As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be remembered for taking one small step on a world beyond our own. His recent death and burial have brought many accolades to this remarkable man-the first man to walk on the moon. Some day, every person will go beyond the confines of this world. The bible teaches that our bodies will return to dust, but our souls and spirits will live on for eternity. How important it is to make our peace with God, by acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us. Paul the apostle wrote, “now is the day of salvation”, indicating that now is the time to get right with God. We have no guarantee in regards to our life span, or what tomorrow has in store for us. It may be later than we think.
Tag Archives: bible
Sept 21 – 100 million dollar penthouse
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.
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.
August 6 – Starting Over
In his best-selling book come before winter and share my hope, Dr. Charles Swindoll made the following insightful statement – “to start over, you have to know where you are. To get somewhere else, it’s necessary to know where you are standing.” Perhaps today you are assessing your life, acknowledging your needs and wanting to start over. Maybe you have finished running and ready to change your mind about a lot of things – your lifestyle, the next life, and God. If so, it is necessary to know where you are. The Bible tells us that we are all out of fellowship with our maker until Christ is in our lives. But when we want to start over, Jesus offers us forgiveness for the past and hope for the future. He says, “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice I will come in.”
August 3 – Hand Sanitizer Recalled
A hand sanitizer, meant to protect people from germs, has been recalled because of bacterial contamination, Health Canada announced. This is one of the latest of announcements which come with alarming regularity – contaminated food, water, unfit for humans to drink, cosmetics that are unsafe, and so on. A lot of this confusion is probably due to human error. How reassuring it is to know that, while we cannot always trust supposedly safe products on the market, we can always trust the God of the Bible. He is all knowing, all powerful, He never makes mistakes and He never changes. His word is true and available. David the psalmist wrote of that wonderful book, “your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Please- read the bible – the world’s all-time best seller.
August 1 – The Red and Blue Lobster
There are red lobsters and blue lobsters, but a lobster was caught recently with an almost even split between red and blue. Well if lobsters can have an identity crisis, this one is slated for trouble. Is he red or blue? The bible talks about folks who are “double minded” who can’t make up their mind whether to serve God or not. A divided allegiance will cause constant conflict until a decision is reached. One Old Testament prophet asked his people the following pertinent question: “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him!” Jesus gave a wonderful invitation when he said, “come follow me.” He was saying, “Make up your mind; will it be a life lived for self, or for God?” That invitation is still open to every one of us.
July 27 – Rollo May’s famous quote
“It is an old and ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way”, so said psychologist Dr. Rollo May. And philosopher Henry Thoreau declared, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” These words fit today’s world so well. Many run from their conscience, fears, past and commitments. They have tried and failed or have succeeded, some accumulating great wealth only to find it doesn’t bring happiness – running from one amusement to another, but still bored. Perhaps as you read today, you are on a quest – seeking answers, seeking peace. Jesus has promised, “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you.” Paul told us how to have that peace when he said, “Therefore since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
July 25 – PM’s Daughter Left Behind
British Prime Minister David Cameron’s office recently confirmed that the Prime Minister’s eight year old daughter Nancy had been left behind after a visit with friends and their children. Happily, she was only separated from her distraught parents for fifteen minutes. The parents had left separately, and each one presumed she was with the other. Often, in our world, people get overlooked and lost in the crowd. The underprivileged, those of a different ethnic origin, the handicapped or those who don’t fit the culture – we tend to pass them by. But our Lord never did – he touched and healed lepers, he talked with the immoral Samaritan woman, he ate with the despised Zachaeus. His invitation is open to all, ”if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.”
July 20 – Rotating House
Do you want more sun? Tired of the view from your kitchen window? Well, a house now under construction in North Rustico in PEI will be able to rotate 360 degrees. The round house is designed by Mr. Luke Everingham. I wish the owners well. They will have a tremendous view of beautiful North Rustico. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could change our lives by pressing a button? No more boredom, uninteresting jobs, or troublesome relationships. Unfortunately this is not the case in the real world. But there is someone who can help. He doesn’t do it by changing our circumstances, but by changing us. The Apostle Paul described it writing, “If anyone is in Christ, he, or she is a new creation. Old things have passed away, all things have become new.” Please note – it is for those who are “in Christ” – having invited Christ into the lives by faith.
Tools for HOPE 