Author: admin

Now, maybe
you’re dreaming of heaven too and trying to get there on your “good
works.”  Forget it! “Salvation is not a reward for the
good things we have done, so that no one can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:9 NLT).  And although you may be extremely popular on
social media, you may have set multiple records such as on BMX bikes, sports
games, may have climbed Mt. Everest 64 times, jumped off the highest bridge
into a tiny barrel of water, or jumped off a plane at 50,000’ without a
parachute and limped away to the applause of millions of followers, but if your
name isn’t written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, all you’ve done will be wiped
away as if you’ve never existed (Revelation 20:15; 3:5).

Absolutely
NO-ONE will enter heaven on their own merits. 
No one who practices their own agenda will get near it.  Only those who acknowledge and worship Jesus
as the Son of God will enter in through His merits (John 3:18).  All those who’ll argue these points, as well
as other points, will have their say at their “hearing”-the Great White Throne
Judgment where they’ll afterwards, get delivered into their final
destination…which will be everything contrary to heaven.

Fine Print: The only way to get to heaven is by entering through the Door. 

Jesus said, I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pastures” (John 10:9). 

See,
everyone wants to be amongst the privileged. 
At sporting events some people don’t want to play to win.  People want to win at any cost, including
cheating.  People have cheated at plenty
of events.  In fact, their real talent is
cheating.  People throw tantrums as
childish excuses to get their ways.  Of
course, we know where they get it from. 
Ever seen parents belt each other out at kids’ games?  These are the people that will be crying
their eyes out F-A-R from the outside of heaven’s gates trying to get their
ways.  Instead, “Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be
courageous! Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13WEB)!  Or, “Quit ye like men.” Let’s grow up and line up with God’s
word.  Heaven is replete with the
goodness of God!  I’m secretly taking a
plastic fork for some of that mouth-watering chocolate fudge cake! Oh gosh,
yeah baby!

Meet you at
the gate!

Sam

 

 

Let’s say you’re a saved person and you just dropped dead.  You’ve just arrived at heaven, and you’re entering through one of the 12 pearly gates.  I don’t know if there’s a main entrance with a huge marquee saying, “ENTER HERE” and there’ll be a finger pointing to it, but you’re going in. 

“The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each made of a single pearl” (Revelation 21:21a).

Using your imagination, let’s picture what might take place.  Say you’re an introvert, like me; but suddenly, you see several friends you knew from way-back-when.  They come cheering for you.  You break loose and start high-fiving them and hugging each other!  They have you follow them-practically pulling you as they show you the amazing things they’ve seen.  

You can’t believe that on your right hand are tables (probably going on for ten miles), packed with every cake you’ve ever seen and those you’ve never heard of.  On your left are more tables of candies, donuts, nuts, berries, and an infinite number of goodies.  Teo things you immediately notice: 1) that you can see clearly and sharply for miles!  2) you instinctively know none of it can harm you. No allergies here!  None of it can cause you to gain weight, and you can’t get sick, so that’s out!

On the way there, thousands upon thousands of people of all nationalities, call your name and wave at you!  You not only wave back, but you can’t believe you also know each one! You know their names, where they’re from, you even know their language!

Amazing! Your buddies show you waterfalls of crystalline waters in amazing colors.  Rainbows are all around.  You look to your surroundings and there are myriads of angels everywhere!

Looking down you notice the unmistakable streets of pure gold! “The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21b).

You are mesmerized by all the beauty you’ve seen! The sights, the smells, the beauty of trees and flowers are calming, spirit-lifting, and so soothing. In the near distance, there’s a mob of people; oh, they’re not after your autograph! They’re there like you taking in the l-o-n-g-e-s-t moment ever-ETERNITY!  You get on your tippy-toes and just barely make out an image like that of Jesus surrounded by the splendor of flashing lights.  It must be His throne room, you think. 

What’s so unbelievable is that you’ve already traveled to some places, seen multiple thousands of friends, have done a bunch of things, all without stress, tension, pain, or obstacles, and have enjoyed a teeny-tiny glimpse of what heaven offers, all in a matter of minutes which in earthly time, is actually years!

“But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8 ASV).

God Bless!
Sam

This week we celebrated our 43^rd anniversary! Yay!  Milestones don’t come easy.  Had we sat near each other with folded hands for 43 yrs. then that would be sort of bliss. But we’ve had lots of ups and downs.  Have mixed cement, laid cement blocks, installed tiles, painted, built up walls, walkways, put up Christmas trees, prepped meals, and done a host of other things together. 

We worked at the same location for over twenty years, worked on our graduate degrees and beyond, while raising three teens, and helped each other in our strength areas.  She’s more technical and analytical, and I’m more creative as well as keen in writing. We pray together every night, read Christian literature, read the Word every morning, and keep in touch with God throughout each day.   And it still hasn’t been easy. 

Marriage, like any relationship, takes lots of work, lots of cultivating.  I know two sisters near 60 years of age that since I met them at age 11 and 16 have always been arguing over petty things.  They’re old! Not by age, but instead of growing up, are always mad at each other because of “she said…No, you said” nonsense.

Me, I’m grateful for my wife.  She’s always been there in the good, the bad, and the ugly situations of life. Hard work for sure.  But so is anything worth having. Y’all can do it too! Our small celebration is shy of what’ll soon take place in heaven where we’ll be having the celebration of a lifetime at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9 ESV).

“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, for the marriage supper of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”-

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”  And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

What a celebration that will be!

Happy Anniversary My Love!

Sam

You’re probably familiar with the phrase, reading between the lines.  It means, not only reading what you see, but what might be hinted at. Something like: “Dear Juan, you’ve been such a great guy.  I doubt there’s anyone else like you out there; you’re funny, you’re sweet, and I don’t know what I’d do without you, but I’m starting to imagine.”  Hint, hint, hint.   Or…

Dear Dad, I would really love to have a CAR!   I’d like to drive to the CARnival!  It would be nice to be part of a CARavan! Between fixing and selling CARburetors, doing some CARpooling can keep costs down.

Love,  CARoline

Dear Daughter.

NOthing new around here! It’s been NOtoriously quiet these days.  A bit abNOrmal for this time of year.  Please take care and kNOw that you are loved.

Dad,

NOrberto

Reading between the lines helps! It also helps us understand various everyday activities.  But there are people who don’t know how to read-maybe it’s not their fault; my concern is for those that do know, but don’t want to bother.  Lots of people want to rely on others to read for them.  They don’t want to go through the trouble of reading for themselves.  That’s how people get deceived-they believe the lies and deceptions of others.  Plus, scriptural errors go undetected leading people astray.

Jesus faced the same issues.  The religious leaders of His day studied the scriptures, but there were prophesies written between-the-lines that they missed. They didn’t read about the coming King, they only read about a conquering one.  Delivering them from Rome’s tyrannical rule, would not have delivered them from the inner ruler: sin.  Jesus came to free us from sin’s dominion over us.

They didn’t read about a dying servant-laying down His life for them and the world.  They only read about being God’s chosen ones.  They waited and waited and are still waiting for the Deliverer who already arrived, was not only rejected, but was “Wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).  In short, they missed Him-completely.  Even when He continually hinted at Who He was, they refused to review the scriptures to see if they were wrong.  Jesus admonished them saying: “Search the scriptures: for in them you think you have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

So, what about you?  Are you reading the scriptures?  Are you asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding?  Read between-the-lines because He’s there. One of those hidden truths is “I and my Father are One” (John 10:30).  “If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Matthew 10:32).

Important truths.  Why?? Because cults and sects deny them.  All who deny that Jesus is Lord and that He is God incarnate, are false.  There are millions worldwide teaching/preaching how wonderful Jesus was but denying that He’s God’s Son.  Denying He died (ONCE) for our sins. READ!

God Bless,

Sam

We all know some people are stingy and don’t like to share, much less give.  But then, there are plenty of generous folk out there.  They give for almost any cause.  From helping the poor and needy, to helping those who have lost it all, and from animal lovers wiping cat tears, to those overthrowing governments.  As much as we love to give, there’s one area God’s most interested in.  He’s not asking for your home, your job, your kidney, or your eyesight. He wants us to give Him our hearts.  In doing so, He’ll have all those other things we have.  Why??? Because, out of love for Him, we’ll give up all we have knowing it’s in good hands.

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways” (Proverbs 23:26).

Be A Giver.

God Bless,

Sam

It was November, 1997 when our youngest daughter, a freshman, shared with us her plans to run in her school’s turkey trot. Not exactly a runner, but a determined young lady willing to face obstacles, we backed her up. Having moved to Puerto Rico two and a half years before, and unable to find jobs, we thought winning a turkey would benefit us.
At the back of the runners was a small dump truck with helpers overseeing the event. Stragglers and quitters had the chance to get in on the truck for a ride back to the school. During the trot, there were plenty of people cheering on. Our daughter went from long strides to shorter ones. From running, to trotting. From almost skipping to teeny-tiny steps. But she kept going.
In her case, she was being cheered off course! “Quit!” “You’ll never finish!” “Get on the truck!” they told shouted. Before the race I had told her to listen to my voice only, and not that of others. And so I was coaching her to stay on and keep going just a little bit more. Finally, she crossed the finish line with maybe 2-4 girls behind her. We were glad she stayed the course. “Oh well, I guess we’ll be heading to Econo Supermarket for our bird,” I thought. But to our surprise, not to mention to everyone else’s, she returned with a turkey!
Turns out she was the only runner in her grade-the others had quit! Now the comments were, “How she get a turkey when she was last?” I ran over, hugged her, and carried her all the way home and put her in the fridge. She was a nice bird! The rest of the family walked our daughter home.
Last month, our five-year-old grandson competed in a 50-meter swimming competition against older kids. Pretty much, right off the blocks he was in last place. Everyone was cheering him on. “Go Trueman!” “Keep going.” “You’re almost there!” people shouted. He continued at his pace until he finished to the shouts and cheers of onlookers.
Jesus wants us to stay the course; to finish the race. It doesn’t matter where you find yourself along the way: in the middle, at the front of the pack, or trailing in last place. Don’t lose focus. Don’t listen to the cheering crowds, especially the nay-sayers. Listen only to His voice. The prize, His rewards, for you are very nearby.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me”(John 10:27a).
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothey 4:7).
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win” (1Corinthians 9:24)!
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).
Stay in the race!
Sam

My father would sometimes joke by limping around. He’d say that was the way he had to walk because when my mom hemmed his pants, one leg usually came out shorter than the other! I know, some would call it cruel. Instead of telling her she didn’t do a good job, he’d say, “Perfect, exactly for the way I walk!” Mind you, this was back in the late 60s-70s when a housewife focused on home responsibilities and things were limited by their tiny budgets.
Did you know that according to God’s law, “No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed…to the tabernacle to present food offerings to the LORD (Leviticus 21:18-21)?
There were spiritual significances for each deformity, but the lame meant they couldn’t walk straight. In other words, they were somewhat crooked.
Are you lame? Is your walk with God legit? Are your ways crooked? Are you “Straddling both sides of the fence” as they say? In other words, you’re trying to please the world with one stride and please God with the other? Are you faithful to the Lord, or do you walk with a limp around your buddies and upright around God? Are your words true? Can you be trusted? Whether your limp is real or spiritual, God can heal both.
Jesus healed men with withered hands and lame feet. Even healed the blind and the leprous in efforts to show that His coming to earth made a way for all the rejects to now draw near to Him. Want to make your crooked ways straight? God is the Master Seamstress. Both of your (pant) legs will be equal in His sight! All His promises are true and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20)!
“The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland” (Isaiah 35:6).
Walk up Straight!
Sam

My mother’s warmth draws me near

 My mother’s smile brings me cheer

 My mother’s touch dispels all fear

My mother’s voice commands an ear

My mother’s stare penetrates like a spear

My mother’s love wipes a tear

My mother’s call says, “I am here”

My mother’s hand makes a cloudy day clear

My mother’s heart only God can steer

My mother’s prayers He holds dear

Mothers, God’s gift to us year after year.

Happy Mother’s Day to All!
Sam

Thieves and murderers in God’s arms??! There’s hope for the hopeless, for the helpless, and for the criminally insane.  God has a plan of hope for evildoers-and it’s not what most people think.  Read on.

We’ve read stories of Good Samaritans-people going out of their way to help others. As told in the Bible (Luke 10:25-37), a traveler going from Jerusalem to Jericho was robbed, beaten, hurt, left for dead. A priest went by, but did nothing; then a Levite (people that knew the law and what to do) …but ignored the dying man.  Finally, a Samaritan (enemy of Jews) stopped, treated his wounds, took him to a clinic, and paid his bills.  We’ve read of people risking everything to: rescue others from fires, from gunpoint, victims from drowning, or interrupted muggings, or intercepted kidnapping, etc.  All great and heroic acts deserving acknowledgement. 

On the other hand, daily, there are terrible, horrific, and senseless acts of violence and injustices committed by evildoers.  But to the surprise and dismay of many, there is a place for them too; the arms of God.  “NO WAY!” You say?

Religion teaches us that God chose us because “we’re pretty good folks, not like the others.”  Buzzer!!  However, salvation teaches “there is none that does good” (Romans 3:10-12).  We are saved not because we’re any more special than the next person. Salvation is available to everyone.  No matter what you’ve done. If you’ve done terrible things, God’s your best bet. Satan will have you believe it’s useless, impossible, or a waste of time…it isn’t.  In fact, God has forever known what you were about to do-and He’s waiting for you to reach out to Him.  Nothing you’ve done or are about to do, is news to Him.  He’s reserved a place for you near His heart and in His warm embrace.  He knows your brokenness and heartaches.

Take Saul, of Tarsus (Acts 9), he approved the stoning death of Steven-the first disciple martyred.  He breathed threats against Christians, and was on his way to Damascus to arrest any followers along the way when he was stopped in his tracks by God, and converted!  God changed his ways!

What about Rahab-a harlot?  She was an outcast; frowned upon. However, God used her to hide and protect the Israelite spying the land.  As result, she and her family were spared death (Joshua 2).  She even got into the “Hall of Fame” (so-to-speak) of genealogy making it into Jesus’ family tree (Matthew 1:5,16)!

I know, everyone’s sent you to hell, but if you confess your ways to Him, sincerely repent (feel sorry/bad) for all your actions, He’ll save you right now. He’ll pick you up and place you on a different path-the one leading to everlasting life in His presence, in His Place.

Welcome Home!

Sam

Reminiscing lately?  Remembering the good old glory days when you danced on your feet, on your toes, or on your hands? When you could break-dance, but now you’re broken?  Thinking about when you sang, or when you could run to the ends of the world, and now can barely make it to the rest room?

What about love?  Remember when you loved? Were loved? Remember the thrills of a first kiss, of a first embrace? Recall being hugged and held for an eternity in security? Love songs remind you of better times?  Remember the old days?  Maybe, now it’s all fading away.  The friends and loved ones are slowly disappearing. Life has changed.  Love has moved on.  Loneliness moved in.  Jesus could relate. Check out these verses of scripture:

 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48 NLT).

 “Then everyone deserted him and fled” (Mark 14:50). Again, He said, “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before this world began” (John 17:5). 

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me” (Matthew 27:46 AMP).

 He was deserted by His friends.  He was embraced by loneliness.  Pain caressed His face.  Hear it from Him: 

“Yea, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9 NKJV).

Nothing you face is news to God or something He can’t relate to.  He knows it all and allows trials and experiences to come our way so that He might shape us as He desires.  Those old experiences shaped our past.  Even those we held as friends, are probably gone.  New ones await us.  New days are ahead. Make right with God now.  Invite Him into your heart!  Soon, it’ll all be over!  Take comfort!

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5a).

God Bless!
Sam