Without Hope, Without God

Joel's The Seventh Sola has an article about the passing of comedian George Carlin. I think it is well written and right on target. You can check it out at the link above.

It really got me to thinking about certain issues. I wonder how people can go through life and never give God a second thought? Don't they realize that every day they have been given has been granted by the pure mercy of the Lord himself. Yes, the Lord is loving, caring, kind and compassionate. Above all, he provides salvation to those who comes to him in faith.

You don't hear much talk about being lost for eternity anymore. At least not in the circles I've been around. You hear a lot about God's love, acceptance and grace. Which, is all true. But, someday, everyone will stand before a just God who will judge accordingly. This doesn't bode well in many areas anymore. But just because it's not vogue to talk of it, those that don't have the Lord in their life will face a God that will judge them and they won't be found in the Lamb's book of life. They will face eternity without God and without any hope of restoration from then on.

Just the thought of that makes me shudder. I cannot forget the sermon by Jonathan Edwards, "Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God." If I remember the story correctly, Jonathan just spoke the words without any great emotion or fantastic oratory, he just spoke. I heard that people were so moved they couldn't wait to come to the Lord. Even though our Lord is kind and gracious, without the covering of Christ upon anyone's life, someday they will face a God and give account of their sins.

So, even though it's not popular, I felt I needed to write a short synopsis of this very topic today. People lampoon, laugh and deride the name of Christ. Some out of ignorance and some out of defiance. I know I need to pray even more for those that will be lost without the redeeming sacrifice of Christ. George Carlin is in eternity now. Right now, I shudder as to what he might be facing. One scripture says that it's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God. (Hebrews 10)

Today is the day of salvation. Let us remember to pray for those we love, know and come in contact with. I know I need to. I'm so glad I fell into the loving hands of Christ thirty-five years ago than to face a God someday that will judge me because I rejected my only way of eternal life. May the peace of Christ be with you.

Perspectives

I just wanted to bring my readers up to date on a few things. It's been a busy few weeks for me. Not all of it bad though! Of course my Portland trip was a blast. I was talking to my friends about seeing the Pacific Ocean. I mentioned to them that I was more excited about that than when I saw the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago.

Some of my friends agreed. One said she would rather see water any day than a large open canyon. I agree. There's something about the water that draws me to it everytime. I was also impressed with how green everything was there. Of course with the amount of rain they get, I can see how things grow the way they do.

I have been remiss at catching up on my favorite blogs. Big Doofus and Miss Sniz's blogs are always such a treat. Plus, Cindy will always surprise you with the great assortment of things she blogs about. My friend Joel's Seventh Sola blog should never be missed. Joel has a keen spiritual insight and his blog is so on target.

Today, I was thinking about the great love of God again. You see, at times, I feel guilty about the great love he has bestowed upon me and I waver at times to stay focused. I know that I could never repay the Lord for all his goodness to me. He has been my mainstay in the good and bad times in my life. He never changes. Sunday morning I was staring out the window looking at the blanket of clouds that hung in the northern sky. I was listening to Petra's "Road To Zion." There's a line in the song that says, "the road to Zion is in your heart." I couldn't help but be amazed and humbled by God's great creation and his never ending love for me.

Things in life aren't always easy. Sometimes I have to try and strike a balance. It's easy for me to complain at times when things are bad. I'm working on that though! Then, when things go better, I seem to forget God and his blessings. Not all the time. The balance has to be that I need to be thankful in all things. Maybe that's why Philippians is my favorite book in the New Testament other than Romans which is my theological favorite.

I've already passed the half-century mark in living. I've walked with the Lord for thirty-five years. I'll leave you with something that happened to me a long time ago that I've never forgotten. I was driving down one of the local streets here in town. I remember praying in the car. I said something to the effect of: "Father, I know that I haven't always made the best decisions in life, but the best decision I ever made was to accept your wonderful grace and salvation." I'll never forget that day.

I pray that in my life that I will honor the Lord with whatever he desires of me. I'm always reminded of the old song, "Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul." It's true. God has been good to all of us. Even those that don't know him as Lord has received grace at his merciful hand.

I know that in my writings my words seem to resonate the same things. I could talk about current events, sports, movies or whatever, but I find that I'm drawn more into what God is doing in our lives. I owe him so much. I'll always be grateful for his wonderful grace and love. Till soon, I wish all of my readers and friends well. Thanks for being there. I have been blessed so much. I talked with my dear friend Roland the other day. It was a good time. He's just one of many that has always stood by me during the good and bad times. Everyone should be as blessed as I am to have that kind of friendship. Till soon, be well my friends and may the peace of Christ be with you all.

Hiatus Is Over, Back From Portland

For the few who read my blog you have probably noticed a big absence. I went to Portland Oregon and got back on the 12th. Then, work and other activities kept me from blogging. I do have some things I want to write about and need to get back at it. This small post is to let the few who read my blog that I am still here! Just way too busy. Hopefully it'll slow down. Here's two pics from my Portland trip. Be well all.

The Whole Group at Mo's Restaurant



Clockwise from bottom left: Brandon (Chad and Susan's son), Chad, Susan, Lois (Susan's mom), Rick (Susan's dad), and Brandon's friend. Sorry forgot his name!




Susan, Randy and Chad at the Pacific Ocean

Currently in Portland

Susan, Randy, Chad

Well, I haven't posted in awhile. Been kind of busy. Currently I am posting this from Portland Oregon. I'm visiting my friends Chad and Susan. I'll post more about the trip and add more pics later. We went to the Pacific Ocean yesterday. Here's Chad, Susan and myself at Cannon Beach Oregon by the ocean. I've seen the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico but this is a first for me to see the Pacific. It is really cold here! Well, for me anyway. It's been in the fifties and raining everyday. But, I'm enjoying the trip. Will write more later. Be well and have a good week.