Eternity is a Long Time

  “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was first shown in 1965. The most remembered part of the 25 minute cartoon is the speech by Linus, the resident philosopher of the Peanuts. Interestingly, it almost did not get into the final cut as the networks were very concerned that the public would not be comfortable with the Bible being quoted – especially by a cartoon character. However, Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts, insisted on keeping the Bible verses saying, “If we don’t, who will?” Here's the clip. Here are the verses Linus quotes: Luke 2:8-14 8  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  10  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  11  For the...

  As the old song goes: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and it is. There is really no other season that means so much to so many people. Even those who are unfamiliar with Christmas season quickly get caught up in the spirit of the season when exposed to it – and I am not talking about the presents. Even those who are not “religious” or even nominally Christian enjoy this time of year     There is a special feeling of families gathering, enjoying each other and giving gifts. Thanksgiving is very special and very important, but it lacks the act of giving which Christmas brings. However, the two together work beautifully as it is so important to give thanks for what we have and then share that with others.   But what is it that makes the season so special that for a month out of the year, so many in the world have a slightly different outlook than usual? Why do so many people understand what is meant by the “Christmas spirit” we see depicted in feel-good Chr...

God is love . We know this not only because the Scriptures explicitly tell us but they also show us. God provided ways to come to Him even when we had turned our backs on Him. Yet the pride people have in themselves or their fear in trusting God cause them to not take advantage of God’s generous mercy. When we do not take advantage of what God offers, then the natural consequences of the condemnation we live with is the result. It started with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden listening to Satan rather than God. Yet God provided for them even as He evicted them from the Garden not only materially but with the  promise of ultimate salvation by one of their posterity . It continued with Cain ignoring God’s desire to be worshiped with a whole heart and becoming jealous of his brother Abel’s close relationship with God. This ultimately lead to Cain’s murder of Abel even after  God encouraged Cain to do what he knew was right . It reached its first wide scale demonstration of Go...

  I just learned my internet friend Jackie , who I first knew on Gather back in 2006, passed away in July. She told me she had 3 near death experiences. It was not too long after the third one that she wrote what you see pictured here. I can't say with certainty, but it sure looks like the Lord kept Jackie here on earth so she could finally come to the realization of what He did for all of us on the cross and, most importantly, for Jackie to invite Him into her heart. You see, just knowing about God is NOT enough. Even acknowledging God as Creator is NOT enough. We must humble ourselves and give our hearts to Him. We must love Him to be saved from the justice we all deserve. If we love Him, then He will forgive our sins and we will be with Him for eternity. For Jesus loved all of us first - even when we did not love Him - and He showed that by dying on the cross for us. This is what Jackie ultimately did, but it took a while and she had the time. You may not. We do not know what to...

  When you feel a firm lump on your body, you know it’s not a good thing. That’s what I found Sunday night while I was getting ready for bed when I was washing my groin area. I won’t keep you in suspense, I am going to have surgery in three weeks to remove the lump and the doctor will have it biopsied. What I really want to tell you is the awesome way God showered grace and favor on me when I went to the doctor’s office on Wednesday. Since the lump was not hurting me on Sunday night, there was no need to go to the emergency room. I told my wife on Monday morning and started making calls to urologists. My insurance (Tricare Select) allows me to go straight to a specialist without getting a referral. There was no doubt as to which type of specialist I was going to see; I did not have to waste my time with going to a general doctor. The first urology office I called said they could see me in six weeks. Since I was in charge of my care, I decided to keep trying for a better deal. The s...

 

  What about women who have had abortions? How does God deal with them and how do we deal with them? Every mother who is self-aware knows that something very traumatic has just occurred when she has an abortion. The procedure is very invasive and, sometimes, very dangerous. Additionally, there is an emotional-biological connection between mother and baby which is profound. Some women try to minimize this, but the amount of post-partum depression clearly shows how deep the connection is. There is also the sha m e and remorse associated with mothers who have had abortions. Given the deep connection between mother and baby, you can see how this would affect many women tremendously. This is not to say that some mothers seem to be unaffected by their actions of ending their baby’s life. Perhaps a few are not. Most of these mothers, however, are putting a big mask over their emotions. The good news, the great news, is that Jesus loves every woman who has had an abortion just like He love...

  Oh, praise the name of Jesus forever. Praise His name in good times and bad, when the sun shines and when it storms. For He is the Rock we can build upon; He is the strength we need. People will always disappoint you no matter how much they love you, but Jesus is ever faithful and will never forsake you. Satan will try to tell you Jesus does not care, that Jesus has turned from you, that Jesus never loved you. Those are lies from the father of lies. Jesus came to save mankind through His sacrifice on the cross because He loves us. Why would He do that and then turn His back on those He loved so much? Jesus continues to shower His grace, mercy and love every second of every day to those who lift up their faces and soften their hearts to Him. Miracles do happen and will continue to happen, but often the biggest miracle is the comfort and serenity of a contented heart. Find your rest in the Good Shepherd. Find your peace in Jesus. Praise His name!

  How a God, if there is a God, can allow evil or, at the very least, bad things, to exist has been a sticking point for some people for centuries. In many cultures, this issue was dealt with through a pantheon of gods who were very similar to humans – just with greater powers. But with the advent of Judaism and, eventually, Christianity, people were being presented with an omnipotent and omniscient God, who created the cosmos as well as life on Earth yet, at the same time, allows evil to exist in the world. How could this be? After all, is it not a blatant inconsistency for an all good God to have any evil, anywhere, at all? If the argument is made from the Bible, then its legitimacy, along with the very validity of God, has to be established. This essay will describe some of the philosophical issues of evil vis-à-vis God as well as dealing with whether God is and if the Bible is to be relied upon. Evil can be broken down into two parts, as John Hick explains, moral evil or wicked...

Our God is awesome in the truest sense of the word. So many people try to put limits on God in order to attempt to better understand Him. Instead, they wind up diminishing His greatness. By trying to explain Him in terms we all can understand and relate to, we miss out on how wonderful He really is and the plan He has for all of us. In order to attempt to show the wonder of God, try this. You are outside on a clear day. In your mind’s eye take a step back from yourself and imagine you see things from beyond your limited vantage point. If you can envision yourself seeing all around you at once you are off to a good start. Now look at the objects that are being blocked by other objects and describe them perfectly. At the same time, know what is happening beneath your feet. “See” every worm and grub, and know the soils’ exact chemical composition — every square inch. Are you still with me? Now, describe exactly what your closest friend is doing, what and who are near your friend and how m...

I love my God.  I didn't for my first 40 years. Oh, I loved Him a little bit - every now and then. During those few times when I did, I would bring Him out of the box where I kept Him on the shelf, enjoy His love for a time and then put Him back on the shelf. After all, I was in charge and could take care of myself. What a foolish person I was. On July 22, 2002, God made it abundantly clear to me that I needed Him and gave me the opportunity to follow Him. I did and my life has never been the same since . What I didn't appreciate at the time was the fact that God loved me so much - FIRST! He loved me before I loved Him.  Indeed, He loved me before I was even born. He has loved me since eternity past. And He loves you the same way!! Please, have a conversation with God. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Let Him envelope you and take all those burdens away.  You'll be so glad you did!