An exclusive listing in New York City offers an octagon shaped penthouse in midtown Manhattan that boasts three floors of living space, panoramic views of the city, six bedrooms, and nine bathrooms. The asking price: 100 million dollars. Without a doubt, some rich person will consider it a good bargain and purchase it. But I know of a much better deal. Just before He returned to His father, Jesus said, “In my father’s house are many rooms. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also.” Then, when asked how to get to that fabulous place, Jesus responded, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through Me. That mansion in heaven is better than any penthouse on earth. And there is no charge, because it is received freely by grace, by all who sincerely ask for it.
Category Archives: Just a minute
Sept 19 – Broken hearts and sadness
The television news aired a touching interview with the broken hearted Chinese mother of the young Concordia University student who was murdered and dis-membered. It was just one of the several events that resulted in injury, death and broken hearts. Perhaps you have just been shocked by having lost your job, or by bad medical news, or you’ve just lost a loved one. You will no doubt receive the sympathy and support from loved ones and friends. But there is more. The Bible tells us that our heavenly father is, “The God of all comfort.” And Peter wrote in the New Testament, “Casting all your anxieties on him (Christ) because He cares for you.” When He sees sadness, He is moved with compassion. If you have a broken heart today, I invite you to get in touch with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the healer of broken hearts.
Sept 17 – Hurricane Season
Katrina, Igor, Hazel, Juan, Julia, Karl, Earnesto, Kirk, and Yanessa are the names given to hurricanes past present and future, and we are now in the dangerous and destructive Atlantic hurricane season. Continually, we are being warned to be prepared for the worst. We are urged to prepare by covering window glass with protective film to prevent shattering, remove all outdoor furniture and other safeguards. Preparedness is always a good idea, but not just for natural disasters. The New Testament reminds us that we do not know what a day may bring forth. And the most important preparedness of all is that for the next life. Amos, in the Old Testament warned, “Prepare to meet your God.” He spoke of preparation for the next life with which each of has an appointment. Are you prepared, or are you still procrastinating?
Sept 12 – Preparation for life after death
The British Columbia Supreme Court has decided that Gloria Taylor, who suffers from ALS, can end her life at the time of her choosing. Whatever one’s view of this very controversial subject, it is a stark reminder that death is a part of the cycle of life, and needs to be faced realistically. People prepare for death by purchasing insurance, making living wills and planning their funerals. But sadly, many make no preparation for life after death. You don’t believe there is life after death? What if, outside the circle of your knowledge, the God of the Bible does exist? What if, as the Bible states, we will all one day be accountable? You and I can be prepared by acknowledging our spiritual needs and trusting in Christ alone to take us into the next life. The Apostle John wrote, in First John 5:13 that “We may “know that we have eternal life.” Do you have that assurance?
Sept 10 – Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
It has been said ”Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.“ Some social scientists at a Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley are currently researching that subject. They have conclude that the phrase “Drunk with power” is an accurate description. Psychologist Cameron Anderson, who has studied power dynamics says, “It explains why powerful people sometimes act rather like gorillas.” There is nothing new about the lust for power and its devastating results. Nations are guilty of it when they seek to expand their borders. Individuals cause havoc and heartache when they grab for power. How different is our God. Isaiah wrote of those who seek cleansing and strength to live successful lives. “God gives power to the weak and to those who have no might he increases strength.”
Sept 7 – Mudslide Warnings Ignored
Days before the massive torrent of mud and debris tore through the southeastern British Columbia community of Johnson’s Landing, there was record rainfall and rapidly melting snow had sent blasts of water and rock down the mountain. Creeks were running chocolate-brown and then came a prolonged rumble and the devastating mud slide. A resident, Roland Procter, a retired doctor said, “In retrospect, there was definitely a forewarning.” Tragically some people ignored the warnings and lives were lost. There are also many warnings given to us regarding the need to make our peace with God. John wrote in the New Testament, “He who believes on the Son has everlasting life, but he who does not believe on the Son shall not see life” and the Psalmist wrote, “Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”
Sept 5 – No Passport or Ticket
An 11 year old boy who did not have a passport, ticket, or boarding pass, got all the way from England to Italy on his own. He passed through security checks before boarding a plane. But his trick was discovered and he was sent back home on the return flight. Some folks think that they too, can circumvent the rules regarding the journey from earth to heaven. They think, there are many ways to heaven, and that all religions lead to that ultimate goal. But unlike that boy who succeeded, perhaps because he was young, you and i will not get to heaven without the proper passport. The bible also says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.” And Jesus, the son of God plainly said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father, except through me.”
Sept 3 – Bad seaweed
There is a bad seaweed on PEI, a nasty alien known as elodea, not native to PEI. It is killing fish and choking out a fresh water pond. It is believed that years ago, someone dumped the contents of an aquarium into the pond, which has created a scummy mess. A provincial environment official said “it really takes over a freshwater pond.” In a similar manner, sometimes noxious weeds can clog up our lives too. Although many don’t like to admit it, the bible says there is a noxious weed in every one of us from birth, and it produces very serious results. It takes over our lives, and blocks our way to heaven. But Jesus Christ is the answer. He said, “Ye must be born again” referring to spiritual re-birth. That happens when we invite Christ into our lives for forgiveness and cleansing.
August 31 – A very smart dog!
George is a dopey two year old Bassett hound from West Yorkshire, UK. But George became tangled in a phone cord at home and wound up with it wrapped around his neck. Somehow George managed to dial 999, the British equivalent of 911. The emergency operator heard gasping on the other end and alerted the authorities, who entered the house. They saw the dog choking, and ripped the cord from the phone to save him. A neighbor said, “Incredibly you could see his paw print on the phone to ring 999. He literally saved his own life.” Only a dog, but it had sense enough to call for help. Strange isn’t it that many people, though in desperate need of God in their lives are in denial, and never reach out for help. God, in the Bible, urges “Call to me and I will answer, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.” He is there!
August 29 – Valuable baseball card found in attic
Karl Kissner of Defiance, Ohio picked up a cardboard box which had been in his grandfather’s attic for years. In the box he found hundreds of baseball cards bundled with twine. Some of the names were familiar: hall of famer’s Ty Cobb, Cy Young and Honus Wagner. The cards are from an extremely rare series, issued around 1910. There are about 700 cards. In all experts believe they will sell for two or three million dollars. This family had a regular treasure trove in the attic of their home and did not know it. But an even greater treasure, often not evident to people, is the truth that God offers us a home in heaven. Jesus warned of laying up earthly treasures that don’t last. And he urged that we lay up a treasure worth more than money. He said, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” That treasure is ours when we receive Jesus by faith.
Tools for HOPE 