Jesus Christ

December 31, 2018

I AM – Devotional Style Short Stories – “The Intercessor”

The Intercessor

It’s been a fun day for a mother and her grown daughter. They’ve spent the first part of the day wandering through the shops at the Mall and as they sit on a bench laughing the daughter states, “I’m hungry! Let’s go to the Food Court and get some lunch.”

They place their orders at the Chic Filet counter and carry their trays and packages to an empty table the daughter has pointed out. Bowing their heads in prayer they ask the Lord to bless their food and thank Him for a day spent together.

A Man sits near by and is listening. He’s pleased.

“Mom, I had the weirdest dream last night.” The daughter states after taking a drink of her ice tea.

“Oh? What was it?”

“It’s really kind of scary. It was so vivid, like I was really there!” The daughter answers.

“Well, what is it?”

“There’s a court room and God is the Judge and Jesus and Satan are there. Satan is throwing out all these accusations against me!” She takes a bite of her sandwich and after chewing she continues. “I was sitting in the area where people sit to watch the proceedings. I was the only one there.”

The Man listens closely.

“The devil kept making all these accusations against me! It was horrible! And Jesus just stood there listening. He didn’t say anything! Nothing!”

“Did you expect Him to?” the mother asks.

“Well, I guess so. I mean Satan was really getting wound up!”

The Man chuckles, coughs, and takes a drink of His drink when the two women realize He’s listening.

“So what happened?” The mother asks leaning closer over the table.

“Well finally, finally, Jesus speaks up!”

“What’d He say?” The mother excitedly asks.

“I don’t know! He must have been talking in Arabic, Hebrew, or something, because I couldn’t understand a word He was saying, and then the Judge raised His gavel and……

I woke up!” she almost yells in exasperation.

The Man bursts out laughing and stands. He walks over to their table and says, “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.”

The two women look up at Him with questioning expressions.

“And who might you be?” The mother asks a little perturbed at His boldness.

“I am the I Am.” He turns His attention to the daughter. “What you were being shown in the dream is how I intercede for My children. You were observing the accuser, the intercessor, and the Judge….”

The daughter abruptly interrupts. “It was my trial and I didn’t get to defend myself?”

“I am your defense against the enemy!” The Man responds firmly.

“Praise God!” The mother shouts, throwing her hands in the air. “My daughter needs to be defended.” She laughs and then states, “I love you child but you do some pretty crazy things at times.”

The Man walks away when the two women begin reminiscing about some of the daughter’s pranks and laughing.

***

Romans 8:34 – “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

***

It is sad to hear someone state, “God never did anything for me!” How wrong they are! God is at work all the time whether we realize it or not. We all sin and He is our advocate and continually intercedes to the Father on our behalf. Satan is the accuser and is the father of lies. He will convince us not only to commit sin but then tell us it’s okay. Once we do the sin he’ll laugh and tell us how horrible of a person we are.  Jesus defends us against the accusations and lies of the enemy. If you have Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior and “mess up,” which we all do, Jesus takes that sin to the Father when you’ve asked forgiveness and the gavel is slammed down with a loud, “Not guilty!”

Did you notice the non-nonchalant attitude of the women with the Creator of the world standing there? What would you do if the Great I Am walked over to your table?

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December 30, 2018

I AM – Devotional Style Short Stories – “The Manifestation”

The day is over cast, no sun has shown through as the young man speeds down the road. Traffic has been light on this Sunday morning. He’s not worried about being  late for church. He grew up in church but his buddies has convinced him, “You don’t need some fantasy God anymore.” He’s rushing to the lake to meet them for some fishing.

Entering a small country town he slows for a child on a bicycle and then romps on the gas pedal as soon as he passes the little boy. He quickly glances to his right as he speeds through the intersection and before knowing what has hit him his car careen’s, flips, and rolls several times slamming into a telephone pole. His body is lifted up, out, and through the heavy glass of the windshield as it shatters, leaving him cut from head to foot.

Lying in a pool of blood he’s barely conscious of a Stranger coming to his aid. The Stranger kneels beside him and tends gently to some of his wounds. The young man glides in and out of consciousness and isn’t aware of the scream of the ambulance siren.

In the hospital the doctors and nurses tend to him. His surgery is considered a success and upon regaining consciousness he’s told, “If it hadn’t been for the Man at the scene you wouldn’t be here now.”

“What Man?” the boy asks.

“We were told a Man saved your life and suddenly disappeared. The driver of the other car didn’t make it.”

The young man lies quietly for a long time trying to remember and suddenly a picture of a Man kneeling beside him, tending his wounds and praying over him plays out in his mind.

He searches his mind trying hard to remember more when the words, “A drunk driver hit you. I’m here to save you. I am the I Am and you will be fine. Go back to church and sin no more,” fill his mind.

Tears flood the young man’s eyes and he whispers quietly, “Yes, Lord.”

***

John 14:21 – “He who has My commands and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

***

It is such joy to walk past a Sunday school room filled with children and hear them singing, “Jesus loves me this I know…” Their little hearts are full and we can be proud of God-fearing parents that introduce their little ones to God’s great love. As these same children mature and enter public schools those same children are influenced by peers, teachers, and administrators into non-belief. Prayer, Bibles, and anything relating to Christian beliefs are now banned from schools. Children are being indoctrinated into non-Christian values. The worlds values! It is sad and discouraging to watch as our society turns back to the evil ways of the world leaving those generations behind us to flounder with no Godly boundaries, morals, or Godly hope. As adults it is our responsibility, not only to our children, but to God, to teach our children about Jesus Christ and His saving grace. Without it we will see the future generations decline into a Hellenistic world.

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December 23, 2018

Who cares about the date!?

Was it in February? Did it happen in June, or September? Maybe it happened in December, nobody except those that were there know the exact date and time.

I was born in February and only the Doctor and my mother and father know the exact time and date and yet if my birthday falls on a Wednesday this year and it is inconvenient to have a birthday party during the week, we decide to have it on the Saturday before, what difference does it make? It really doesn’t matter if the party is exactly on the day and time that I was born, now does it?

I’m not sure anyone knows the exact time and date of when Jesus was born and yet we celebrate Christmas on December 25th each year. Does it really matter? There are many who refuse to celebrate Christmas using the excuse, “He wasn’t even born December 25th!”

How sad, to hear such lame excuses for not celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. How sad that so many miss the entire point of Christ’s birth and what/Who we are celebrating!

Christ, God, came as a baby into humanity to save us from eternal hell, to forgive us our sins, and to guarantee us a place with Him in heaven for all of eternity, and yet, “He wasn’t even born on December 25th.”

Does a date really matter? Does celebrating my birthday on Saturday, rather than Wednesday, really matter? Or are we celebrating the birth of a child, someone who is loved, cherished, and can grow to be a great man or woman of God.

Are we celebrating the birth of the King of kings and the Lord of lords or are we turning away because “He wasn’t even born December 25th?” It makes me wonder what these people are celebrating.

Christmas is about Jesus Christ! Not a Christmas tree, not Jingle Bells, and Santa Clause. It is no more about those things than Easter is about rabbits and eggs!

My prayer is that as we celebrate our Savior’s birth that we do it in humility and honor of our Lord and Savior, and that those who focus on all that is not about Him this Christmas will find the true meaning of this time of celebration.

Without Jesus Christ in the manger there is no such thing as Christmas! It’s just an empty, dirty, and stinky feed troff in a smelly old barn.

Merry Christmas and may Christ bless you even more abundantly with His love, peace, and Joy in 2019.

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December 21, 2018

I AM – Devotional Style Short Stories -“This old House”

Climbing onto the dirty seat of the old pickup truck with its rust spots, the woman grins at her brother who sits proudly behind the steering wheel. “It’s old but it still has lots of miles on it,” he states and turns the ignition.

Driving down the country road they chat about various topics catching up on what’s been going on in their lives. Suddenly she yells, “Stop, stop the truck!” He slams on the brakes.

“What’s wrong?” He asks and slowly pulls to the side of the road.

“Look! Just look at that old house!” She points out her window at the old house sitting back from the side of the road. Its skeleton sits among brush and tall grass. Trees stand tall and green in the background.

She steps out of the truck and walks to the barbed wire fence and stands gazing in awe. He shuts the engine off and steps out and walks to her side.

“It was a rich ranchers house is what I’ve heard.” Her brother states while looking out over the weeds and grass at the shell of what must have been a magnificent home.

In his mind’s eye he’s seeing the fancy ginger along the roofs edge and the heavy Oak door, with its oval etched glass window, that is no longer there. He sees a front porch with six fluted columns and Balusters with their thick Oak railings, and curtains floating through the open windows of the second story on a breezy day.

She cocks her head slightly and asks, “Do you hear that?” Breaking into his visualization of what might have been.

“Hear what?”

“Music! There’s music coming from in that house!”

An invisible Man has stepped up beside her and gently touched her. She doesn’t feel it but suddenly images of past years dance through her mind. It’s the 1800’s and the ladies are dressed in their long fancy gowns and men in their finest, with bolo ties, big silver belt buckles, and cowboy boots.

A man strokes the strings of a violin, another strums his guitar, and yet another skillfully plays his harmonica. Hands are clapping, toes are tapping, and smiles are spread across the faces of the party goers. Laughter can be heard as it waifs up through the ceiling and out the open doors and windows.

The music changes and a waltz is played and they take their partners in their arms and are waltzing around the large living room. The elegant furniture must have been moved to make a dance floor. Only a few fancy arm chairs sit off to the side. The polished Walnut staircase winds up to a second floor and an elegantly dressed lady stands on the bottom step chatting with one of the gentlemen guests.

The sister doesn’t hear her brother telling her they need to leave. She’s so enthralled with the scene playing out in her head that she jumps when her brother punches her lightly on the shoulder. “We need to go!” He states emphatically.

“Oh!” She exclaims. Excitedly she states, “There was a party in that house…”

“What are you talking about?” he asks interrupting her while walking toward the truck.

She stands staring at the old house for a long moment and suddenly smiles. The party is still going on. To the tune she hears coming from that ancient dwelling she glances back at the old mansion. With a two-step dance step she returns to the truck and jumps in humming the tune.

Her brother looks at her quizzically.

“If you’re nice I’ll tell you what I saw and heard,” she states teasingly as he starts the old pickup and pulls back onto the road.

**

2Corinthians 1:21 – Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God.”

**

The Lord has given each Christian spiritual eyes and spiritual ears. If we are open to Him He will anoint us and allow us to see and hear as He does. Some see angels and demons, some hear His voice and others through His written word. He will speak through others to encourage His children as well as use visions and dreams and whatever He chooses to bless His children. The Lord is not limited as to how He communicates or blesses His children. It was on a drive with my brother that we saw this skeleton of a great mansion. The Lord opened my spiritual eyes and ears and blessed me with being able to enjoy the party of the past. Through His anointing the sky is the limit and we need to be open to Him so as to experience His great wonders. Never underestimate the wonders and powers of our Lord and Savior. He will show us great and mighty things, even a rancher’s party in the 1800’s.

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December 20, 2018

I AM – Devotional Style Short Stories – “The Whispered Prayer”

The Whispered Prayer

The drive has been long and tiring but her purpose is genuine. Cutting through the traffic the woman has difficulty concentrating on her driving as she finally pulls into the hospital parking lot and makes her way to her husband’s room.

The calls for Doctors over the P.A. system can be heard as she steps onto the elevator, and people crying in waiting rooms are ignored as she rounds the corner.

Walking past the nurse’s station she finally makes it to room 302 and gently pushes the door open. Her husband is asleep on the long narrow bed with its silver rails raised high on each side.

The T.V. has a game show playing with the volume turned low. She stands by her husband’s bed looking down at the drawn face, the life-giving plastic lines going from I.V. bags into his body and a tear silently slips down her cheek.

Quietly taking a seat she looks up at the T.V. The program has changed and a sitcom about an angel helping others is playing. She reaches for the remote control and turns the volume up just a little so the sound doesn’t disturb her sleeping husband.

She’s fascinated by the program she’s watching. No nurses come in to disturb them as she continues to watch and near the end of the program a tear escapes down her cheek. “God, if you are real, will you send an angel to help my husband,” she whispers and clicks the T.V. off.

Unbeknownst to her a Man has been standing near her watching as the tears slide down her cheeks. He watches as she whispers her prayer knowing she doesn’t realize she has prayed and has reached out to Him.

“I will prove to you child that I am very real. Just believe.” He tells her.

But she isn’t listening.

**

Mark 5:36 “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid, only believe.”

**

Life is difficult no matter what we do or where we go or what we encounter. So many times we seek advice from others or rely on our own knowledge. There are times that we have to buckle up and ride the waves of life and at times we feel there is no life line to cling to. Our minds get set on certain things and our God is trying to help but we just aren’t listening. As Christians we have spiritual ears as well as His Holy Spirit indwelling us, but we tend to lean on our own understanding and try to muster up the strength to handle the situation at hand or the circumstances we find ourselves in. God speaks to His children, as well as non-believers, yet so many ignore that still small voice that speaks to them. If we turn to Him and listen, He will bring us through the tough times as well as guide us through all situations. He will laugh with us, shed tears with us, and rejoice with us. His blessings are all around us and it gives Him great pleasure to pour out those blessings if we will just turn to Him and believe. Tune into Him and life’s challenges can be easier to wade through. He came to give us life more abundant and to ease our way in the tough times. If you will only believe He said, “Draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

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December 19, 2018

I AM – Devotional Style Short Stories “The Trumpet”

The Trumpet

The moon shines brightly in one part of the land and in another the sun is shining brightly on a beautiful summer day. In one part of the world the workers are in their fields and the other side of the world all sleep, except those with the night shift and those who prowl about.

Some are going about their day without a care in the world. Some have many thoughts and dreams skittering through their minds as they sleep in their beds. Women are snuggled close to their husbands, children cling to their teddy bears, and some are huddled in doorways.

As the sun lowers in the skies the moon rises. On the other side, the moon fades in the distance,  and the sun creeps up in its place. The day and the night are on schedule when the clouds separate. A blast of an angel’s horn fills the air and a white steed tramples the clouds as it makes its way across the heavens.

Cars are speeding down the highways, airplanes are scooting across the sky, and trains are on their tracks filled with sleeping people. No one seems to notice that all of heaven has begun to shake. Oh, a few stop, listen, and then go about their business.

Then it happens.

Planes suddenly fall from the sky, cars run off the road, trains leave their tracks and the thunder of hooves fills the air. People have suddenly left their beds, their homes, their fields, their offices, while others stand gaping at the sky as they watch loved ones filling the air.

The prayers of the saints have been heard.

“Come Lord Jesus, come,” has been answered.

~~~

1Thessalonians 4:16 – “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”

~~~

There are many who do not believe in the church being caught up in the air with our Lord and Savior. They use the excuse that “Rapture” is not in the Bible. On that point they are right. The word, “rapture” is not in the Bible but doesn’t “caught up in the air” constitute the same thing? Throughout the Bible there are many references about heaven and hell. If there were no heaven then why bother to be saved? Why give our life to Jesus Christ if our only hope is a cold grave? Not only that, but He said He is making a place for us, the children of God. (John 14:3) I heard a pastor say on his program in reference to Jesus’ return, “That planes falling from the sky and cars with no driver’s, is poppy-cock! That is just silly teaching.” That isn’t what the Bible says! In Luke 17:34 He states, “There will be two men in bed and one will be taken and the other left” and Matthew 24:41, He states, “There will be two women grinding at the mill and one will be taken and the other left.”

So if what this pastor believes is true, which it isn’t, my question is – will all humanity, worldwide, be in their beds asleep when Jesus comes back for His church? Will there be no planes flying, trains running, buses or cars on the roads, anywhere in the world?

We are to be waiting and watching for the Lord’s return. We are to be praying, reading our Bibles, serving the Lord in whatever He calls us to do, and to be ready spiritually to meet our Savior in a blink of an eye. Get ready, Jesus is coming back. Hallelujah and amen.

Into The Light Ministry

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December 13, 2018

I AM – Devotional Style Short Stories – “The Christmas Gift”

The Christmas Gift

The doors fly open and the sale is on. Crowds by the hundreds push, shove, and trample others to get to the discounted merchandise. One woman shoves another with a face masked in anger, “That one is mine!” she yells as she shoves another woman to the side.

The police stand outside the doors to try to control the crowd, to no avail. “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” is playing on the intercom and yet no one notices. They’re focused on the goodies that might make a distant relative like them just a little more or for a family member that insisted that item is the only thing they want under the Christmas tree.

A Man stands back from the crowd and watches. Disgust is on His face. He listens to the piped in music and shakes His head in wonder. His thoughts are sad for He is watching the commercialization of His birth; the birth of the Creator of the World who came and died so that these greedy people could fill their baskets with all that will be tossed out within weeks.

A woman stops, she tilts her head slightly to the side as she listens to the song, “Oh Come all Ye Faithful.” She sees the Man standing off to the side and approaches Him. “Hello.” She says sadly.

He looks at her with sad eyes and replies, “Hello.” He nods toward the pushing and shoving people and asks, “Why aren’t you out there with them?”

She looks out over the crowd and then back to Him. “I came for one item because we don’t have much money.” A tear forms in her eyes and escapes. She swipes it away quickly and continues, “I hear the music, the Christmas carols being played, and looking out at these people, I realized I was just like them. I would have fought anyone or anything to get the one gift I came for.”

“But now?” The Man asks interested.

“But now I have learned better. I have four children and watching these people has made me realize this isn’t what I want to teach them. I’m not perfect and I do a lot of things wrong but I want to teach my children that the greatest gift ever given at Christmas was Jesus.”

Before the Man can reply someone slams into her and growls, “Get out of the way woman!” She is almost knocked off her feet and the Man grabs her arm to steady her and guides her out the door.

~~~~

Luke 2:11 – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

~~~~

I’m sure many of us have witnessed the crowds during the Christmas season. I have seen a fight break out over a parking space, the pushing and shoving, and angry customers. It seems we are so focused on getting just the right gift for friends, family, or colleagues that we forget what Christmas is about. This story reminds me of the Bible story of two sisters; Mary and Martha. Jesus shows up and one is rushing about in a frantic panic while the other sits at Jesus feet. Aren’t we doing much the same during the Christmas season? We rush, we cook for days, we slave over getting the house clean, and by the time Christmas Day arrives we’re exhausted and can’t enjoy the time with friends or family!  And then there are also those organizations that want to render this holy day as nothing more than just another holiday where people get a day off from work. The merchants begin touting Christmas trees and decorations along with Halloween costumes. And they do it because we, the public, buy their merchandise right along with the Halloween costumes in our shopping carts. But at the same time, there are those of us that sit back, listen to the Christmas carols, and relax!  We don’t stress over what gift to buy, we don’t cook for days on end, and we stay away from the crowds at the Malls. Our simple decorations is a Manger scene and maybe a Christmas tree in the corner. No, we aren’t Mr. Scrooge! Our focus is on the real meaning of Christmas, a child is born, and His name is Jesus, God in the manger. That’s what Christmas is about! He is the greatest gift anyone will ever receive! Are you Mary or Martha? Are you focused on the commercialization of the most holy day or are you sitting at the feet of our Lord and Savor?

Into The Light Ministry

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December 13, 2018

I AM – Devotional Style Short Stories – “The Last Stop”

The Last Stop

A whistle breaks the silence, wheels speed across the tracks, smoke billows filling the air with white steam as the train speeds along the tracks.

There’s only one car to this train and only two stops. It’s filled with passengers from all walks of life. A lady, dressed in fine silk, jewels dangling from her ears, neck, and wrists. Her fine feathered hat sits proudly on styled hair. Her husband sits next to her typing on his laptop computer, paying no attention to her constant babble.

Families sit together with their children gaping out the window at the scenery as it speeds by. The scowl of a mother catches the Conductors eye. He smiles but she snarls under her breath and digs an elbow into her husband’s side. He grunts and ignores her.

A few teenagers, with their multi-colored hair, nose rings, tattooed bodies, and slouchy pants, sit slouched on the benches discussing the latest horror movie and Rap song with its lyrics of back to back cuss words and condemnation of all that is good. The Conductor stops beside them. They don’t acknowledge Him.  He states, “Follow Me.” They ignore Him. He rubs the dust off His shoe on His pants leg and moves on.

As He approaches another group tears threaten to spill. Women in ragged dresses, men in torn dirty shirts and infants in dirty diapers fill a corner in the back of the compartment. Sandwiches are set aside while heads are bowed in praise and thanksgiving as the Conductor steps among them.

The Conductor touches the shoulder of a lame man, “Be healed,” the Conductor states. The man immediately jumps to his feet and runs in a circle shouting, “Praise God, I can walk!”

The Conductor moves to a woman with an infant with a cleft lip. He smiles down at the infant and with compassion, looks heavenward, whispers a prayer, and places His finger on the child’s lip. It’s instantly healed and the baby smiles brightly. The mother cries tears of joy and thanks Him.

None of the Conductors actions have gone unnoticed. Some begin praising, others shout, “Hosanna,” and yet others raise a questioning eyebrow and announce, “It’s a trick!”

The train begins to slow. Some of the passengers begin gathering their fine leather bags, others pick up the toys of their children while others kneel in praise and thanksgiving for the blessings of a meager meal and the warmth of the compartment.

The train stops and the door slides open. The Conductor stands beside it and as one passenger after another line up to exit, the Conductor announces, “Many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

He points His finger at the ragged group in the back of the line and states loudly, “You, My children, step forward. For those who believe shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

Angry shouts fill the compartment, some try to shove their way through the door. Many stand quietly waiting to be called forward. As the line moves forward, the Conductor instructs some to return to their seat, others, He smiles and tells them they have been “good and faithful servants.” Each child is given a loving hug as He tells them to be careful stepping off the train.

The engine of the train roars to life, steam bellows forth, and a loud clank is heard as the door slams shut and the train speeds off down the track for the last stop. The majority remain aboard.

~~~~
John 3:3 “Most assuredly I say unto you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”

~~~~

There are some who have said that death begins the moment we leave our mother’s wombs. Life is a journey and as we grow and mature we make decisions each and every day. There is one decision that is more important than any other decision we will ever make in this life; where we will spend eternity. Some take life with a slow motion attitude, cruising along with seemingly no cares, and others feel they are on a fast track and rush around in chaotic furry. At the end of it all it is not what we do or how we do it but what we believe, who we have believed in and who we have served. Do we serve ourselves as though we are God or do we serve the One who is God? Who we serve will determine where our last stop will take us.

Into the Light Ministry

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December 12, 2018

I AM – Devotional style short stories “The Price of a Soul.”

The Price of a Soul

A mid-afternoon walk seems to be what’s on the Man’s mind. He strolls down the tree laden street enjoying the browns, gold’s, yellows, and greens of Fall.

At the end of the street He sees a church and decides to go in and have a chat with the Pastor. It’s the middle of the week so He knows the church will be empty.

Climbing the stairs to the front door He enters and stops. The Narthex has a few comfortable chairs to one side. A buffet table is lined with clip boards for signing up for various activities offered in the church, and their devotional magazine is neatly stacked at one end.

To His right is a long hall and He sees the sign pointing to the pastor’s office. Upon approaching the open door he hears voices.

He stops.

“Well, you know how some of the congregation will feel if I marry you two.” He hears. He knows it’s the pastor.

“Oh, who cares what those holier-than-thou old fuddy duddies think! Gay marriage is now legal so they can just get over it!” A male voice states emphatically.

The Man looks up toward heaven and remains silent outside the door.

“I’m just not sure.” The pastor states.

The Man hears a chair scoot and then something slammed down on the desk. Another voice asks, “How much is your fee? I’ll write you a check right now for whatever you want to marry us!”

“Wellll,” The Pastor leans back in his swivel chair and looks at the two men for a long moment and then leans forward placing his elbows on his desk. “The church could use the extra money.” He leans back in his chair.

“Then you’ll marry us?” One of the men asks hopefully.

“Yes! Why not? That fee will come in handy.” He smiles.

The Man steps back. The two men race out the office door, hooting and hollering and clapping each other on the back and shoulders.

The Man enters the pastor’s office with a scowl on His face. He looks across the pastor’s desk directly into the eyes of the pastor and pointedly asks, “How much is your soul worth today?”

~~~~

Ephesians 5:31-“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

~~~~

It is sad to see many of the churches today are compromising the Word of God in order to increase their membership, increase their churches financial gain, or just simply to go with the flow of political correctness. It takes the body of Christ, those with a back bone, to stand before the church boards and demand the true Word of God be adhered to. If the congregation remains silent in these churches, they are condoning the very acts of disobedience that is being done within that church. For a pastor to “marry” a gay couple totally and completely contradicts God’s Word! In Leviticus 18:22 it clearly states that a male shall not lie with another male as with a woman. It is an abomination to God! The same goes for two women engaging in sexual acts together. God created the holy covenant of marriage between one man and one woman and the Lord is very clear on this issue and does not change His opinion! If your church is willingly going against God’s Word, then leave! Go where the true Word of God is taught, preached, and practiced.

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December 11, 2018

I AM – Devotional Style Short Stories – “A Jesus Encounter”

A Jesus Encounter

Entering the wide glass doors brings the woman into a whole new environment. The entrance is clean and friendly and glancing around one can see a modern, well-kept facility.

A long hall meanders off to one side of a large living space with comfortable chairs and couches. Another long hall winds toward a sitting around where games and Television can be enjoyed. Each hall is lined with doors and each door has a name and picture of the one who occupies the space behind the door.

Walking briskly down one hall the woman gently knocks on the door hoping she isn’t disturbing the occupant of the room. “Come in” is softly heard through the door. She opens the door slowly and steps inside.

Sitting in a recliner is an aged woman. Her smile lights the room as she enthusiastically greets her visitor, the one she calls her angel. The elderly woman stands with outstretched arms, “Give me a hug,” she states and her arms enfold her visitor.

Taking a seat they chat. The visitor can’t help but love this woman even though they have only been acquainted a few months. When she looks at her she sees Christ within her. Her soft-spoken, loving voice is like a soft melody floating through the air. Her graciousness and love for Christ is so evident it almost brings tears to her visitor.

So often we read in God’s Word how we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. This woman seems to love everyone, regardless of their physical or mental health. Each visitor is welcomed with love.

She speaks kindly of those in the community she now lives in. Her laughter is joyous, and although her eyes don’t always sparkle His light shines through them.

The visitor rises to leave after their short visit. She doesn’t want to tire her precious friend. Hugs are in order again as the elderly woman takes hold of her walker and walks her visitor to the door.

As the woman slowly walks down the long hallway toward the entrance of the Assisted Living and Memory Care Home she thinks, I have just encountered Jesus.

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Matthew 5:16 -“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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We have all met people of all walks of life and there are few that we know of their life stories. We often wonder what is in the heart of those with the sour expressions, the harsh words, and seem to be angry just for breathing. There are others we meet that seem to shine. Their faces are aglow and their smiles infectious, and their joy seems to just bubble up. Then there are those that are somewhere in between. We call those, “Normal,” or maybe even “Christian.” For those of us that have had the absolute pleasure of meeting someone that shines the light of Christ in what seems to be all they do and say, we are truly blessed. The Lord has said in His word to let His light shine through us. We don’t necessarily have to say a word and people can see His light within us. Our goal must be to let our words be His words, our love of others like His love for us and  our behavior as His. Our hope should be that when others encounter us they will see Christ in us and walk away thinking, “I have just seen Jesus.”

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