by the Holy Spirit in these moments from here forward, and that we are bold enough to stand for You.  I give You the glory in all of my ways, in Your name we pray – Amen

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From the Waters

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.” – Proverbs 3:19-20

As the foam rolls over the edge of the beach my eyes are fixated on the sun.  It’s amazing brightness fills the sky as far as one can see with hues of orange, red, purple, blue, yellow and white.  Blinding in it’s radiance and yet fully enveloped by the great expanse of endless space behind it.  To imagine that there was once nothing but darkness of incredible depth.  From that darkness God brought forth light and placed it into the heavens, to separate the darkness.  Since the beginning of time our Creator has provided a sunrise and sunset for his children.

We were sitting at the table the other night and Emma (now 6) looks up with an amazing wonder in her eyes as if she had the answer to all of life’s questions.  “Daddy – did you know that the earth is spinning around and around?  We’re not really sitting still, even though it feels like we are.”  The wonder in the eyes and the heart of a child as they begin to comprehend the greatness of the habitat the that Lord has created for us, is truly refreshing and inspiring.

The rotation of the earth on it’s axis is in perfect alignment with the vast galaxies and universe that surround us.  We take for granted the impeccable detail of God’s creation of the solar system as we look up at the stars at night.  We often fail to recognize the absolute perfection of design that makes the earth inhabitable, and provides our life sustaining balance of oxygen, water and foliage.  But from the time of creation God’s plan was not that we inhabit the earth for eternity, but that we spend it with Him in heaven.

Consider the art of creation.  From the watery depths He created all things.  He flooded the earth and covered it once again in water to start over, when mankind had turned away from Him.  We are born from the waters of the womb.  We are baptized under water to represent the new birth after salvation.  Water poured from Jesus side when the Roman soldier stabbed him.  Jesus, Himself calmed the raging sea and represented His authority over all things.  The hydrologic cycle was created by none other than God Almighty to provide cloud covering, to replenish the earth with water, to feed the foliage and to sustain life. 

The next time you pick up a bottle of water, it may have a brand name on the label, but I can assure you it was created by none other than your Father in heaven.  So hold it in your hand for just one minute before drinking it and thank Him for His masterful creation.  Similarly He created you in a manner that only He could, so that you could bring Him glory, worship and share His love with others.  This day, let’s give God the glory He deserves as the creator of all things.


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It’s Not Locked

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”   - Revelations 3:20

It’s your move.  There is nothing more that anyone can tell you that is going to convince you of what lies before you.  The ways of the Lord are a mystery and to some confusing, because they are unwilling to accept it’s simplicity and grace.  To others it is simply illogical that His love is freely given, despite the loathsome and unrighteous lives we have lived.  Perhaps you are unwilling to believe that there is a greater authority in life, that omnipotently engages with us as humans through unseen spiritual interaction.  Perhaps, you believe it is all a fairy tale, made up by 1^st century writers to appeal to the lost and hopeless Israelites at the time.  Some have expressed to me that it’s their impression that all religions lead to the same God, so it doesn’t matter what we choose in life.  Yet, others tell me, if God is so loving, why do bad things happen, and why do those we love get hurt or die?

The reality of it all is that it comes down to you, and your choice.  You must make a choice in life, because despite what your friends tell you, or your mother or brother and sister; you are held accountable for you.  Your life is going to end.  You can think you know what is going to happen after life, but in reality you don’t and neither do I.  So, in thinking it through; the decision rests upon your shoulders to trust in those around you; who believe they have all the answers, or to seek the answer from the Creator, Himself.  You cannot enter into this decision without contemplating what’s on the other side.

Forever is a very long time.  I was in the car yesterday with my kids, and when I made that statement, my daughter (age 9) stated back, “Not really Dad.  Some people die as children, and some as teenagers.  That’s not a very long time.”  With a perception that this is all there is, her answer was accurate by the measurements of man.  When put on a timetable of eternity though, forever is a very long time.  Imagine a rope that was tied to a tree here in Houston, Texas and the other end went into outer space, close to the stars.  This rope represents life, although there is no actual end to the rope in outer space, it just keeps going.  Now, imagine that an ant stepped from the tree onto the rope and looked up as far as he could see.  The length of that ant is not more than 2mm long.  He represents your life on this earth, be it 10 years, 50 years or 100 years; it all fits within that 2mm length.  The rest of the rope represents time after death – eternity is forever.  The decision you make in this life (the 2mm) will impact where you spend eternity. 

It’s not a game, and the choice is very simple: Heaven or Hell.  It’s not a threat, but there’s no sugar coating it.  The decision is very real and you must make it, despite what every other person around is saying.  The writers of the New Testament captured this importance throughout their writings.  They were stoned, burned alive, tortured endlessly, beaten to near death, fed to lions and crucified for their beliefs, without changing or recanting their proclamations.  Their knowledge that this decision was more important than any pain or suffering on this earth gives us the understanding that there must be some absolute foundational truth to it. 

A stubborn, prideful, worldly view on this decision will have an impact on your eternal existence.  You’re not promised tomorrow, you’re not even promised today.  I’m not going to save you, I can’t, only Jesus Christ can.  For He alone was sent by God the Father for that purpose, and by believing in Him as your Savior and Lord, you are given eternal life with Him forever.  I pray that you are thinking about this, and thinking about those that you love dearly, and sharing it with them.  For if you care about them in this 2mm life, why don’t you care about where they will spend the remaining eternity?  Help them see that the door isn’t locked, they just need to turn the handle.

             

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Life’s Real Dilemma

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It with your friends

“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” – Mark 9:21-22

It isn’t yours.  When I think about the story of the young rich man, captured in Mark 9, I think about the selfishness and materialistic tendencies of our society.  We long to live in accordance with the teachings of the bible, and to be in right standing with God Almighty.  We read the scriptures and apply them to our lives where it is convenient and in line with our plans for life.  Likewise, we take those scriptures that are more demanding upon our life and push those aside, or we interpret them, to align better with the way we want to live.  Either God’s word is 100% truth or none of it is true. 

God’s Holy Bible is not to be applied to our life, it is meant to be consumed.  For in growing as a follower of Jesus Christ we are all continually learning more and more from the teachings of His Son.  When you started dating your mate, you wanted to spend more time with them each day.  This time was spent learning more and more about them; their idiosyncrasies and personality traits; their likes and dislikes; their mannerisms.  At one point during your courtship, I’m sure you were devastated because you couldn’t spend more time this individual.  It’s no different with your Father in heaven.  You need to spend more time with Him each and every day to learn of His ways and to understand His teachings.  Do you long to be in His company, or does it seem a chore, a ritual or a habit?

Who am I to tell you the way to follow the Lord?  For I am nothing but a mere man, struggling myself to learn of His ways.  I don’t have the answers, I have as many questions as you do; but what I can offer you is the peace and understanding that God’s Holy Word is true.  Every word of it.  Certainly, through translations and interpretation some of the authenticity may have eroded, but the fact of the matter is, God hasn’t. He is immutable, unchanging and He is consistent in His teaching. 

You need to realize that what Jesus told this rich man in the book of Mark is as real in the 21^st century as it was in the 1^st.  You see, God wants all of you, not just the parts you are willing to sacrifice.  When He comes into your life He isn’t a tenant, but rather He is all consuming.  Every nook and cranny and hidden place will be overturned.  He longs to help you chisel away at your hardened heart and break free from those things that keep you from serving Him.  We are all bound by things of this world: money, greed, possessions, sex, alcohol, drugs, work and relationships.  God demands to be your number one priority, above everything and everyone.

What stands between you and God?  Separate yourself from the world today for a period of 1 on 1 time with the Lord and truly seek that which is keeping you from serving Him.  Then seek His guidance and help in breaking down that barrier, so that you might come before the Lord, ready to serve without abandon.

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Well Done

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!... “ – Matthew 25:23a

Imagine walking up to the pearly gates one day. There's St Peter. and looking through the gate you see Paul with Isaac, Abraham and Moses, here comes John (the beloved), and there's Billy Graham and Mother Teresa. Peter motions for you to come this way, down a hall to your right before you enter the gates of heaven. At the end of the hall is a large white throne, blinding in it's aura. Rising from the throne is Jesus Christ himself, holding out his scarred hands. He takes your hand and you feel the scar tissue rubbing against your palms. He looks into your eyes with unbelievable love, leans down and whispers in your ear, "Follow me, but don't say a word."

He leads you to a staircase that rises almost endlessly and effortlessly you follow His lead up the 100's of stairs, blinded by the light at the top. Finally you step off of the top step onto a golden platform. There are two figures standing in front of you, one Satan and the other the Almighty God - shining in all of His glory. Satan claps his hands the room darkens and his screeching voice laughs and says - "roll the tape of this one's pitiful life." The countdown begins - 5 - 4 - your nerves on end, your becoming embarrassed, knowing what's going to be shown - 3 - tears rolling down your cheeks, your weak and trembling as you fall to your knees - 2 - squeezing your Savior's hand - 1 -

The film rolls and it is you as a baby, giggling for the first time, then learning to walk, then laughing and learning to talk, ride a bike and hit a ball...there you are at church, singing worship songs and there you are at 13 getting baptized. That's weird you think to yourself, I didn't remember seeing a dove that day. Your graduation, your first kiss, the perfect score you got on that Physics test. Then your grandpa's funeral, and who is that image next to you holding you close, propping you up. Your wedding, and your baby girl...the tears filling your eyes as you see your baby talking with angels in the hospital room....

Satan screams as the film continues, clapping his hands for the lights to turn back on, but no response. The film shows all the joys, wonders and peace of your life. Satan turns to come toward you, lunging with his pitchfork. "You are mine, now come with me." Christ steps between you and he. Satan's pitchfork goes right through Christ's heart and His white robe releases a single drop of blood which drips onto your hand. As it does, you are transformed into the perfect image of Christ, risen from the grave. Satan screeches and falls from the golden platform as you rise to your feet, alone in front of your Creator. God opens His arms and you hear His voice for the first time, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter My kingdom with thanksgiving." The door to your left opens and there stands Peter next to an open gate. Christ and the others cheer and high fiving, hugging and singing praises as you descend the golden pathway into heaven.

Make no mistake about it, the day will come when you stand before Your Creator.  Revelation 20:11-12 talks of the Great White Throne judgment happening right after one’s death.  Heaven or Hell, this is the only decision that will come from this judgment, there is no deliberating, no jury, no evidence – only God Almighty and the Book of Life.
Heavenly Father,
Your word is clear, there is one and only one way to receive eternal life with You in heaven, through a belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  No condemnation, no guilt, no shame – the blood of the Lamb will cleanse my filthiness.  Your grace allows me and my imperfections to be made whole once again and to stand blameless and perfect in Your presence.  I long for the day to hear Your words say; “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  In Jesus name we pray – Amen.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Take a Breath

“What will I do when God confronts me?
   What will I answer when called to account?” – Job 31:14

Life is given and then it is taken away.  It is not cyclical but linear in nature, as with everything there is a beginning and there is an end.  You have no control over the beginning.  You were conceived without any effort on your part.  You were given life at conception, formed in your mother’s womb and given breath at birth.  Every breath since that day has been accounted for and calculated on a linear timeline.  It is not something you can recapture once it has left your lips. One day it will be complete and breath will no longer pass over your lips, and on that day there will be a reckoning.

Daniel gives us a very good visual of the judgment day in Daniel 7:9-10.  The Lord seated upon His throne, opening the books.  As you stand before the Lord and you are asked, “Why should I let you into My perfect heaven?”, what will you say?  Do you truly believe in that day that your actions in life are hidden from God Almighty?  Every breath is recorded, do you not also believe that every action is known?  We are all guilty of unrighteousness and sin in life, for not one is worthy of heaven’s riches.  There is nothing you can say to excuse your sinful nature and your reckless lifestyle.  If this is the case, than who is worthy of entering God’s perfect heaven?

On that day, I will stand ashamed before the Lord.  Ashamed of my transgressions, disobedience and unrighteous behavior throughout my entire life. But, I envision that standing right next to me will be only One who is worthy of the Father’s Kingdom.  I can picture in my mind, Jesus Christ, standing by my side and lifting His eyes to the Lord with these words, “Father, this one is worthy because of My sacrifice.  His sins are forgiven.”  You see, Jesus Christ was not just a prophet, He was not just a nice guy, He was not just a miracle worker, He was not just a teacher, preacher and rabbi, He was not just an example of God’s love and mercy, He was not just another man with a plan.  No, Jesus Christ was and still is to this day, the Savior, the Lord, the Lamb of God.  By no other means will your life be deemed worthy of entry into God’s perfect Kingdom, than by calling upon the name of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

It’s not recorded in the scriptures to fill white space, it is recorded so that you might have eternal peace with God the Father.  You have no idea how many breaths you have left in this life.  You don’t count them on a daily basis, but He does.  You cannot defy death, and you will be held accountable for your actions.  He is your only chance at salvation, this is the truth of the Bible.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son to take on the sins of the world.  Thank You for providing a path of salvation for me to enter into heaven one day.  I have lived a sin-filled life and despite my desperate attempts to live within Your commandments, I am unable.  I recognize that I do not deserve heaven, but by Your grace, through Jesus Christ alone I can receive it.  In Your name I pray – Amen
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