Have YOU accepted God's pardon?

1 John 1:7 (New International Version)

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

It has been said that during the Civil War, a man was sitting on a park bench in Washington, D.C. He was crying. His son had deserted his post in battle and was to be shot by a firing squad. So the father went to Washington hoping to talk to the President and tell his story and see if the President would intervene. But he couldn't get passed the front gate to the White House. He would go there and be denied access. So he sat crying, fearful about his son's impending death. Hundreds of people pass him, but no one noticed....

Finally, a small boy noticed him and saw him crying. The boy went up to the man and asked him what was going on. The man was barely able to talk, but told him about his son and what was going to happen. The boy was touched. He said, "Follow me." He walked up to the front gate, looked up at the soldiers guarding it and said, "It's okay. He's with me." The gate opened. The boy and the man marched right up to the front door of the White House, opened it and walked in. He knew exactly where the President was. He knocked on the door, and he was told the President was in a meeting with his cabinet members and generals discussing war strategy. But the little boy nudged his way through the room full of people, finally reached the President, and jumped up on his lap. The conversation in the room ceased.

The boy said, "Daddy, I want you to meet a man. He needs your help." The meeting stopped, everyone left the room, and the man was brought into the room so he could tell his story. After hearing the man's plight, Lincoln took out his pen and signed a document. He handed it to the man. And written in bold letters it said:

"Presidential Pardon. Signed, Abraham Lincoln, President of the U.S. "

The man's SON had been pardoned! His tears of sadness became tears of joy. As he was leaving he turned to the President and asked, "Why did you do this for me?"

Lincoln replied, "I did it because my SON took an interest in your situation! "

Due to our sin, YOU and I are much like the young soldier that deserted his post in battle. WE have sinned, and the wages of sin is DEATH (Romans 6:23). Yet, both the Son (as well as the Father) "took an interest in OUR situation." Because of His great love for us, Jesus died on the cross so that WE might receive FULL PARDON for OUR sins (1 Peter 2:24).

And through Jesus, God's only Son, WE too have DIRECT ACCESS to HIGH PLACES because He EVER LIVES to intercede for us at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34-39).God will grant this "DIVINE PARDON" to those who: place their trust in Him (Hebrews 11:6), repent of sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38). He will CONTINUE TO PARDON those who CONTINUE TO FOLLOW Jesus for the rest of their lives (1 John 1:7)

Have YOU accepted God's pardon?

Dear Lord we thank You for the pardon You have offered to each of us. We pray that we would be the one to share that with others today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

10 Licks

Isaiah 53:5 (New International Version)

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

    He was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

    and by his wounds we are healed.

There was a class of young people that no teacher was able to handle. Two or three teachers had been run off from school this year by these young people. Finally a young man out of college heard about the class and applied to the school. The principal asked the young man

"Do you not know what you are asking for, no one has been able to handle these young people, you are just asking for a terrible beating."

After a few moments of silent prayer, the young man looked at the principal and said

"Sir, with your consent I accept the challenge, just give me a trial basis."

The next morning the young man reported for class. He said to the class,

"Young people, I came here today to conduct school, but I realize I can't do it by myself, I must have your help."

One big boy, they called Big Tom, in the back of the room whispered to his buddies,

"I'll not need any help, I can lick that little bird all by myself."

The young teacher told the class if they are to have school, there will have to be some rules to go by. He also added that he will allow the students to make up the rules and he will list them on the blackboard. One young man suggested,

"NO STEALING".

Another one shouted,

"BE ON TIME FOR CLASS."

Pretty soon they had 10 rules listed on the board. The teacher had then asked the class what the punishment should be for breaking these rules. Rules are no good unless they are enforced. Someone in the class suggested that if the rules were broken, they should receive 10 licks with a rod across their back with their coat off. The teacher thought that was pretty harsh, and asked the class would they stand by this punishment. The class agreed.

Everything went pretty good for two or three days. Finally Big Tom came in one day very upset. He reported that someone had stolen his lunch. After talking with the students they came to the conclusion that Little Jim had stolen Big Tom's lunch. The teacher called Little Jim up to the front of the room and asked him to remove his coat. That little fellow came up the aisle with a great big coat on. Little Jim approached the teacher and said,

"I am guilty and am willing to take my punishment but please don't make me take off my coat."

The teacher reminded Little Jim of the rules and their punishments and asked him again to remove his coat and take his punishment like a man. That little fellow started to unbutton that old coat, and the teacher saw that he did not have a shirt on under the coat. The teacher asked Little Jim why he came to school without a shirt on. Little Jim said,

"My daddy's dead and my mother is very poor, I don't have but one shirt and my mother is washing it today. I wore big brother's coat to keep my little body warm."

That young teacher stood and looked at the frail back and wondered how he could lay a rod on that little back without even a shirt on. He knew if he didn't enforce the punishment, the children would not obey the rules, so as he drew back to strike Little Jim, Big Tom came down the aisle. Big Tom asked,

"Can I take Little Jim's whipping for him?"

The teacher agreed and Big Tom ripped his coat off and stooped over and the teacher began to lay the rod on that big back. But for some strange reason after only five licks, that old rod just broke in half. The young teacher buried his face in his hands and began to sob. He heard a commotion and looked up to find not even one dry eye in the room.

Little Jim had run and grabbed Big Tom around the neck, apologizing to him for stealing his lunch, and explained that he was so very hungry. Little Jim begged Big Tom to forgive him. He told Big Tom that he would love him till the day he died for taking his whipping for him.

Aren't you glad that Jesus took our whipping for us, that He shed his precious blood on Calvary so that we can have eternal life in Glory with Him? We are unworthy of the price He paid for us, but aren't you glad He loves us that much?

Dear Lord we thank You for taking the punishment that we deserved. We pray that as we go through the day we would show that love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

When Tragedy Strikes

Luke 13:1-5 (New International Version)

1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

To paraphrase a past President, Tuesday, September 11, 2001 will forever go down in history as a day of infamy. I remember watching replays of John F. Kennedy’s funeral. I remember as a young married watching the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger. The bombings of embassies, the barracks in the Middle East…I could go on.

As we woke this morning July 20, 2012 we started hearing about the shooting at a crowded midnight screening of the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises,” in Aurora, Colorado.  As the story was told on TV so many different emotions flooded my heart and I’m sure yours as well; horror, grief, fear, anxiety, frustration, helplessness, anger…

Why? All day I’ve listened to the commentators, politicians and even friends attempt to give explanation for something that is ultimately unexplainable. Sin and destruction is a part of this sinful world in which we live.

As tragic as this event is – let me share with you something even more tragic. Among those that died this morning –  some of them not only died needlessly, but they will spend an eternity separated from God in a place He calls hell because they senselessly and needlessly failed to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and leadership in their lives.

To die suddenly, pointlessly, is one thing – but to spend an eternity separated from God because one either did not know or did not care – that’s a tragedy!

Yes, bad, evil things happen in this world. They happen because this world is filled with sin: an attitude that says I will not allow God control of my life: I will live as I please in spite of God’s warnings. We live in a world where evil is rampant – and sin is considered normal and accepted.

When that sin gets out of control we are shocked – but sin is still sin.

Let’s take this as a reminder to always look for ways to share God’s love and His plan of salvation to those around us each day.  Then when tragedy strikes each of us will be prepared to face our Lord and not go into eternity totaly lost.

Dear Lord we pray for the families and friends of those one lost a loved one at the hands of the gun man today. We pray for a peace and a healing for each one. We pray that through this tragedy many will come to know You because if it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do Not Forget

Psalm 103:2-5 (New International Version)

2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Leslie H. Sabo Sr. Died in 1977.

He died without knowing the whole story of his son's death. That's not surprising. There were very few people who knew how Army Specialist Leslie Sabo, Jr. Spent his last moments on May 10, 1970.

This is Sabo's story: He was serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Cambodia when his unit was ambushed by a superior North Vietnamese force. Sabo charged one group of soldiers and killed some. Then he turned on another group and made them fall back. It was during that second charge that an enemy grenade landed at his feet. Sabo picked it up and threw it back, and then he used his own body as a shield to protect a wounded friend. Sabo's last charge was against an enemy emplacement. He threw a grenade, which put them out of commission.

That grenade also took Sabo's life.

It was a brave thing that Specialist Sabo did. Too bad his actions were forgotten for over 40 years.

Indeed, it was entirely by accident that a reporter came across Sabo's story, shared it and set the wheels in motion which, on May 16th, granted a posthumous Medal of Honor to the fallen soldier.

You know, it's a sad thing when people forget the sacrifices of those who died to grant them freedom.

It's sad when a nation forgets its soldiers.

It's sad when individuals forget their Savior.

You see, over 2,000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth led a charge against the forces that had dominated and subjugated this world. It was a one-Man charge: a mission which was sure to end in the death of the Person making it.

Knowing what was demanded, what was necessary if sinners were to be forgiven and the lost were to be saved, Jesus made that charge.

Dear Lord thank You for given up Your life so that we might be forgiven and saved. We pray that we would never forget. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Focusing On Jesus

Hebrews 12:2-3 (New International Version)

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

A little over a week ago I was in a most vulnerable spot: the dentist chair! Keeping my mouth wide open while one is being tortured isn’t easy, especially when it’s a root canal!  But hey, you can’t really complain about it, especially since you can’t utter a word anyway, with all those hands in your mouth!

Giraffes are vulnerable as well.  Although they have excellent eyesight and can view the surroundings for miles on end, thanks to their height, they have two predators that seem to like the giraffe’s hard flesh: lions and leopards.

These animals are generally no match for giraffes however, as a kick from a giraffe’s leg can literally kill a lion, and a giraffe can run 31-37 mph!  Besides, due to their height, they are difficult to bring down!

There is one spot, however, where they become vulnerable, and it isn’t the dentist chair.  Their teeth are healthier than most of ours!  And this is a place where giraffes have no choice but to frequent often: The water-hole!

As giraffes have to struggle to spread their front legs wide and lower their heads to drink, their focus can no longer be on their surroundings and their numerous dangers.  Giraffes are so conscious of their vulnerability that they will scan their surroundings carefully, but not all dangers are noticeable, especially if a predator is hiding!  But once their heads are down and their front legs spread wide, a lion or leopard can attack them and bring them down with hardly a fight.

No kicking or running is possible, as the wide-spread position locks the giraffe’s front legs into place.  Moreover, putting its head up very quickly will make the giraffe dizzy and fill it with confusion!

How true this is for all of us if we stop focusing on what really matters, we become easy prey for the evil one, and before we know it we are spiritually devoured!

This is why the apostle Paul urges us to: “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.

On whom will you focus?

Dear Lord we pray today that we would keep our eyes on You. We pray that we would finish the race before us with You as our focus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Trinkets or Treasures?

2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

  

Trudi Hall of Baytown, TX, has told of an experience that she and her husband shared on a recent trip:

There was a man that Keith and I met last year on a ship we took from Barcelona, Spain to Galveston, Texas. The ship crew was handing out little “Monopoly” dollars (fake bills from the board game) for every activity one participated in on-board. The “dollars” could then be redeemed in the gift shop for over-priced cheesy trinkets.

While we took every opportunity to go ashore and experience the beauty, history, and culture of Europe, and look up long lost friends along the way, this fellow was like a gerbil on a wheel, running from shuffleboard to ping-pong, collecting his "dollars." He missed out on Alecante, Malaga, the Canary Islands, and the Bahamas, but I'm sure he polished his miniature golf skills along the way.

In the end, we have wonderful memories of our time together, a strengthened relationship, and a bit more understanding of the history of the world.

He has a backpack with the ship's logo on it.

While not all of our opportunities will be as thrilling as our ocean journey, I believe that each one affords us the opportunity to use it for our growth and blessing, or squander it.

The man with the Monopoly dollars is not the only one who gets focused on “trinkets” and misses out on the REAL treasures of life...

The world has NOTHING to offer except trinkets, for the things of this world are only temporary

The REAL treasures of life are spiritual and eternal. These treasures are enjoyed in a right relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Even though we were lost in sin, God sent His Son to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins. Through Him we discover the REAL treasures of forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. These treasures belong only to children of God. When we by faith in His Son, turn from our sins in repentance ,confess Him before me, and are baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins, we are “born” into the family of God and become heirs of an eternal inheritance. As long as we remain faithful to our Heavenly Father, He has promised to give us these REAL, SPIRITUAL TREASURES.

Don’t be duped by the cheesy trinkets that the world has to offer. Discover the real, lasting treasures that are found in a saving relationship with God.

Dear Lord we thank You for the things of this world, but we pray that we would not let the trinkets get in the way of You. Help us keep our eyes upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What Sign are You Putting Up?

1 Peter 2:11-12 (The Message)

May we be encouragers, always indicating the way to the only true, peaceful Home! "Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives."

Watson Lake, Yukon, renowned for its Sign Post Forest, is nothing but a small village filled with hotels and sign posts.

In 1942, a homesick soldier named Carl K. Lindley of Danville, Illinois decided to erect a sign that pointed the way home. He even indicated the mileage to his hometown. With the possibility of a Japanese invasion in Alaska imminent, he and thousands of other American troops had been working on the construction of the Alaskan Highway, and like all of the other GIs, he was tired and longed to return home.

It didn't take long for his fellow GIs, and later, travelers of the Alaskan Highway, to follow his lead, that one sign had grown to over 75,000. The town now maintains the site, erecting more and more signposts as they are needed.

In 1992 Carl K. Lindley and his wife visited the site, 50 years after the first post was erected They must have been astonished to see how one little sign had grown into an entire forest!

All of us leave signs behind, indicating the way to where our hearts lie. To some, it is to casinos, as indicated on one of the tombstones near where we live. To others, it is to wild parties, and to still others, it is to jobs, as even on holidays their minds are still focused on their work's to-do-lists.

I have to wonder what kinds of signs we, as Christians, leave behind. Do our "signs" always point the way to heaven, where our heart should be? Or have we been distracted from our real purpose in life? "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:20-21 NIV)

Remember, once we erect our sign, others will follow our lead. Will we be leading people to life? Or will we be leading them to the ensnarement of sin and death? "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Heb 3:12-13 NIV)

It only takes one sign! What kind are you busily putting up?

Dear Lord we pray that the sign we are putting up today would be the sign that leads others to You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.