Just imagine...

Imagine if you will, the horror of hearing the words "depart from Me you worker of iniquity, I NEVER knew you." The Bible says that many will hear those words on that day. It's going to happen. Many people who thought their church attendance, involvement in church programs, church leadership, taught Sunday school, led worship, led a small group. Imagine the anger and horror these people will feel. That instead of rewards that they were pridefully expecting. They're standing at the Great White Throne Judgement, and hear those words. Just imagine that if you will. The Bible describes hell as a place of everlasting torment. A place where there will be weeping, wailing, nashing of teeth. A place where the fire is not quenched. They were so close, but they missed the Pearl of great price. These will be the ones that are counting on their works + Jesus to get them to heaven. But, God doesn't share His Glory with anyone. The fact that we can do all these things and still go to hell should cause us major concern. A few years ago I had a dream. I was standing at what must have been the Great white throne, and I heard those very words. I immediately woke up in horror. Thankfully, it was a dream. I thought I was doing ok, that's when the whole Faith + works argument fell apart for me. If you're counting on anything other than Jesus Christ, and him crucified to get to heaven you're going to lose. The Bible says our faith must be greater than the Pharisees, they had all their self righteous works. They knew the scriptures better than anyone. Their lives were impeccable. But, they didn't have the Pearl of great price (Jesus). In fact, they were very instrumental in having him crucified.

"Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? I will declare to them, " I never knew you, depart from me you evil doers." It doesn't sound like He's talking to the Mafia here.

There's only one way to heaven and it's simple. Believe the Gospel. Believe God's testimony of his Son Jesus Christ as it's written in the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. That Christ died, was buried and rose again on the third day, appearing to over 500 witnesses. proving that he was God. When I say believe, I mean put your faith and trust in Jesus' atoning death on the cross for our sin alone, he did it all, he paid the price, his life was of infinite worth. Nothing else needs to be added. The work and will of God is found in John 6:29,40. To believe on the one he has sent.

Something to ponder...

Christmas 2014

'Twas the night before Christmas, I turned on the TV. 
Nothing but killing, pain and grief did I see.
For many this day, there'll be no Christmas cheer,
 so let's try to be mindful of that fact this year.
The world grows darker each day it would seem, 
one fact remains true though, Jesus came to redeem.
So let's not forget the one fact that's still true,
Jesus, Gods greatest gift, to me and to you.
Believing in Him gives a future so clear, and
if we remember that fact, it's a Merry Christmas year!

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year in 2015 everyone!

c.mcgrath

Don't waste another year "chasing after the wind".

2014 has arrived, and awaits us. Will it be a good, a mediocre, or maybe a horrible year? Only God knows for sure. What we can know for sure though, is what others who have lived before us have found to be true. One example is King Solomon. The wisest and richest man ever. Why he thought having 1000 wives/concubines was a good idea however, was not one of his better decisions. We all make foolish mistakes being human, no matter who we are, or how wise we might be. Solomon found that to be true.

Another thing he found  to be true, was the emptiness of life lived apart from God. He spared himself no indulgence or physical pleasure known to man, but found it all fleeting, unsatisfying, empty, a "vanity of vanities." He found it to be like a "chasing after the wind." Remember, there has never been or ever will be a richer man, according to God. So, Solomon had it all, so to speak.

So, why not make 2014 the year you agree with Solomon? This was his conclusion after trying every pleasure known to man.

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."

Solomon realized that God will have the last say and judge our works and motives, so we best be about His business, not ours. And, His business is that we honor and glorify Him. If we don't then we should fear His wrath with reverence and respect.

Fearing God doesn't mean to cower in fear. It means to acknowledge and respect Him as being Supreme in our lives, to put our faith and trust in Him. Let Him be in control of our lives. Allowing Him to work out His plan and purposes through us. Who knows better what is best for us, than the One who created us?

Don't let 2014 speed quickly by, without putting your faith and trust in the only One who can fully sustain any of us. His name is Jesus. He loves us so much that He came and died in our place, paying our sin debt, (which is death), in full. He did this so we could come back into communion with God. Sin must be paid for with a perfect and holy sacrifice of infinite worth. Only Jesus fit that bill. If we reject the sacrifice Jesus has made for us, then we must pay for our sin ourselves.The problem is we can't. So we will not go to heaven where God in Holiness and perfection reigns. Nothing sinful can enter there, regardless of what anyone may have told you. Pastor, priest or otherwise. Gods' Word, the Bible, is very clear on it.

Hell on the other hand, is full of good people, with good intentions. Who did good things, and lived good lives. This might be shocking to hear, but it's not about us being good people. It's about us being forgiven people. We're only acceptable to God through the righteousness and holiness of Christ.

It means giving up our pride, but we'll gain everlasting life and a peace that passes all understanding. An assurance of heaven, a new love, hope, perspective and purpose for life, and so much more.

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:8.  It's not rocket science, but it's far more important. It's the simplicity of the Gospel and personal pride I believe, that holds most people back from accepting it. They feel they must earn it. But, we can't earn it. It's just not possible.

I believe what King Solomon learned was basically, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?".... Mark 8:36

It profits us nothing. We will suffer immeasurable loss, pain and suffering forever. Life becomes a "vanity of vanities", a "chasing after the wind". Life ends with an eternity spent in outer darkness, apart from God's presence and with a loss of everything that is good, righteous, perfect and just, in a place that was created by God for Satan and his demons.

God doesn't need our money. So no need to fear that. He wants us because He loves us, and wants for us to love Him and commune with Him. He wants us to spend eternity with Him in heaven. I can't think of anything better than that.

Choose to be wise and don't make a foolish mistake. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. That's proven to us everyday. Eternity is forever, there are no second chances, and where we spend it is at stake.The time to act is now. A simple heartfelt honest prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner" is all that's required. God will do the rest. He'll start a good work in you, and won't stop until He completes it. Don't put it off. Tomorrow may be too late...


c.mcgrath

Keep plugging away

Lately I've really been feeling extra burdened for the lost. I almost feel like running around screaming my head off, that Christ is coming back soon! Get ready! Like John the Baptist did, yelling REPENT! I don't though, for the simple fact I'd be branded a raving lunatic. Maybe I have been anyway. It's like Abraham told the rich man in the parable. If they won't hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they hear someone who returns from the dead. They have God's Word(Bible)and there's many good preachers. I believe if someone returned from the dead today, some people still would not listen. They'd find some way to explain it away.

It's frustrating. I see people everywhere, going about daily routines and I wonder, how many of these people know Jesus? Are they ready for what's soon coming? How can we tell them so they will understand and believe? Go into most churches today and they're practically empty. Go to most sport stadiums and they're packed to capacity.

It's difficult to walk up to strangers today. People don't look at strangers, never mind talk to them. Satan has done his homework. He's been working tirelessly, deceiving  many with all the pleasures of sin for a season.With his continued questioning of  "hath God really said?" just like it was in the Garden of Eden. The same ploy still works.
It's almost like we've entered a post evangelism era. Unsaved people aren't flocking to church anymore, despite the myriad of programs. In 12 years I've been able to get my neighbor out to one Christmas concert. It seems that not many are listening, or even interested.

Why is the Gospel so offensive? Why is the thought of a perfect God entering His creation and dying in our place, so offensive? Why is relinquishing control of our lives to the God who created us, and knows why, and for what He created us, so offensive? Why is the thought of Christ paying for our sins in full so offensive? Why won't people see that their eternal destination is at stake? What makes people take such a chance with that? They will buy insurance for everything else, and leave eternity completely to chance. Why? People will believe the theory of evolution. A theory that can't be proven. Over the Bible, which has proven itself through fulfilled prophecy. Why? It takes more faith to believe in evolution, than it does to believe in creation. Logically it makes no sense.

Most people believe that when they die, they're going to heaven because they're a pretty good person. They've lived a good life. They haven't wasted their life. They've succeeded. I hear it all the time. So and so has gone to a better place.
Everyone wants to go to heaven, but not the way of Christ. They want to pay their own way. Problem is, they can't. There is no other way.

So, how do we present Christ in this day and age? The same way as always, that's how. The Gospel. If the Holy Spirit is working in someone's life, they will respond. If the Holy Spirit is not working in them, it'll be received as foolishness and no amount of church programs, facebook postings, twitter tweets or whatever method will help. It's really that simple.

It's not our place to be frustrated, gloomy, or despondent. The joy of the LORD is to be our strength. It's our place to pray for our fellow man and present the Gospel, and disciple those who respond to the Holy Spirit's call.

Some people are just not going to make it to heaven. I wish that wasn't true, but it is. Their pride and foolish intellect and education will keep them from believing. Their loss of respect or possible advancement in their profession, will keep them from believing. We need to keep plugging away, for the sake of those who will believe. Who will make it.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Jesus said we must enter the Kingdom of God as little children.We don't need to be Theologians. Little children trust their father completely.( If he's a good father)

And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
It doesn't get any simpler than that, or easier to understand. God will lift Satan's veil from the eyes of those His Spirit is calling.

Imagine the frustration that Noah must have felt. He preached repentance for many years while building the ark. The ridicule he must have endured. When the flood waters began to rise, only 8 people were on the ark with the animals. Only Noah's own family. Not many listened then, and not many are listening now.

"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man."  Luke 17:26 

Keep praying and plugging away... 

c.mcgrath

There is hope

Oh that I could make you see,
the love that Christ has truly shown.
In giving of Himself so free,
so we could be His very own.

I pray that Christ will open eyes,
so people see through Satan's lies.
The veil he's cast, it's not so thin,
and all around, they die in sin.

But, Christ is risen, we have hope,
this is no matter of little scope.
If we will put our trust in Him,
He'll  give us power over sin.

And when our life on earth is done,
we need not fear what ere may come.
Our future safe in Christ will be,
for now, and all eternity.

c.mcgrath

Engage the culture

              "You are the light of the world, a city built upon a hill cannot be hidden."  Matthew 5:14

Are we as Christians engaging our surrounding culture enough? Are we shining our light so that those in our culture can see their way through the prevailing darkness of Satan's kingdom?
Today we have amazing tools in social media. Every Christian who can, needs to be using these tools and at least trying to make a difference in their surroundings.

I've recently discovered the world of Twitter, much to the dismay of many, I'm sure. Maybe they'll thank me later, most likely, not. Maybe they'll tell me to go get stuffed! Like I told someone to do recently. (By the way, not a recommended practice, and doesn't tend to further God's Kingdom.)

 The Gospel can be tweeted all over the world from wherever we happen to have access to the internet, or cell phone service. Which is most everywhere now.
I see Christians on social media. But what I see mostly, is more "Christian camps." Christians preaching to, arguing doctrinal positions, with one another. While all around them the culture continues to decay. Don't be afraid to add non-Christians to your facebook or Twitter, or whatever you're using. They need the light.They may not know it, but they do. Be prepared to be cursed out, and berated in every way imaginable. Be prepared to even see and hear some "bad language". Whoooo!

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have all the answers. However, I can give a small example of what I'm talking about, and not to pat myself on the back.

Recently on Twitter I saw a comment written by a columnist for the Toronto Star. A national newspaper, where in his tweet he used the word  f...ing. I found it very odd that a columnist would use such language, so I tweeted him back and asked him why? He said, "for effect, on occasion. If you don't like it, you can block me".
Now, anyone who knows me, knows the hair stood a tad taller on the back of my neck after reading that, so, that's where I proceeded to tell him that I was," just asking, and that he could stuff his attitude!" (Again, not recommended.)
To which he replied, what attitude? Then proceeded to tell me how twitter works. Anyhow, it ended with smiley faces all around and each wishing the other a good night. We were engaged in a cultural battle for a short time at least.

Maybe it will make him think twice about using that word again, maybe not. Maybe it'll make no difference at all. Only God knows. The point is, we don't run and hide or circle our wagons and talk and complain amongst ourselves about how bad society is becoming, when we're not willing to do anything to curb it. We have to cross enemy lines and do battle. Have a say, and hopefully shed some light and salt.

Think of it this way. Your church body is an army of light for the dark culture surrounding it. Your pastor has given you all flashlights, candles, flares, whatever. You leave church on Sunday morning take your lights home and stuff them in the closet till next Sunday, or in some cases Wed night, then you bring them all back to church only to "be blessed" with more lights to hide the following week. All the while, those outside the camp continue to stumble around in darkness, needing the light we have hidden. Sounds rather dumb to me, but that's what many of us do.
Any army general will tell you, an army that won't engage isn't worth having. In fact, it's useless. Gideon is a great example in Judges chapter 7 of what a small army can do with the LORD leading. Make some noise, shine some light and the enemy can fall.

Seek to make a difference each day. Cross into Satan's territory and engage in the fight. Shed some light in a dark world, regardless of how small it is. It's still light, and light and darkness cannot both exist at the same time. Walk into a dark room and turn on a light. What happens? Darkness disappears! But, walk out (or stay out)and turn off the light, darkness returns or remains.
Shed some light when you see darkness. God has given us some amazing tools. I've talked to people I'll never meet on this earth through social media. A word of encouragement, spread some hope, some love, some help, be a listening ear, anything at all.....Engage!

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds, and glorify your Father in heaven"  Matthew 5:16

c.mcgrath

More concern for the created, than the Creator.

We're a messed up bunch. We've progressed beyond all common sense it would seem. Tonight a program airs on TV about the terrible conditions that chickens are made to endure on chicken farms. It'll be a good program, I have no doubt. Don't get me wrong, I believe all of God's creatures need to be treated with respect, not abused, maimed, or wasted in any way. Yes, even chickens. The only animal that I've seen, that will continue to peck and eat it's food even while it's feathered colleagues are being placed on the chopping block right beside them, having their heads removed. A more stupid animal, I have yet to witness. Not saying one doesn't exist. Just that I haven't seen it.
Now, I have to believe that most people would consider themselves to be of infinitely more value than a chicken. I could be wrong, but I choose to believe that anyway. But it's seems that there are those among us who don't think so, and, in my opinion, prove it by their actions.

Yes, of course I'm talking about the "pro choice" people. They believe that a woman has the right to choose, whether her child, or excuse me, "blob of tissue" lives or dies. It can be legally ripped apart, and sucked from her body, or hey, if necessary, and carried to full term, have it's spinal cord snipped during birth to kill it, or it's brains sucked out, in a partial birth abortion. Quite gory I would imagine, but hey, it's a quick solution to an unwanted "problem". Where pray tell, is the TV program about that? Why aren't we seeing a program that shows that going on?

Surprisingly, through the recent pregnancy of Kate and birth of Prince George, I don't ever remember him being called a "blob of tissue". Readily and immediately what Kate was carrying was referred to as a new heir to the throne. So one would have to assume that it was in fact, a baby that Kate was carrying. Not a blob of tissue, but I digress.

We eat chicken in some form around our house almost every day. We eat a lot of chicken. On  the other hand, we've never eaten any humans, or blobs. Common sense tells me, that we just might be a tad more important than chickens. At least I'm pretty sure KFC thinks so.

Life, I believe is a precious gift from God. How can we be so selfish, irresponsible and callous with human life, yet be so concerned about the abuse of a chicken, something we all eat for food on a regular basis.
We're really messed up people. Really messed up, and God is weeping over his children being murdered.

I believe God is sovereign. He either brings it to us, or allows it to happen. Everything has purpose. Whether we understand it, believe it, or not. God never wastes any circumstance. Yes, even rape. James Robinson, TV evangelist, and provider of water wells to many third world countries, is a product of his mother being raped.
Rape is a hateful thing, a criminal and selfish act, don't get me wrong. But God can use anything for good, and He does. James Robinson is but one example. I'm pretty sure he's not the only one
.
We live in satan's domain. This is his world. Jesus Christ will eventually put all things right. Until then we shouldn't be surprised by what goes on here. That everything's messed up.After all, satan is the father of lies. He comes to kill, steal and destroy, and that's what he's doing.

He's convinced some of us that we need to murder our future in the womb, but save our chickens from abuse.

"They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen."   Romans 1:25

"Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap" Galatians 6:7

What do you think we're going to reap from abortion? We need to repent of this slaughter so that God  may have mercy on us... So messed up!

c.mcgrath

God is in control

" For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." Psalm 73: 3

When I read this verse this morning it was after gassing up the car and finding prices had risen again by 10-12 cents/liter. I could relate.

 They seem to put whatever price they like on gas now, and whenever they feel like it. Gas moves an inch on the world market(up), and a mile at the pumps, a mile on the world market(down), an inch at the pumps.

Then a little further on I read: "Surely you put them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!" Psalm 73:18-19

I realized that God is in control. If these business practices are not above board, God will hold them to account. They will not prosper forever.
God has also promised to meet my needs. I can have full confidence according to Philippians 4:19, that he will do so.
I no longer need to fret about the oil companies or government taxation, etc, etc... God will hold them all to account. My job is to trust Him. "And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus". Phil 4:19

My rant for the day!


cmcgrath

The day God intervened

It was a nice day for Vancouver, and we decided we'd take the kids to Chilliwack to Flintstones Park. Off in the east though, the dark clouds were looming and it wasn't looking good for weather. It rains a lot in that part of the country, but we decided we'd give it a go anyway.
We had moved from Nova Scotia to Port Hardy a year or so previous to this day and were visiting my wife's parents at the time in Vancouver.
We set out on the trip to Chilliwack. While driving through Vancouver though, apparently I ran a yellow light. At least this is what the motorcycle cop was telling me as I sat furiously fuming, but very tight lipped and silent about the 75 dollar ticket he was about to give me!
When I pulled over, I pulled off on a side street to be clear of traffic, and after I received my reward from the nice officer, I wasn't able to get back on the street I pulled off from. Something to do with one way streets. In the course of trying to get back to where we were, we ended up quite lost, my frustration and fuming about my ticket not helping  matters in the least!
After about an hour or so we ended up in an area that my wife recognized and used to live, and knew where she was at least. So, after that, we decided to change our plans for the day and go to the Vancouver science center, as the weather by this time had started to change for the worse anyway.
We found parking and went inside and no sooner got in the door when one of the kids yelled out "There's the Manthornes!"
The Manthornes, were our pastor and his family from the church we attended while in Nova Scotia. They however, were on their way out while we were on our way in, so we visited briefly, and made plans to meet them in Stanley park the next day, and we had a great visit and time catching up the next afternoon!
When we got home to Port Hardy from Vancouver a week later, in our mail box was a letter from the Manthornes saying they would be in Vancouver at such a time, and how great it would be if we could meet up!
How sad we would have been to read that letter if God had not intervened and brought nine people together that day in the middle of 2 million others, in Vancouver.
Some people call these coincidences. Not me. I call them God-incidences. Some times God intervenes in our lives and some times He chooses not too. He's God, we're not! But, when He does, there is no doubt it was Him.
After all that, the 75 dollar ticket didn't seem quite so bad, a small price to pay for quality time spent with good friends, and seeing first hand, God at work. God is good!

" In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" Proverbs 16:9

c.mcgrath

Politically correct?

Political correctness, what does it mean,

is there meaning in it, that only some glean?

Should we set aside all common sense,

and kill the unborn who have no defense?

Do we really have rights to destroy family trees,

when Jesus said, let the children come unto me?

Do we have the right to declare ourselves gay,

When Jesus said clearly, that it's not the way?

How prideful and arrogant we have become,

we think we know more than God's only Son.

We pray for God's blessing, and His words we don't keep,

then wonder where He's at, when we all weep.

His Word stands forever, honest and true,

He make no suggestions, for me and for you.

He clearly and firmly says, this is the way,

and if we hold to it, we'll firmly stay.

If political correctness, is the path that you choose,

don't be surprised in the end if you lose.

The best gift of all, God gave everyone,

His precious and only, begotton Son...

c.mcgrath

Season of darkness

Season of darkness just let me be,
you seem to enjoy what you're doing to me.
My mind is fogged up and cloudy all day,
why must you torture this vessel of clay?

An oppressive demon is just what you are,
but God just allows you to take me so far.
His strength is greater, His promises true,
You're full of lies, cause that's all you can do.

Season of darkness is just what you are,
a season that comes and sets things ajar.
You just can't last long, try as you might,
with each passing season, I get stronger to fight.

I choose the light where you can't exist,
in God's Holy presence there's no hit or miss.
It matters not what methods you employ,
in God's Holy presence there's fullness of Joy!

Season of darkness, it's past time to go,
back to your devilish, hellish abode.
Should in future you choose to bother me more,
expect God's Holy Spirit, to answer the door...

" You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.".... Psalm 16:11

c.mcgrath

Reason to shout and not pout

If ye be down in the mouth and sporting a pout,
life's really too short for all that.
Jump up and down and get rid of that frown,
or maybe just eat some non-fat.

Sometimes it helps to soak in the tub,
it can help much more than ye think.
A little scrub here, a little scrub there,
sure helps to get rid of some stink.

So jump all around turn that frown upside down,
just do whatever it takes.
Life's just too short to be moping about,
and there really is too much at stake.

So this time of year spread ye some cheer,
sing, laugh, and dance all about.
It was this time of year, that Jesus came here,

and that's reason too shout!... and not pout!

Merry Christmas!

c.mcgrath

Let's not forget

Let's not forget this time of year,
that Jesus Christ was born.
Let's not forget He humbly came.
He left His glorious home.

Let's not forget He didn't stay,
a babe in manger long,
Let's not forget, He in stature grew,
He lived and did no wrong.

Let's not forget for us He died,
and undeservedly so.
That we may go and be with Him,
throughout forevermore.

Let's not forget He'll soon be back,
this time a babe, won't be.
He's King of Kings and Lord of Lord's
Throughout eternity!

So, let's not forget, though a babe was born,
It's certainly no small thing.
He's Sovereign LORD and Most High GOD.
Come bow before your KING!

cmcgrath

Holiday Season

Tomorrow we get our holiday tree,

Cause the holiday season is here.

Politically correct we must always be,

We must keep our holiday cheer.

Holiday presents and holiday friends,

Holiday madness it just never ends.

Holiday this and holiday that,

And let's not forget the holiday spat.

Holiday pushes and holiday shoves,

A holiday finger or two.

One never knows how each holiday ends,

Most likely with holiday blues.

So this year we'll burn the holiday logs,.

Well into the holiday nights.

We'll try not to say any offensive words,

And not start a political fight.

You may disagree with the stance we take here,

You certainly do have the right.

So I'll say very clear, and start earlier this year,

Merry Christmas to all!.... and good night!

Pearl of great price...

What is your pearl of great price? A better job? A new car or truck? A nice vacation? An early retirement? Wealth? Being in great physical condition? I could go on and on. We all have one. We're all seeking after something to help us feel fulfilled, satisfied, secure.

There's nothing wrong with any of these things.Many of them we need today and some even help us and do us good. They are however all temporal things that will not last.

I was reminded again this week about the brevity of life and how quickly it passes. I lost a good friend on Sunday, a former co-worker, school mate, room mate, we had some great and crazy times together. Those are all memories now. He's gone...

In one of the last conversations I had with him. He talked about the OT ( overtime) he'd be working on his days off. Of all the money he was making because of it. There's nothing wrong with making money, but I wonder if looking back now, if he could, would he have taken a few more days off and skipped the OT?

Life goes by so quickly. We're all racing around making a living which we need to do, but what about the part that comes next? The part that my friend is now experiencing. Are we preparing for that?

The part that bothers me the most about his passing is that I was no help to him in preparing for what comes next. As far as I'm aware anyway. When we were hanging and working together for years, I was no testimony for the Lord. Quite the opposite actually.

I can only hope now that he read some of the things I've put on facebook the last couple of years, and that something stuck with him. Or that someone else told him about Jesus. Only God knows. I don't feel good about the way I handled that friendship. I knew better but did nothing directly about it. Would he have listened? I don't know. I'm left wondering now if I'll see him again one day. I hope I do...

I'm not suggesting there's another way to heaven except through Jesus Christ, because there isn't. But I take comfort in this verse.

"Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

Jesus will judge all of us one day. He will look at our hearts. He will do what's right.

Jesus is the Pearl of great price. He will last for forever and we who put our trust and faith in Him, have everything in Him. We become joint heirs with Christ. Everything he has is ours, and He has everything. He will never leave us or forsake us. In Him we have complete security. He's the Sovereign God of the universe who loves us and wants nothing but the best for us. Why would we run away from that? In God's presence there is fullness of joy, and, in His joy we find our strength.

What is your pearl of great price?

Let it be Jesus Christ. With Him you gain everything. Without Him, you gain nothing...

"Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."....  Matt 13:46

The great story that could have been...

A forty year old hall of fame goalie brings his team back from a 3-0 series deficit to force a game 7 on home ice. They win the cup! The top prize! What a great story and one for the history books that sports fans would not soon forget! Possibly the goalies last season. What an accomplishment and legacy to leave behind for others to aspire to!
But...it was not to be. It wasn't all the goalies fault though. He had much help from his team mates. A five minute major penalty and 3 goals scored against, and penalty after penalty after that set the stage for another story. Someone else won the top prize. We'll never know how the first story ends because it was never written.
I was thinking about the game afterward and the New Jersey Devils just seemed to have everything stacked against them last night in their 6-1 loss to the L.A. Kings. Congratulations to the Kings for winning their first Stanley cup. They played to win, and win they did and deservedly so.
I had an overwhelming sense that God was speaking to my heart and saying " Now you know a little bit of how I feel when people don't participate in my plans for them. I have the best to offer them. I created them for a specific purpose. I know exactly where they would fit to make the most of their lives. Where they would win the top prize, but they don't involve me in their life plans. I'm forced to watch from the sidelines train wreck after train wreck as they follow other plans for their lives.

Jesus Christ is the Top Prize. There is none greater. Run the race of life for the Kings Cup! A cup that overflows and never runs dry. A fountain of Living water that brings with it rewards for all eternity. Treasures laid up in heaven where rust or moths will never destroy, plus all the help you need from day to day to face whatever comes your way here and now by the Power of the Holy Spirit!

The story is yours to write. Start writing today with "Lord be merciful to me a sinner" and go from there. If your story starts with that, then it will end with rewards for all eternity.
Incorporate His-story into yours. Make sure your story gets remembered. Make sure it gets written in the Lamb's book of Life...

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."... 1 Corinthians 9 : 24

c.mcgrath

Prayer

PRAYER:

Pray... because it works

Request... because God hears you

Ask... because God gives

Yearn... because God is present

Expect... because God answers

Remember... because God is faithful, and that He responds within the parameters of HIS will, not ours...

"But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer."...Psalm 66:19

Patience

Patience be a virtue
Patience lets ye bend
But,if ye don't got patience,
Ye not make happy friend.

Patience hard to come by
Patience ain't no fun
But, if ye got no patience
Ye just be on de run

Patience in no hurry
Patience take it's time
But, if ye don't got patience
De mouth does double time

So git yeself some patience
Try relax wee bit
Cause if ye got no patience
Ye take humungous fit!

c.mcgrath

The rich man and Lazarus

 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”...Luke 6:19-31

This is not a story about the rich and the poor. Or, that rich people go to hell and poor to heaven. That would be ridiculous. There's much more to this story than I can fathom, I'm sure. What I'll say will be simple, because I'm a simple guy. I'll leave the scholarly unpacking to the scholar.

This is a story told by Jesus. Jesus believes in Hades (Hell). He talked often about it in Scripture. He died and rose again, so we wouldn't have to end up there. So... He thinks it's an important subject.
This is also a story we see playing out today all around us. People living it up with seemingly not a care in the world, just because they have a few dollars in their bank accounts.
Just like the rich man and his brothers, people everywhere aren't listening to the watchmen on the walls. They're being warned continually about what's coming. They had Moses and the prophets to listen to. People today, especially in North America, have no excuse. The Truth is being preached from many pulpits,(not all pulpits, but many), tv & radio stations, internet, blogs, facebook accounts, twitter, etc, etc. But, they don't listen. I'm convinced just as Jesus said that "even if one returned from the dead, they would not listen". They'd just explain it all away with their self-proclaimed intellect. After all, the Bible is just an outdated man-written book anyway, they think.

It's a shame, because there's a world of hurt coming to all those who have rejected Jesus for the temporary fulfillment this world has to offer. Or, they've become steeped in religious activity and gospel of good works, rather than faith in the finished work of the Crucified and Risen Christ. You think the Bible is a man-made book of fairy tales. You think that because you don't believe it, read about it or hear it, you'll have that as an excuse if and when you stand before God. You're wrong, and you're believing the lies of Satan. You'll be held accountable for what you COULD have known...had you the will to listen.

"For He(God) says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."... 2 Corinthians 6:2

The time is now! Don't be like the rich man who waited until it was too late. He was more concerned with the gifts, than the Giver of all gifts. This is for all the marbles; there's too much to lose and everything to gain. Time is getting short.

Accept Jesus while He may be found. He doesn't want your money and you won't turn into a weirdo. He wants all of you so you can become all you were meant to be when He created you. You won't be a wimp or turn into a goody two shoes like you've been led to believe. You won't have to wear a robe  and sandals and walk around with a pious look on your face. You won't need to don sackcloth and ashes. You'll just be loved and forgiven and have peace of mind about where you'll spend eternity. You'll have someone to do life with. Someone who will never leave or forsake you.
A simple prayer of "LORD save me!" will suffice if it's genuine, and comes from a repentant heart. He'll know. You won't fool Him. He only wants you and a relationship with you, and for you to glorify Him in all that you do. Give your life to Jesus so He can live and work through you to tell others of His love for them. He doesn't promise life will be easy. You will face rejection just as He did. He does promise to see you through whatever comes your way though. And...the retirement benefits are out of this world, lasting forever! The Bible says so! I believe it!

Today is the day of salvation...Don't put if off!

c.mcgrath

Mothers Day!

Mothers we all know are a special breed,
They're often found tending someone in need.
Mothers we all have in one way or another,
And yes, they'll stand by you, more so than a brother.

Mothers like everything come in all stripes,
Some good and some bad, some playing bagpipes.
They grow old too soon, and their clothes often clash,
But that's not so bad, it helps mask their moustache.

So if you have a mother, and I'm quite sure you do,
Just think of the many things she's done for you.
The love and devotion and all that attention,
So on Mothers Day, the moustache don't mention!

Happy Mothers Day Ma!