I haven't told many people this because I don't like talking about it. It was seven years ago, just before my tracheotomy operation, when I was really sick. I didn't have any energy, Everything made me short of breath. Eating, drinking and sleeping. It was terrible and thoughts of suicide did come up. I just wanted everything to end. I wasn't strong with God and I didn't know Jesus. I sure didn't know suicide was a sin. I do not believe I would have been able to do it, but it scares me that I even thought about it. Little did I know what my life would turn out to be. A great life with an inner peace only the Lord can provide.
God created our bodies with a purpose in mind for each and everyone of us. Doing harm to our bodies is a grave insult to Him. God sees all, knows all. Trusting Him to lead us and trusting His son to give us the comfort to get us through is faith. We must hold on to that faith during the bad times and trust we will be led to even greater times. Only God knows how we fit into His grand plan. We do not. When someone decides to destroy their body because they can't see any way out of their situation, they are telling God, "I don't trust you and I don't believe you can help me."
The thing about suicide, they can not ask for forgiveness because they are no longer alive. I see suicide all the time in our culture. So many don't even bat an eye when hearing a report of someone committing suicide. Euthanasia being promoted as a means of "dying with dignity". Hollywood glamorizing suicide, portraying them as finally being at peace and suffering no more. Our culture's view on suicide could not be more wrong. This is very harsh to think about, but they are not at peace and their suffering will become much worse.
God does not wish any to perish, and nor do I. Hell is an awful place, and it physically and emotionally hurts me every time someone has to go to that horrible place. I wish I could lead them all to Jesus and away from Satan's deceit, and I am sure many besides me have that same desire. Unfortunately, it just isn't very realistic.
That is why we have a job to do. To continue spreading the message of Jesus Christ. When you see someone down or overwhelmed, give them a warm smile and offer a helping hand. If you see someone going through a devastating time, no matter the cause, sit down and be there for them. With people in a vulnerable state who can't see a way out, the best thing we can do is make them feel loved. That God, that society, has not given up on them. Pray that they will find a reason to live through our efforts.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Prayer Points
Prayer Points is a list of issues and events here in America and abroad that need to be in our prayers. I am a firm believer that prayer works. God listens if we ask for his help. It may not be exactly in the way that we want or expect, but He always answers according to His will. I ask that you put your trust in God and pray with me to raise these issues up to Him.
At the top of this page to the right is a tab labeled "Prayer Points". That will take you to a page that lists what we need to be praying for. Obviously I can't list everything, but I will list everything that comes to my attention.
I have just started on this, so the list is not very long yet. Contact me if you have a prayer request because I would love to give it exposure, just beware this is a public blog.
At the top of this page to the right is a tab labeled "Prayer Points". That will take you to a page that lists what we need to be praying for. Obviously I can't list everything, but I will list everything that comes to my attention.
I have just started on this, so the list is not very long yet. Contact me if you have a prayer request because I would love to give it exposure, just beware this is a public blog.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Risking One Day Too Late
How many of you know someone who believes in God and that Jesus died for our sins, but they don't walk the walk. Sunday rolls around and well, I'll go to church soon, just not today. Then next Friday comes along, and there are just has too many things going on this weekend. I'm young, I'll have time when I'm older. I don't really read the Bible. I mean, I don't understand these words anyway. Subconsciously I end up thinking Jesus is at church, not at my house. Besides, what I'm doing isn't that bad. He's a God of forgiveness, He can forgive me later. I'm a good person, He wouldn't really let me go to hell.
That was me for 17 years. Be completely honest and ask yourself if that sounds familiar. If it does, please take the time to read this message. I came very close to dying that summer and I almost missed knowing Jesus. When I lost consciousness, I was in a barren wasteland with my throat dry and on fire. I wish I could communicate the terrifying dread that I felt, knowing I missed the cut. I wish I could put it into words how serious it is rejecting and procrastinating Jesus. Any of us could die at any time, on any day. Death does not give second chances.
Jesus Christ was brutally honest in His teaching, and I owe it to you to be the same. A term many do not quite understand is "being saved." You could read the Bible cover to cover and follow every commandment, but still not make it into heaven. The consequences of sin are a spiritual death from the Lord, and the beginning of eternal torment. We are all sinners because we are not perfect. Once you accept Jesus into your heart and acknowledge you are a sinner, we are forgiven. You are saved from eternal torment, and the Lord will be with you always.
John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This means that Jesus holds the key to heaven's gate. If He does not know you personally, the gate stays locked. The only way in is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. What does that mean? When you accept Jesus into your heart, He never leaves. It is having faith He will never let you down. It is thankfulness for the blessings He blesses you with everyday. It is loving Him completely because there is no one else on this earth who is committed to you 24/7/365. That is a personal relationship with Jesus.
I know this may sound overwhelming. Even after I accepted Jesus, I didn't have all the answers. I even avoided finding the answers in fear that I could not live up to them. It wasn't easy after 17 years of giving into temptation and sin. It took me awhile to get to where I am with Christ today. He knows what is in our hearts and thoughts. If you give your heart to Jesus and make a solid effort to honor Him, He will be right there with you every step of the way. I can guarantee that, because He never has given up on me.
Just remember, human life is fragile, especially in these times. Do you really want to risk being one day too late?
That was me for 17 years. Be completely honest and ask yourself if that sounds familiar. If it does, please take the time to read this message. I came very close to dying that summer and I almost missed knowing Jesus. When I lost consciousness, I was in a barren wasteland with my throat dry and on fire. I wish I could communicate the terrifying dread that I felt, knowing I missed the cut. I wish I could put it into words how serious it is rejecting and procrastinating Jesus. Any of us could die at any time, on any day. Death does not give second chances.
Jesus Christ was brutally honest in His teaching, and I owe it to you to be the same. A term many do not quite understand is "being saved." You could read the Bible cover to cover and follow every commandment, but still not make it into heaven. The consequences of sin are a spiritual death from the Lord, and the beginning of eternal torment. We are all sinners because we are not perfect. Once you accept Jesus into your heart and acknowledge you are a sinner, we are forgiven. You are saved from eternal torment, and the Lord will be with you always.
John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This means that Jesus holds the key to heaven's gate. If He does not know you personally, the gate stays locked. The only way in is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. What does that mean? When you accept Jesus into your heart, He never leaves. It is having faith He will never let you down. It is thankfulness for the blessings He blesses you with everyday. It is loving Him completely because there is no one else on this earth who is committed to you 24/7/365. That is a personal relationship with Jesus.
I know this may sound overwhelming. Even after I accepted Jesus, I didn't have all the answers. I even avoided finding the answers in fear that I could not live up to them. It wasn't easy after 17 years of giving into temptation and sin. It took me awhile to get to where I am with Christ today. He knows what is in our hearts and thoughts. If you give your heart to Jesus and make a solid effort to honor Him, He will be right there with you every step of the way. I can guarantee that, because He never has given up on me.
Just remember, human life is fragile, especially in these times. Do you really want to risk being one day too late?
Friday, September 9, 2011
Never Give Up On Prayer
The tragedy of September 11th, 2001 always has us thinking and remembering around this time of year. The entire world was changed that day, not just the United States. It was a wake up call, teaching us how vulnerable we are in the hands of men. The memories stay with us, but the lessons have faded over time.
I never forget the lessons learned from September 11th, just like the lessons learned from every conflict since. I am deeply patriotic and would never downplay the September 11th attacks. But it is part of a pattern that has been deteriorating for decades. The world's affairs in the hands of men do not prosper. The United States of America in the hands of men grows corrupt. Our safety, here and abroad, in the hands of men is never reliable. Our future in the hands of men can only be a dark and stormy future.
We need the Lord our God to not only be in our own lives, but to also be in others. We need God to not only be in our country, but others as well. Even our enemies. The only way we have any hope to prosper in peace is through the Lord's blessing. Our country and the world have dug themselves deep in to sin, but all sins can be forgiven through Jesus Christ. It is crucial at this time that we pray for God to heal our land, to speak to our leaders, and to the world. God always listens, so let us strive to send tens of thousands of prayers up to Him.
This may seem like an insurmountable task, and it may be. Many will not accept Jesus and the need of God in our country. However, we must do our very best to reach as many as we can. Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples of all nations. We must allow ourselves to be beacons for His light to shine through us. Prayer, love, compassion, and kindness are the most important tools we carry.
"Father, please gather into your arms the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives on that tragic morning. Comfort them as they remember what happened those 10 years ago. Dry their tears as they mourn their loved ones. Guide the rest of us to bow our heads and pay our respects to the innocents and the brave men and women who rushed in to save them. As we remember the tragedy of September 11th, remind us that you, Lord Jesus, love us and are always there with us, no matter the circumstance. With you, we have nothing to fear as you offer us eternal life. Let your will be known and give us opportunities to reach those in need of your love.
We pray this in Jesus name, Amen."
I never forget the lessons learned from September 11th, just like the lessons learned from every conflict since. I am deeply patriotic and would never downplay the September 11th attacks. But it is part of a pattern that has been deteriorating for decades. The world's affairs in the hands of men do not prosper. The United States of America in the hands of men grows corrupt. Our safety, here and abroad, in the hands of men is never reliable. Our future in the hands of men can only be a dark and stormy future.
We need the Lord our God to not only be in our own lives, but to also be in others. We need God to not only be in our country, but others as well. Even our enemies. The only way we have any hope to prosper in peace is through the Lord's blessing. Our country and the world have dug themselves deep in to sin, but all sins can be forgiven through Jesus Christ. It is crucial at this time that we pray for God to heal our land, to speak to our leaders, and to the world. God always listens, so let us strive to send tens of thousands of prayers up to Him.
This may seem like an insurmountable task, and it may be. Many will not accept Jesus and the need of God in our country. However, we must do our very best to reach as many as we can. Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples of all nations. We must allow ourselves to be beacons for His light to shine through us. Prayer, love, compassion, and kindness are the most important tools we carry.
"Father, please gather into your arms the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives on that tragic morning. Comfort them as they remember what happened those 10 years ago. Dry their tears as they mourn their loved ones. Guide the rest of us to bow our heads and pay our respects to the innocents and the brave men and women who rushed in to save them. As we remember the tragedy of September 11th, remind us that you, Lord Jesus, love us and are always there with us, no matter the circumstance. With you, we have nothing to fear as you offer us eternal life. Let your will be known and give us opportunities to reach those in need of your love.
We pray this in Jesus name, Amen."
Monday, August 22, 2011
I Stand With Israel
Supporting Israel is very close to my heart. I believe protecting Israel has never been this crucial since the 1948 war. International pressure and the threat of full scale war face the Jewish state every day. I feel a calling to make light of what is going on in Israel that the mainstream news does not report.
This past Thursday, August 18th, a coordinated three stage terrorist attack hit the southern town of Eliat, killing 8 and wounding over 40. The terrorists hid in Gaza, Forcing Israel's IDF to go into Gaza to strike those responsible. Since then, terror cells in Gaza have fired over 100 rockets into southern Israel, targeting populated communities. By forcing Israel to strike them in their territory, terror groups are using that as an excuse to fire back.
The international community always focuses on what Israel and the IDF are doing, and downplay the involvement of Hamas and terror groups. The media follows suit and then the majority of people never get the full story. It is not about two groups of people not getting along. It is good verses evil. Israel remains ethical, only targeting the terror cells themselves. Hamas and their terror cells target civilians on buses, in schools, in their homes and communities. It should be quite clear who is good and who is evil in this conflict.
Right now, nearly a million Israelis are in bomb shelters. They are praying for a legitimate cease fire to stop the rocket fire, praying they still have a home to go home to. They are not only living in fear for their own lives, but for their families as well. The threat of war from surrounding countries is always growing and they worry. Will their children be free or will they have to live under oppressive rule? Here in the United States, we don't have to live in fear like they have to. We don't have to worry about constant rocket fire, or anti tank missiles fired at our children's school buses.
I urge you to pray for Israel and follow what really is happening. Israel is the only stable democracy in a region on fire. Pray for the safety of the Jewish people and their families. Prayer is a very powerful tool because God listens. Once you pass it on and others pass it on, it can turn into hundreds or thousands of calls up to God. We know that the Jewish people are God's chosen people and Israel will never be destroyed. But we still need to pray and offer our support. The more safe the Jewish people are, they more opportunities they will have to find Jesus Christ. We must not abandon them.
This past Thursday, August 18th, a coordinated three stage terrorist attack hit the southern town of Eliat, killing 8 and wounding over 40. The terrorists hid in Gaza, Forcing Israel's IDF to go into Gaza to strike those responsible. Since then, terror cells in Gaza have fired over 100 rockets into southern Israel, targeting populated communities. By forcing Israel to strike them in their territory, terror groups are using that as an excuse to fire back.
The international community always focuses on what Israel and the IDF are doing, and downplay the involvement of Hamas and terror groups. The media follows suit and then the majority of people never get the full story. It is not about two groups of people not getting along. It is good verses evil. Israel remains ethical, only targeting the terror cells themselves. Hamas and their terror cells target civilians on buses, in schools, in their homes and communities. It should be quite clear who is good and who is evil in this conflict.
Right now, nearly a million Israelis are in bomb shelters. They are praying for a legitimate cease fire to stop the rocket fire, praying they still have a home to go home to. They are not only living in fear for their own lives, but for their families as well. The threat of war from surrounding countries is always growing and they worry. Will their children be free or will they have to live under oppressive rule? Here in the United States, we don't have to live in fear like they have to. We don't have to worry about constant rocket fire, or anti tank missiles fired at our children's school buses.
I urge you to pray for Israel and follow what really is happening. Israel is the only stable democracy in a region on fire. Pray for the safety of the Jewish people and their families. Prayer is a very powerful tool because God listens. Once you pass it on and others pass it on, it can turn into hundreds or thousands of calls up to God. We know that the Jewish people are God's chosen people and Israel will never be destroyed. But we still need to pray and offer our support. The more safe the Jewish people are, they more opportunities they will have to find Jesus Christ. We must not abandon them.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Blessed
I admit there are some days I wonder why I am still here. Days where I long to leave this cruel world and be with Jesus where everlasting peace reigns. It's easy when I'm depressed to just want out, especially when I see how cruel society can be in these times.
But let me tell you about why those days don't consume me. I sometimes wake to the sun streaming through my window and splashing across my walls. I close my eyes and savor it, because I can feel Jesus smiling on me. There is no other feeling like it. I feel so incredibly blessed, all that I can do is praise, "Thank you, Lord!" I have family and friends that never cease to be there for me. I live in a country where I am free and safe, where I live under a roof that shelters me. I have had a great life and am ever thankful for the man it has turned me into. Above all, I have Jesus in my heart and His hand on my shoulder, and the promise that He will never leave me, no matter what.
Moments like that remind me, despite my health, that I have comforts many in this world do not. I am truly blessed to have all that I have, and the life I have experienced. When depression sets in after you have a physical or emotional setback, it's easy to put yourself and your problems first. But we must make an effort to remember there are many who are much worse off than we are, and to pray for them. Our own problems then seem so much smaller.
As Americans and citizens in a free society, we take too many things for granted. We don't know what it's like to live in fear under brutal tyranny, to watch our own family starve because we can't afford to put food on the table, or live without electricity or basic amenities for who knows how long. But unfortunately, the fact is many throughout the world do know what that is like. We are all brothers and sisters by God. We have an obligation to keep them in our thoughts and prayers, that one day they may know some of the comforts we are blessed with every day. Pray that one day they will be reunited with us in Heaven, walking with Jesus as we will walk with Jesus.
Always remember your blessings, and always thank the Lord for giving you those blessings. The best way to honor God is to use your blessings to help others. Whether you are introducing them to Jesus, or just offering a helping hand, you are not wasting the blessings God has given you. You are standing up and doing your part in His will, and that can make all the difference.
But let me tell you about why those days don't consume me. I sometimes wake to the sun streaming through my window and splashing across my walls. I close my eyes and savor it, because I can feel Jesus smiling on me. There is no other feeling like it. I feel so incredibly blessed, all that I can do is praise, "Thank you, Lord!" I have family and friends that never cease to be there for me. I live in a country where I am free and safe, where I live under a roof that shelters me. I have had a great life and am ever thankful for the man it has turned me into. Above all, I have Jesus in my heart and His hand on my shoulder, and the promise that He will never leave me, no matter what.
Moments like that remind me, despite my health, that I have comforts many in this world do not. I am truly blessed to have all that I have, and the life I have experienced. When depression sets in after you have a physical or emotional setback, it's easy to put yourself and your problems first. But we must make an effort to remember there are many who are much worse off than we are, and to pray for them. Our own problems then seem so much smaller.
As Americans and citizens in a free society, we take too many things for granted. We don't know what it's like to live in fear under brutal tyranny, to watch our own family starve because we can't afford to put food on the table, or live without electricity or basic amenities for who knows how long. But unfortunately, the fact is many throughout the world do know what that is like. We are all brothers and sisters by God. We have an obligation to keep them in our thoughts and prayers, that one day they may know some of the comforts we are blessed with every day. Pray that one day they will be reunited with us in Heaven, walking with Jesus as we will walk with Jesus.
Always remember your blessings, and always thank the Lord for giving you those blessings. The best way to honor God is to use your blessings to help others. Whether you are introducing them to Jesus, or just offering a helping hand, you are not wasting the blessings God has given you. You are standing up and doing your part in His will, and that can make all the difference.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
True Hope
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)
This was the beginning of our universe, our existence, and our purpose. God, our loving creator, created everything for us. Such awesome beauty surrounds us every day. We see it in our families, in the wonders of nature, and in His love for us. He didn't create mindless drones without any purpose but to wait on His every whim. He has given us all the gift of life and a free will to choose for ourselves. None of us could ever dream to repay Him, and the great thing is we don't have to. The only thing God requires from us in return is our love, to serve Him and love each other.
Yet look at us now, how much mankind has forgotten. God has taken a backseat in many peoples lives, and many have cut Him out entirely, or never knew Him to begin with. Today's world is the result. Evil has mankind under siege. Deception is Satan's greatest tool. When we are at our weakest, he whispers in our ears. "Why do we need God?" "Live by your own rules." "Such moral nonsense belongs in an old fashioned world." These words play on our fears and desires, seeking to destroy everything good and just in our lives. It's easy to look at the atrocities throughout the world and lose all hope.
But hope lies in Jesus Christ. Mankind is chained to sin. None of us can live a life without sin. Through the sacrifice made by Jesus, we have a path through the chaos and a light through the darkness. If we lay our problems at His feet through prayer and faith, He will take care of us. This world will NOT take care of us. War is waged by evil men, families struggle through collapsing economies, disease takes our loved ones away from us, and in many cases we can't make sense of it. Jesus would not have died on the cross and his disciples would not have taught in the face of certain persecution and death if there was nothing beyond this life.
Our lives here are grains of sand on a beach compared to eternity in Heaven. This life is only the prelude to a greater life of paradise. If we accept Jesus and surrender our flaws to Him, we can survive anything. Not even the most evil forces in this world can take our faith in the Lord away from us. Ask yourself this honestly, do you know anyone in the world who can save you from anything thrown at you? Someone who will stay by your side during the worst of situations? Someone who loves you unconditionally no matter what happens?
There is no one who can replace or measure up to Jesus Christ and His father, our one true God. That doesn't stop people from trying. The most horrendous acts in the history of mankind have come from corrupt men who resented God and thought they were more qualified to do His job. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life for a reason. Only through Him can we experience these three things. If we deny a third of Jesus, we deny all of Jesus. Once we accept Jesus completely into our lives, we are forever a part of His way, His truth, and His life. That is where true hope lies.
This was the beginning of our universe, our existence, and our purpose. God, our loving creator, created everything for us. Such awesome beauty surrounds us every day. We see it in our families, in the wonders of nature, and in His love for us. He didn't create mindless drones without any purpose but to wait on His every whim. He has given us all the gift of life and a free will to choose for ourselves. None of us could ever dream to repay Him, and the great thing is we don't have to. The only thing God requires from us in return is our love, to serve Him and love each other.
Yet look at us now, how much mankind has forgotten. God has taken a backseat in many peoples lives, and many have cut Him out entirely, or never knew Him to begin with. Today's world is the result. Evil has mankind under siege. Deception is Satan's greatest tool. When we are at our weakest, he whispers in our ears. "Why do we need God?" "Live by your own rules." "Such moral nonsense belongs in an old fashioned world." These words play on our fears and desires, seeking to destroy everything good and just in our lives. It's easy to look at the atrocities throughout the world and lose all hope.
But hope lies in Jesus Christ. Mankind is chained to sin. None of us can live a life without sin. Through the sacrifice made by Jesus, we have a path through the chaos and a light through the darkness. If we lay our problems at His feet through prayer and faith, He will take care of us. This world will NOT take care of us. War is waged by evil men, families struggle through collapsing economies, disease takes our loved ones away from us, and in many cases we can't make sense of it. Jesus would not have died on the cross and his disciples would not have taught in the face of certain persecution and death if there was nothing beyond this life.
Our lives here are grains of sand on a beach compared to eternity in Heaven. This life is only the prelude to a greater life of paradise. If we accept Jesus and surrender our flaws to Him, we can survive anything. Not even the most evil forces in this world can take our faith in the Lord away from us. Ask yourself this honestly, do you know anyone in the world who can save you from anything thrown at you? Someone who will stay by your side during the worst of situations? Someone who loves you unconditionally no matter what happens?
There is no one who can replace or measure up to Jesus Christ and His father, our one true God. That doesn't stop people from trying. The most horrendous acts in the history of mankind have come from corrupt men who resented God and thought they were more qualified to do His job. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life for a reason. Only through Him can we experience these three things. If we deny a third of Jesus, we deny all of Jesus. Once we accept Jesus completely into our lives, we are forever a part of His way, His truth, and His life. That is where true hope lies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
