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Restored!

Given January 24, 2011 Junk car

Driving to work on this beautiful day, as I stopped for a stop sign, passing in front of me was a truck pulling a trailer with an old, rusty, shell of a car on it.  I barely could tell that it was a late 60s model Plymouth.  It had no hood, doors, or front-right quarter panel, and no engine.  A skeleton of a car that was once new and useful to someone.  Now, it appeared to be ugly and of no use to anyone.  But this guy in the truck was taking it somewhere.  The thought crossed my mind, “I bet he’s not taking that piece of junk to the junk pile.”  “I bet he’s got some plans for it.”

Immediately my thoughts turned to people’s broken and junked lives.  Many of God’s creation are like that old car frame, just a shell of what they once were or could be again.  I looked at that junk heap and thought, “Somebody paid a price for that mess.”  And Jesus paid a price for us.  However bad the mess we have made of ourselves, Jesus paid for us and, just like the owner of that junk car, He wants to restore us.  In the skilled hands of mechanic, that old car will once again be a masterpiece!  It will have new parts, a new engine, restored interior, and new paint.  It will once again be new and useful to someone.

If you think you’re a piece of junk, God wants to restore you.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians5:17).  Jesus paid a great price for you, (His life), and God has a restoration plan for you, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”, (Jeremiah 29:11).  There is no reason to be relegated to the junk pile.  The great Restorer has bought you and wants to take you home to work on you.  Say yes!

Eternal Separation

Given January 20, 2012

Eternal separation from God.  What would that feel like?  To be separated from God forever with no chance to get back.  Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).  So for now, there’s still a chance; the end of the age is not here yet and Jesus is still with us.  But people who have rejected Him will know what separation feels like “on that day”, the Day of Judgment.  Jesus told us in Matthew 7:21-23, (my paraphrase), “Not everyone who calls me Lord will get into Heaven, only those who do what God says.  Many will say they did this and that and performed miracles but God will say ’I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!’”.

They’ll know what it feels like on that day!  They don’t know it now because He’s near.  He said He’d never leave us, (Hebrews 13:5), He’s always nearby hoping we’ll repent.  God is ready to run to us like the Father did to the prodigal or lost son in Luke 15.  But on that day…He will be gone, no more chances, no going back.  Those who have not accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord will be eternally separated from God.  And they’ll feel it, they’ll feel that terrible void, the aloneness…forever.  Don’t let that happen.  Don’t let Satan trick you out of eternity in Paradise.

Listen To Him!

Given December 15, 2011 Lidten road sign

God is our Father and His Word says He is with us all the time, (Hebrews 13:5), and if someone hangs around you all the time, they’re going to talk to you.  Don’t you think? Especially if they’re the smartest person ever and they have things you need to know.  They’re going to want to help you and teach you things.  But what if they talk and you don’t listen or are preoccupied with stuff around you and miss what they say?  This happened to me recently and I’d like to tell you about it.

I had written an IP address, an Internet thing I needed to do something at work, on a yellow Post-it note and when I needed it, I couldn’t find it.  I looked in my truck, in my office, in all my pockets but could’nt find it anywhere.  I had made several trips back and forth to a building next to mine where I was setting up for a meeting and noticed a piece of trash on the parking lot.  Something inside told me I should pick it up but in my haste to set up for the meeting I walked right over it twice.  “Ah, let someone else get it, I’m in too much of a hurry now.”, I thought.

However the third time I made that walk back to my office, the Holy Spirit spoke strongly to me to be a responsible servant and pick up that yellow, visible piece of paper in order to “clean up” the parking lot.  As I bent to pick it up, it hit me…the note I couldn’t find was yellow and square, post-it size just like this piece of trash.  I picked it up, turned it over, and saw that it was the note I’d lost. The Holy Spirit had told me twice to pick up that trash because He knew what it was but I was “too busy, in too much of a hurry”.

How many time does the Lord whisper things to us we need to know or tells us, “Don’t go there!”, or some other conversational thing that we just ignore, half listen to, or don’t even hear?  How much are we missing every day because of this?  Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27).  He also said in Revelation 3:20 that He is standing at the door knocking and, “..if anyone hears My voice“, He will come in to them and eat with them.  IF.

Think about this today.  Have a conversation with Jesus like you would with another person.  Ask Him questions and wait for an answer.  When you get a “feeling” on the inside that you should do something, say “Thank you Lord, I will.”  Or, if you get a red flag feeling to NOT do something, heed it.  Be blessed!

Are You A Failure?

Given January 6, 2012 Crossroads

I was listening to Joyce Meyer on this day as I drove home from work and she made this statement that stuck with me, “You’re not a failure just because you failed.”  And that’s right.  We all fail, “..for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).  Even if we don’t sin, we can and do fail at many things but that doesn’t make us a failure.  What would make us a failure is to whine and complain how nothing ever goes our way and to not get up and try again; to quit and accept failure.

I began to think of some who failed but are not thought of as failures, in fact, they are famous for being successes.  Look at the apostle Peter.  One of Jesus’ inner circle who stated he would never deny Jesus but in the heat of the time, failed Him three times.  Peter really blew it!  But was that the end of it?  No, for in Acts 5:15, “As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”  No failure here, Peter recovered and went on to carry out Jesus’ plan.

King David – He failed by not going to war like the cammander was supposed to, committing adultry with a neighbor, and having her husband killed.  Now that is failing!  But David admitted his sin, repented of it and went on to be successful although he suffered turmoil in his family.  David is known as, “a man after God’s pwn heart.” (Acts 13:22).

Others who failed but were not failures: Thomas Edison reportedly failed 6000 times before perfecting the electric light bulb.  Abraham Lincoln failed in business, lost jobs, had a nervous breakdown and lost in seven elections, once getting less than 100 votes.  You could eaisly say he was a failure but he didn’t quit.  After losing a US Senate race in 1858, he was elected President of the United States in 1860.  Michael Jordan, one of the best basketball players ever, failed to make his high school team as a sophmore.  That failure spured him on to not give up, work harder, and eventuall make the team and help lead that team to the state championship.  He was pretty successful in college and the pros too.

What have you failed in?  How many times have you failed at something?  Are you ready to quit?  Would God accept your resignation?  No!  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).  God’s plan for you is success not failure.  It’s up to YOU to get up, ask for God’s help, and get back in there.  It’s not over, it’s not finished, It’s not ending, It’s only the beginning.  When God is in it, all things are new. (Lyrics by Ricardo Sanchez). Don't quit roadsign

Two Resolutions for 2012

Given January 1, 2012 Jesus offering light in His hands.

As I contemplated what to write on this New Year’s Day, several thoughts went through my mind.  God has given me numerous “revelations” that I have made note of for future posts but none of those seemed appropriate for today.  Then, I remembered two revelations I had written previously that made sense.  These two former posts are very appropriate for me to use as New Year’s resolutions this year and I want to share them with you.  My prayer is that you will think about these ywo and adopt them for yourselves.

The first former post can be found here: http://roadrevelations.org/?p=196 and is titled, “Levels Of Servanthood”.  It mentions several levels we may go through as we choose to be servants of the Master.  I want to serve my Master more this year and hope you do too.

The second is found here: http://roadrevelations.org/?p=416 and is titled, “Jesus at the Back of the Church”.  It helps us to visualize what it means to “Seek ye first…”.  I will admit my eyes teared up as I read this post again.  I want to be pleasing to Jesus and accomplish His plan for me but He constantly reminds me that all that I want, all that I desire begins with Him.

I hope you are blessed as you read these posts from the past and resolve in 2012 to seek Jesus with all you have FIRST and then go about being His servant.  May God bless you, your family, and all you attempt in 2012.

Receive The Gift

Given December 23, 2011 Wrapped gift from Above

It’s Christmas and most of us have received a various number of gifts and, hopefully, given some as well.  Most of us agree this gift-giving thing has become somewhat distorted from the original concept.  The Magi had heard about Jesus, came to His house, worshipped Him, and then gave Him gifts. (Matthew 2:11).  Today, we are in His house…let’s give Him our gifts of worship.

But gold, frankincense and myrrh were not the only gifts given on that first Christmas; in fact there was a much better gift given.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).  God gave US a gift, a free gift, and He wants ALL His creation to have it.  Maybe you’ve never received this gift or maybe you got it some time back, used it for a while, but then put it up on the shelf in the closet.

The best gift ever was given on that Christmas day long ago.  Today…take it and open it for the first time or go get it off the shelf.  It will make the Father really happy!

Why Do We Celebrate?

Given December 18, 2011

God created the Garden of Eden, placed man and woman there, blessed them and told them, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion..”, (Genesis 1:28).  God’s plan was for His creation to live under His blessing and to improve from there on.  But Adam and Eve gave all that away and we don’t celebrate the creation of the earth.

Things got worse and worse because of the sin and death that entered the earth in the Garden but God had another plan.  “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8).  God saved Noah and his family so they could start over and get back what Adam gave up.  “And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” (Genesis 9:1).  Have we heard that before?  The Blessing!  One of Noah’s sons followed the Blessing but the other two did as Adam had done and took the path of evil.  We do not celebrate the landing of the ark on Mount Ararat.

Things on the earth were still not as God had intended.  Ten generations after Noah, God found another good man, Abraham, and told him, “That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed, and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;” (Genesis 22:17-18).  God wanted His original blessing to be on His people.  He saw that the only way for man to be redeemed from the original sin in the Garden was for His offspring to be born of a woman on earth, live a sinless life, and die taking ALL sin on Himself to the grave.  Jesus was that offspring.  He made the way for us to get back the Blessing planned in the Garden.  “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:14).  We DO celebrate the birth of Jesus!  Merry Christmas and be Blessed!

 

Re-Revelation – Here’s Your Sign

Given December 23, 2005 Me and my brother, me, with a sign around my neck.

Sometimes I like to go back and read Revelation posts from the past and today I wanted to re-post this one.  I’m still reminded frequently that I’m a representative of the Most High God and people should be able to see Him in me.  Hope you will enjoy this concept and put it into practice.  From 2005…

I wrote recently about us being God’s representatives here on earth and how we should be aware of that and how people look at us. Sadly though, many Christians don’t look or act like Christians because they are so “conformed” to this world. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, Romans 12:2?. God has been reminding me of this concept a lot recently.

Then I thought, “How would we behave if we had a sign around our neck that read, ‘I’m A Christian’?” I think we’d act differently, don’t you? Think about it as you drive, at work, at the store, at the ball game, and everywhere you go. People are watching us and, if they know we’re Christians, we’re God’s witness, His representative. My brother knows I’m a Christian but do all the people I meet each day know?  Put your sign on when you go out today.

Steps To Peace

Given November 21, 2011 Sunlit path

I heard a verse of scripture this week that spelled out four steps to Peace that I wanted to share with you.  Then just yesterday I read another verse that said almost the same thing and I thought it was a “revelation” that God really wanted me to share.

The first verse was Phillipians 4:6 from the New Living Translation, ”Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.“  I love scripture that seems to spell things out in steps.  Step 1Don’t worry!  Worry shows fear and fear is the opposite of faith.  Many times in the Bible we read; fret not, don’t worry, don’t be anxious, don’t let your heart be troubled, and many other ways of saying the same thing.  Worry shows a lack of trust in God and His Word.

Step 2 – Pray.  And not just about the big things but pray about everything.  Nothing is too small for God to want to help you with.  Pray at all times with all kinds of prayers, (Ephesians 6:18).  Prayer is simply talking, and listening, to God.

Step 3Express your needs.  Tell God what you need, what you want.  Now, He will straighten you out on the difference in your wants and your needs.  In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus said to say it like this, “Give us this day our daily bread,” (Matthew 6:11), give us what we need today.  The more you talk to Him, the better you’ll understand what you need and what you just want.  But if you are in line with His will, He will give you your wants too.

Step 4Thank Him.  God knows what’s best for you so we must give Him thanks for His decisions.  We must thank Him for what He’s done for us in the past, what He’s doing now, (whether we are aware of it or not), and what He has planned for our future.  It’s a good plan you know, (Jeremiah 29:11). Always give thanks, (Ephesians 5:20).

So there you are: Don’t worry – Pray – Express your needs, and Thank God; four steps to peace.  But I told you earlier I found another scripture that said almost the same thing.  1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“  If you’re rejoicing, you’re not worrying, pray and give thanks.  We say we want to know God’s will for us, well, there it is.  Do these things and you will find peace and a whole lot more.

The A-B-Cs of Salvation

Given November 14, 2011 Jesus hold a hurting boy.

Getting saved or being “born again” is the most important decision you can make in this life.  Those who have not made this decision may think it is something complicated to do but I am here to tell you it’s as easy as ABC.  Follow these steps:

AAccept that you are a sinner.  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).  God created the Garden of Eden, a perfect place, and placed a man and woman there to enjoy it and fellowship with Him.  However, Satan showed up, deceived Adam and Eve thus allowing sin to enter this perfect world.  Since that time, every one born into this imperfect world is born with that sin nature.  We were all born sinners.  But God had a plan.

BBelieve that Jesus died on a cross for your sins.  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” (Acts 16:31).  God’s plan was that His Son Jesus, who was sinless, would come to the earth born of a woman, live a sinless life, and die on the cross for our sins.  Jesus took back what Satan stole in the garden giving us the chance to be saved from eternal separation from God.  We have to believe it.

CConfess Jesus as your Savior and Lord. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9).  After you believe that Jesus really did this for you, you must tell others; not be ashamed or embarrassed about it.  It’s the greatest thing that has ever happened to you.  Tell Him in prayer, “Jesus, you are my Savior and Lord.”

So here’s how it is:  You accept the fact that you’re a sinner and without Jesus you’ll spend eternity in Hell.  You believe that Jesus died for you and took all your sin on Himself so that you could be saved from Hell and into Heaven.  It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or who you’ve been, believe that Jesus paid the price for you.  Then you confess Him as your Savior and Lord.  You begin reading His Word, the Bible, talk to Him all the time, prayer, and hang around with other believers, go to church.  A-B-C, Accept-Believe-Confess.  It’s as easy as that. If you’ve never done this, DO IT NOW!  And confess it with a comment below.  God bless you!