Sunday, March 30, 2014

The farmer's estate auction

It was our interest in a service truck that took me to a farmer's estate auction yesterday. By mid morning a middle aged man came by the vehicle we were standing next to. With his hands in his hair then raised up to the air in frustration, he yells out, "I can't --- believe this!"


He aimlessly wondered the rows of tractor trucks, trailers and heavy farming equipment in disbelief. He had lost his father and his family was selling 3 generations worth of hard work, blood, sweat & tears. 


The man walked over to me and began talking about his family's brief history. He assured my father-in-law & I that he personally helped maintain the vehicles, schooled us on their age & conditions. 


Saddened myself over his grief all I could say was "I'm sorry for your loss". His whole demeanor changed. His frustration was still there but a bit lightened it seemed as he looked amazed a stranger would care. 


See I understand his pain to a degree. I've lost my Dad too. This man had no choice as to the decisions made in his Father's estate. I didn't either. It's grievous to see what things boil down to after someone passes away. 


A legacy was sold and not much more than monetary gain would be left. Memories remain and always will be. Truth is, we are all born into this world naked and will take nothing with us when we our time on earth is through. 


Is it any wonder why Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21


We didn't get the service truck but a reminded lesson I regained. Things are just things, it's people that matter. I have no idea if the man who passed knew Christ but when our final breath is drawn that is the only thing that counts. 


After all, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Blinded eyes & hardened hearts

"...Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not." Isaiah 66:3-4


"He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." John 12:40


"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12


"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

When the Bridegroom calls

When the Bridegroom calls


They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." Matthew 25:3-4,8-9


There's a form of dependency the 5 foolish virgins had; a sense of entitlement. They weren't prepared yet desired oil from those who were. 


Many today are claiming Christ on the coattails of those who truly follow Him. They want what the true believer has without the commitment & infilling of the Holy Spirit. Our society has grossly fed into this "something for nothing" mentality. 


When Christ returns, He will separate the wheat from the tares; those who are His and those whom He knows not. To know Him and He know us is personal. It's a sacrifice, a choice & desire. 


We can't walk for another person, nor can anyone walk for us. We must each prepare! When the Bridegroom returns, will you be found with enough oil in your lamp?

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Forsake the pig pen!


"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10


The prodigal son chose his own way over what was preplanned for his life. He thought he could do better on his own. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way..." Isaiah 53:6


After ending up alone and hungry with the swine he saw his need; he saw his depravity! He knew his father's servants had better than he. 


"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20


If you've ended up in the pig pen, it doesn't matter how far you've gone your own way, it only takes 1 step to return to our Heavenly Father. 


You can come home! Just as the father hugged and kissed his long lost son, so will the angels of Heaven rejoice at the Heavenly Father's embrace of you! 


Will you wallow in the muck, mire & filth of the pig pen or will you return home and regain your robe of righteousness in Christ?

Sin and the simplicity of the Gospel

Remember, it will not be the "act" of sin God will punish come final judgement. Rather, every soul that rejects His only begotten ...