Look Beyond the World You See

Category: Personal

  • You Were Saved for a Purpose

    You Were Saved for a Purpose

    Anna’s Story

    If ever there were daily habits, Anna’s days must have been filled with them.  Being the mother of five children and wife of a successful lawyer and businessman, Anna’s days were filled with the tasks of life.  Undoubtedly, she focused on her rituals to get her family through the day.  But even the strictest routines could not prevent the death of her youngest and only son.

    Grief Never Takes a Holiday

    He was four when Scarlett Fever took his life.  If you have suffered the loss of a child then you can understand the grief this mother suffered.  Yes, she also had four daughters but that is no consolation.  One child cannot replace the loss of another.

    Was Anna able to get back into her routines?  She must have, even if it was only by the necessity of continuing to care for her daughters and husband.  Since grief never takes a holiday, Anna certainly carried it with her as she labored to care for her family.

    It was a year later when fire broke out in the city.  It would be called “The Great Chicago Fire” and it devastated the city.  Her friends, Dwight and Emma, lost their home in the fire so Anna gladly took in their children to give her friends time to find a new place to live.  Now Anna had six children to care for in addition to coping with the substantial loss of the property she and her husband owned.

    Two years passed.  Life was settling down.  It had been three years since the death of her son and two years since the fire.  Dwight and Emma’s kids had gone back with their parents.  Now it was time for a holiday.

    12 Minutes

    Anna’s husband arranged a trip to England for the family.  A vacation would do them all good.  Their friends, Dwight and Emma, would be there and that just added to the anticipation of getting away.

    The trip was set.  They would travel by ship and be gone for almost a month.  As their departure date approached, everything seemed to be coming together, but at the last minute, problems arose with her husband’s business which forced him to stay behind.

    Anna boarded the ship with their four daughters and the promise that her husband would follow as soon as he was able.  The daily routines for Anna and her daughters continued although altered by the life of the ship.

    On November 22, 1873, all routines were irrevocably altered when the vessel Anna and her daughters occupied was broadsided by another ship.  12 minutes is not much time to get to safety but that was all the time Anna had to save her children.  Sadly, it was not enough.  When rescue came, Anna was found unconscious on a plank of wood, without her daughters.

    Saved for a Purpose

    Anna’s message to her husband said, “All is lost.  I alone am saved.”  Devastated at the loss of her children, Anna could not deny that in her grief she heard the quiet voice of the Lord say, “You were saved for a purpose.”

    Dropping everything, Anna’s husband rushed to be with her.  There were no airplanes and the journey by ship took days.  As the ship passed the spot where his daughters died, he was moved to put the thoughts of his heart on paper.

    Once Anna was reunited with her husband, the two grieved the loss of their children.  One can only imagine the depth of their pain and the words they shared behind closed doors.

    In time, Anna and her husband had three more children.  Would you think that tragedy would be behind them?  Surely, they had suffered enough.  But once again, their only son died at the age of four, like his brother.

    In August, 1881, Anna and her husband, moved to Jerusalem where they helped homeless children and all who were in need.

    In October, 1888, Anna’s husband died from Malaria.  Anna stayed in Jerusalem continuing the work she and her husband started until her own death in 1923.

    Journey Through this Life

    History doesn’t record much about Anna Spafford.  Her husband, Horatio, wrote the beloved hymn “It Is well with my soul” after passing the location of the loss of his daughters.  History does record that during the loss of her children in the sinking of the ship, Anna once said, “God gave me four daughters.  Now they have been taken from me.  Someday I will understand why.”

    Anna knew that sometimes life cannot be understood in the moment and often it is not until we look back over our life that we begin to understand the events of our life.  Indeed, some of the darkest valleys we may not understand until we reach the green, Son-lit fields of Heaven.

    As for the purpose Anna was saved for, who can tell?  We know that she served people in all their deep need, even as she carried the weight of her own substantial loss.  Perhaps Anna’s purpose was not in great events like writing a beloved hymn, as her husband wrote, or preaching to great audiences like her friend D.L. Moody.  Maybe Anna’s purpose was in the quiet and selfless love she expressed daily in a life of service to Jesus Christ as she ministered to her fellow travelers on their journey through this life.

    Story from bethelripon.com

    1. Horatio Gates Spafford – The story behind the hymn “It is well with my soul” — Bethel (bethelripon.com)

  • A Servant of God Among Men

    A Servant of God Among Men

    He would be called the greatest evangelist of the 19th century.  Presidents would honor him.  A ship would even be named after him.  But as a boy, no one of his family, friends or acquaintances would have predicted a life that was accorded these honors.  In fact, there was nothing in his young life that could have revealed the impact he would have on the world.  Unless it was the struggles he would endure in those first years of life.

    Born February 5th, 1837, in Northfield, Massachusetts, Dwight was the 6th of 9 nine children.  His father passed away when he was four and his pregnant mother would deliver twins a month later.

    With the family heavily in debt, “creditors came and took everything, including the firewood and kindling”1.  Refusing to break up the family, Dwight’s mother told the kids to stay in bed until they went to school, so they could try to stay warm.  An uncle cut and split more firewood for the family.  A young Dwight would remember it as the “biggest pile of wood he had ever seen”2.

    Every Penny Counted

    Days after giving birth to her twins, the landlord would berate and curse Dwight’s mother for not having the mortgage payment ready.  With her husband’s recent death, she had not the money for it.  Although family members came to her aid and paid the mortgage for the year, she would “cry herself to sleep at night”3.

    In Dwight’s family, every penny counted and that is just what little Dwight earned.  Having to work before he was 10 years old, Dwight earned one cent a week tending cows.  At 10 years old, he walked 13 miles with his older brother to another town to work.  Dwight felt as if he had “walked around the world”4.  Supporting the family was a habit he kept into adulthood, regularly sending money home.

    Dwight did go to school but paid little attention.  As a result, he was barely literate and spelled words the way they sounded.  His atrocious spelling endured for more than half his life.

    Although Dwight was baptized at the same time as his siblings, he had little desire to pursue a faith in Christ.  He preferred instead to cause trouble and have fun at other people’s expense.

    Nothing is Wasted

    Is it ironic that God uses the circumstances of one life to reach others?  Nothing is wasted when God works. 

    After accepting the truth of a living and loving God, Dwight’s ministry began with the children on the streets of Chicago.  Precisely because of the circumstances of his own childhood, Dwight was able to speak with the children of Chicago’s streets.  Those children in turn, found someone they could trust.  Dwight understood them.

    Beginning a Sunday school in an abandoned saloon, Dwight’s kids grew to 1500 strong.  The work among these children was becoming known.  President-elect, Abraham Lincoln, even visited the school.

    Dwight worked hard at serving.  He spent long hours every day doing what he thought God wanted.  It wasn’t until the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that Dwight stopped working in his own power.

    After the fire, Dwight and his family were destitute.  Their home and belongings were gone.  They barely escaped with the clothes on their back and what little they could carry.

    His Inner Man Was Suffering

    For months, Dwight was lost.  While he helped where he could, he had no strength in him for ministry.  He went about his business but it was the ordeal his inner man was suffering that consumed him.  It was during this time that the Lord showed Dwight about himself.  He realized that he had been serving himself and not Jesus Christ.  Upon the realization that his heart had been in the wrong place, Dwight’s true anointing began.

    Dwight Lyman Moody, also known as, D.L. Moody, would go on to become a famed evangelist and leave a legacy that continues today.  He applied himself to be a servant of men, but instead became a servant of God.

    You May Be the Bolt of Lightening

    We could speak more of Dwight, but what about you?  While your own life may not resemble what Dwight endured, you have a story all your own.  You may think the circumstances of your life aren’t useful for anything, but God is the Master Artist.  He will take what you have and do miracles in others that you never thought possible.

    You may be the bolt of lightning that Jesus Christ uses to illuminate the darkness or penetrate another’s soul.  But as Dwight learned, it is God’s power, light, direction and penetration that so masterfully changes the lives around you.

    I would like to leave you with three verses that sum up what Dwight learned.

    • “’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6 NIV. 
    • As the apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV.
    • Jesus said it best.  “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NKJV.

    Are you happy?  Are you living a fulfilled life?  Do you feel like you make a difference?  Or are you filled with regret at squandering so much of the life God has given?  Turn to Jesus Christ in prayer.  There is still time.  Even the ministry of Jesus Christ was only 3 years long and look what came of it; eternal life for all who believe in Him and what He did.

    References

    1.  Kevin Belmonte “D.L. Moody, A Life”, pg. 21.
    2. Ibid., 21-22.
    3. Ibid., 22.
    4. Ibid., 26.
    5. Ibid.

  • Not as the World, Do I Love You

    Not as the World, Do I Love You

    I almost always, only see men at the corner asking for money, so I was surprised to see a woman sitting there.  As she approached my open window and outstretched arm, I could see her makeup was applied too generously.  I wanted to scoff at her attempt to look pretty, until I spotted it.  The telltale sign of a black bruise under her right eye that the makeup couldn’t hide.

    The sadness in this young woman’s eyes wounded my heart.  As our eyes met and she took the bill from my hand, I felt empty.  I knew that would be the only interaction we would ever have.  I also knew that the pain of her struggle would not be so easily comforted by my contribution.

    When My Heart Cries Out

    As I drove on, I became angry.  I wanted to gather armies to deliver this unknown fellow traveler of life.  I wanted to charge into her life and rescue her from all who would abuse and harm her.  No one deserves that abuse under any circumstance.

    After our meeting, I couldn’t stop thinking about this roadside soul.  Part of me wanted to shut the thought of her off so that I could forget her pain and mine.  To have the knowledge of another’s suffering and be unable to heal it is devastating.  I was tormented by the circumstances of a person I interacted with for only a few minutes.  I wanted to heal this person’s hurt and comfort her affliction.  I wanted to give her hope for a better future.  I wanted her to have peace and joy.  The merciless truth is that I have no wand to magically transform her life and it makes me feel helpless.  Our brief exchange left me broken.

    In the end, when my heart cries out, all I have for her are tears.  And my prayers.  But the God I know is the One who has captured my tears in His bottle.  He treasures each one.  And I know that my prayers, shrouded in my heart for a storm-battered soul, will not be forgotten before Him.  He remembers and will not forget.

    He sees her shattered life and cares for her.  He knows how the world has risen against her.  This world is not what He intended, so He has made a new one.  It is a place of peace, love and friendship.  It is a world where each person cares for the other and no one will be harmed ever again.

    Not of This World

    You see, He is not of this world.  The world didn’t make Him.  He made the world.  You will stand in His presence and He will dry the tears from your eyes.  He will comfort you and give you hope.

    Do you not know Him?  He has many names.  Some are, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and Jesus Christ.

    Have you suffered extreme pain?  It may be difficult to suffer and believe in a living and loving God.  Whatever path brought you to the point of suffering in your life, know that what you have suffered is a taste of the death of this world.  Every act of violence, every word that is designed to wound and every intention of the heart that purposely takes from another human soul are forms of death that we experience and endure in this world.  But it is not that way with Jesus Christ.

    Peace, Hope, Faith and Love

    Jesus Christ wants you to have peace, hope, faith and love.  He is waiting to lead you to still waters where you can be encouraged and rest in Him and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is real and He has prepared, Forever, for you so that you will never again have to endure the pain of this world.

    Do you already believe in Jesus Christ?  Then may He rise up to scatter your enemies and strengthen you to endure so that you may stand before Him on the day He calls you home.

    Maybe you don’t know who Jesus Christ is.  Let me introduce you to Him.  He is the One who encourages you to care.  He is the One who has taught you to love.  I don’t mean giving yourself to another human being during the brevity of intimacy.  I mean, He is the One who has taught you to express love in the forms of caring and nurturing for all beings great and small.

    Have you ever held a little baby in your arms?  If so, know then, that holding an infant is one of the Universe’s greatest, beautiful things in life.  True love is made of beautiful things.  When you nurture and protect that eternal being in the form of a helpless baby, you are expressing true love.  That love, is God in you.  God is love and He created you with that love inside you.

    This world of death will try to steal that love from you.  It will lie to you and tell you that type of love isn’t real, but you were born to love.  The world can’t stop that love in you.  Love is always waiting to flow from your heart, to your lips and feet and arms.  It was put there by God.  No one and nothing can take it away from you.  You were hard-wired, so to speak, with love from the very beginning of your first spark of life.

    Be Not Unbelieving, but Believing

    You don’t believe me?  I find that hard to accept.  Perhaps you have expressed love and didn’t realize it.  Here are some examples.  As a child, did you ever make a drawing for your mother?  Did you ever kiss your father and tell him “I love you, daddy”?  Have you ever hugged your sister?  Did you ever forgive a friend?  How about lending a helping hand to someone in need?

    I believe you know these deeds because you have expressed them countless times throughout your life.  In fact, you have done these so often, they have become commonplace and almost forgotten that you do them or have done them in the past.  You were made to love.  You have simply forgotten who you are.

    Jesus Christ has not forgotten you or who you are.  He is calling you today.  He knows the path you have walked and He wants to guide you into a new path.  It is the path of life.  It is the path that leads home to Him. Can you honestly say the path you are on is filled with love, hope, faith and joy?  Does your path give you peace that surpasses all understanding?  I know, there are many great and difficult struggles in this life.  There is no way around them, but God wants to lead you through them.  You will see His hand at work in your life when you turn to Him.  When you give your life to Him, you will be able to hear the words He has been saying to you since you were born; “Not as the world, do I love you”.

  • Not Without My Family

    Not Without My Family

    Florita buried her daughter, her firstborn, when she was only 12 years old.  Lupus showed no mercy when her daughter contracted the disease and died from it.  By Flo’s own confession, she was devastated.  Who could console this mother’s loss?  Who was there to console her?  As a single mother without a husband to raise 4 children on her own, Flo was left to grapple with the devastating effects of the death of her only daughter.

    The loss of a child is not the normal order of life.  It is usually our children who bury us.  But there they were.  Flo’s three boys.  She had to go on for their sake.  Eventually, Flo enshrined the loss of her daughter in a special place in her heart so that she could move on.  She knew that her daughter would never come back to her.  This mother’s faith told her that one day she would go to her daughter.

    It was but scant years before death visited once more.  This mother of 4, and now 3, had barely learned to live again when she lost a son in a freak accident during boot camp.  A truck rolled over during a training exercise and her loss grew to two children.  Pride in her son’s courage to join the Army melted into her worst fear and the familiar grief of loss.  He was barely 18.

    Tell Me, is it True?

    They say that time heals all wounds.  Tell me, Flo, is it true?  I would trust you to know.

    Time brought this single mother a new and wonderful husband.  Life with her husband and two remaining boys who were now grown men with lives of their own was finally full.  Eventually, these boys brought young women for their mother to love as daughters-in-law.  Together, these 2 boys and their wives gave Florita grand-children to love.  It was time to truly heal.  Or was it?

    The unfathomable news that her third child had died could not be contained.  Circumstances of his death only shrouded her grief in misery and confusion.

    Flo’s grand-children and their mother were gathered together with her remaining son, to lower his brother into the ground.  This was the day I first met her.  Flo sat stoically as the eulogy was delivered for her beloved son.  I could not begin to imagine the depth of her pain.  It made me wonder, why is it that some must carry burdens so great?

    Almost 5 Years to the Day

    I won’t hide what happens next.  It was almost 5 years to the day.  Her last son.  Her only son left alive.  Her only child left who had been there for each passing of his siblings and the ceremonies that marked the next step in their eternal journeys. This son knew the loss his mother carried.   He cared for his mother so much that he chose to give up his love of riding motorcycles to be there for her in her old age.  Deciding to sell his motorcycle, he found a co-worker to buy it, just to make sure he would never be in a motorcycle accident that would take him away from his mother.  That fateful morning, on his way to work to deliver the bike to his friend, he was killed in an accident.  Her last son.  Her youngest.  Gone.  It defies all reason.

    Who Could Endure?

    Florita must be a strong woman.  Who could endure the loss of all of her children?  She continued when others would have surrendered.  Fortunately, Flo’s husband was there to comfort her.  Flo was alone in the beginning, but not now.  The years into retirement brought travel together with her husband.  There were good times as they toured the country in their motorhome.

    Eventually, as it is with all life, our youth passes.  We are left aged, even though we still feel young on the inside.  It is what is on the outside that drags us down.  Old bodies that creak and groan and grumble.  Flo and her husband were aging.  At the normal time of life that death would come calling, it would have been a mercy for Flo to be the one to go first.

    When we received the call that Flo’s husband had passed, I couldn’t stop thinking of her and her journey on this island called, earth.  I don’t know anyone else who has endured so much loss.  It makes me wonder about who Flo is and what type of person she is on the inside that could suffer so much and go on.

    Florita has had 5 family members walk through the veil before her.  Rarely must one person suffer so much loss.  All who hear Flo’s story will grieve with her at her immeasurable loss.  If I could give my life to bring even one of her family back, I would do it gladly.

    The only way I can come to grips with the loss Flo has endured is to think of our future self in heaven.  In time, each of us will walk the path Flo’s family has taken.  I wonder what it will be like to shed this mortal life for immortality; to leave the world we see for the world we don’t see.

    Through a Mirror Dimly

    Flo has lost everyone.  All four children and now her husband.  Seemingly, she is alone in this life, but Jesus Christ is still with her.  He will never leave Flo or abandon her.  Jesus Christ has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” Hebrews 13:5 partial, NASB.  He sees Flo’s loss and will restore all that she has lost.  Scripture says, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.”  Joel 2:25. He will turn your mourning into praise and will cause you to rejoice.  “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.  LORD my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalms 30:11-12 NIV.

    We do not see it now because we see through a mirror dimly.  “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV.  Who can see through the veil?  It is always before us until we take that step in our journey into eternity.  But there are evidences of what lies beyond the veil.  Those proofs are found in the bible as well as all around us.

    We see them in the flowers, trees, mountains and oceans.  It is the perfection and symbiosis of all life and living things.  It is in the fact that the ocean goes no further than the beach.  The bible tells us that God put an everlasting ordinance on the ocean so that it would stop at the beach.  “I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.  The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.” Jeremiah 5:22 NIV, partial.

    We also see and hear these evidences in the stories we tell that remind us of deeds long past.  Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection are one example.

    If you are like Flo and have suffered loss, then let me encourage you.  I think that when we enter the veil, we will learn the story of those who have gone before us and we will discover that they entered through the veil with singing and dancing and music and joy and peace and inexpressible love.  It is what each of those who have made a choice for Jesus Christ, will experience when they take that next step in their journey.

    Are You Unsure?

    Are you unsure of a loved one who has gone before you?  Take heart.  No one knows who will be waiting for us, but with God, all things are possible.  God is the one who examines our heart.  “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind.” Jeremiah 17:10 NIV, partial.  He is the judge and if there is anyone who you would want judging you, it is the God who is love.

    Love covers a multitude of sins.  Love endures when all else fails.  Love forgives the unforgiveable.  You don’t believe me?  See what the bible has to say about love.

    • “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 NIV
    • “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 NIV
    • “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:12 NIV
    • “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV
    • “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV

    Flo, isn’t alone.  The hosts of Heaven are with her.  They mourn as one with her and for her great loss.  God will restore her loss and give her time unending to enjoy the fruit she longs for, which is her family.

  • What He Deserves

    What He Deserves

    Dave’s Story

    “He deserves what he got!” is the common sentiment when people hear of his sin.  It is true that his eyes were too greedy.  In one day, he lost his job, his family and his freedom.

    When I first heard that Dave had been arrested, I could barely wrap my head around it.  I felt the man I know could not be the one who had been arrested.  Life had separated us by distance and years and that made me wonder about the man behind the sin.

    Family

    A Faithful Provider

    In the 30 years I have known Dave, this is what I have learned about him.

    Dave is a man full of love and kindness.  His friendship has been dear.  He is self-disciplined, hard-working and a valuable employee and co-worker.  All who know Dave like and treasure him.  He is a man of true worth.

    Dave has been a faithful provider for his wife and two children.  When his wife suffered a stroke and was unable to work any longer, Dave worked harder to take care of their family.

    On the days we drove to work together, we shared our like-faith in Jesus Christ and often listened to worship music.  I have known Dave to be a good man.

    Caught in the Very Act

    Cloudy Moon

    As we reconnected via letters during his time in prison, I discovered the same person I knew before.  Only this time I found a man who had fallen on Christ and was broken.  He was broken by the same thing that breaks any life.  Sin.

    I was reminded of the story of the harlot, who was caught in her own sin.  Brought before Jesus, the rulers who condemned this woman waited to hear what Jesus would say should be done with her.  It was clear in their minds that these circumstances called for her to be stoned to death. 

    Jesus stooped to the ground, drawing in the sand, waiting for this woman’s accusers to calm down.  Finally standing up, Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

    They were stunned into silence.  It was the older ones who began to leave first.  Maybe it was because those of us who are older, have had more time to dwell on our own, past mistakes.  No one knows the pain of regret we carry more than our own heart.

    Before long, all of the accusers were gone.  Jesus looked at the woman and said, “Woman, where are they?  Did no one condemn you?”

    Her reply?  “No one, Lord.”

    And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go your way.  From now on sin no more.”  Story from John 8:3-11 NASB

    Both the harlot and Dave were caught in the very act of sin.  If God did not condemn the harlot, then neither does he condemn Dave.

    The Bible is filled with stories of God’s forgiveness, healing and restoration.  What makes us so quick to condemn?  When people look at our faults or sins, they usually miss the beauty of the life behind the mistakes.  But not God.

    An Unexpected Chapter

    When Dave got out of prison, he found an unexpected chapter of his life being written.

    With his prison record, it was impossible for Dave to find work.  Without work he could not provide for even his most basic needs.  He had been provided a place to stay briefly after leaving prison.  From there he began staying in motels which were very costly for someone without an income.

    Dave stayed in motels for about 2 months when his money ran out.  He was already prepared in his heart to live on the streets when a friend was moved to give Dave some money.  That gift of money gave Dave two more nights at the motel.  The next day, Dave’s Parole Officer called and told him that he had to leave the county immediately.  He could not stay in the same county that his crime had been committed.

    Dave’s Parole Officer rushed the paperwork that allowed him to move to another county.  Because of this change, Dave was able to move in with his mother and avoided living on the streets.  The process took two days.  It was the exact time he had left at the motel before his money ran out.

    In all of his recent circumstances, Dave has been forced to cling to Jesus Christ.  It is a place he has found the most comfort, love and acceptance.  And God has not disappointed him.  Each week God has provided food and a place to stay.

    Surgeons

    It was the news that he had cancer that brought the greatest surprise.

    Undiagnosed rectal and colon cancer which the doctors said he has probably had for years, spread throughout his body.  Now his condition is terminal.

    Some may feel this is a judgment against him for his sins and that he is getting what he deserves.  If that is the case, then we all deserve this merciless cancer.

    God’s word says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NASB.  It is clear none of us is as good as God.

    But let us rejoice in the knowledge that God is love.  His Word says it and that should give us comfort.

    The Bible says, “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23. NASB

    What Jesus Christ thinks about forgiveness is clear in His dialogue with Peter.  Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?”  Jesus responded by saying, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

    What is the lesson of Dave’s story?  Everyone makes mistakes and poor choices but God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and trespasses.

    What He Deserves

    Hand Sky

    Dave’s body is dying, but his relationship with Jesus Christ is not.  He has put complete trust in Jesus Christ.  Knowing that death is imminent has a way of burning away the chaff of this mortal life.  Dave is now so close to Jesus Christ, it humbles him to tears when he approaches Him in prayer.  When God releases Dave from his physical body, then he will get what he deserves.  Eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ.

    Dave’s journey is a story that will inspire others that they too can have a second chance.  Not only can they have a second chance at life, but more importantly, a second chance with God and a place in Heaven with Him.  You see, in the end, all of this fuss that we call life, is simply about finding Jesus Christ and securing our place with Him in Heaven where we will finally be able to live without the influence of sin, pain, struggle and tears.

    God wants you to know that you will not be judged by what overcomes you.  He simply wants you to believe in His son Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ came to earth 2000 years ago to speak to His creation and to offer up a perfect life to pay the price for sin that kept His creation separated from Him.  It is a price that none of us could pay.

    Dave’s story does not end here.  As an eternal being, Dave will live far beyond what this mortal life has to offer.

    Are you so burdened with sin that you feel God can never forgive you?  Forget what lies behind.  Reach toward what lies ahead.

    Jesus Christ can help if you ask Him.

  • Making Introductions: My New Blog

    Making Introductions: My New Blog

    Here I go, ready or not.  Today is the launch of my website and blog, Vale Removed.  This is a project that has been on my heart intensely for the last 3 years.  I think it is only natural that my whole life has been building to this point.  Even though the many years of my life have been blind to this moment, those years of travel with my fellow eternal beings has molded and shaped me and ultimately this work.

    A Heart for the Underdog

    Hello, my name is Jeff.  As a kid I was shy and earned the nickname, Lizard Skin.  Those years were not easy but as with anything, persevering through adversity refines and develops us.  As a result, I have a heart for the underdog.  In some way, those years helped me to become the encourager I am today.  In my heart I knew I thrived on encouraging others but it wasn’t until my dear friend, Dave, pointed it out that I realized just how important encouraging others is to me.

    This effort is a walk of faith.  It was January, 2019, when God opened my eyes to the reality that each person walking, talking, playing and working are eternal beings.  Being a Christian, I understood that we are all eternal beings, but this time was different.  In that moment, I was seeing life with new eyes.  It was vibrant, powerful and beyond my ability to control.

    The Consequences of Hell Fire

    Through the rest of 2019, there were other moments of extreme clarity as well as some of the most difficult days of my life.  They were mostly days of internal struggle but they taught me that Jesus Christ is in the midst of our life’s storm.

    You may or may not know Jesus Christ or believe in Him.  It is not my purpose to be preachy or share the consequences of hell fire.  But in this work, I cannot deny Jesus Christ or His impact on my life.  If you share in this journey of mine, you will see and hear the life of Jesus Christ in me and in those I write about.

    In my walk of faith with Jesus Christ, there have been highs and lows.  There are days I have been rewarded for my obedience and days I have suffered for my disobedience.  It is how we learn.

    Look Past the Mortality

    Vale Removed, is about seeing life’s journey through the stories of our fellow human beings. As I have said before, each of us are eternal beings. It is how we have been created. Let us see if we can remove some of the valleys we walk through and look past the mortality of the life we cling to and discover the path of true life that lies beyond the veil of the world we see.

    This work is not perfect.  In truth, it probably isn’t ready for me to present to the world.  But I am finding myself bound up in the details of getting it ready and am sensing fear at whether my effort will be worth it or if I am up to the task of meeting this work each week.  So, if you will allow me, I will revise and refine my work as we go.

    Thank you for joining me.  May you find encouragement in the stories you read and hopefully find the light that endures to the life we don’t yet see.