April 2009

Memories of past sins bring heartache for many who know Jesus came to forgive only to be turned away when callous hearts were giving Him no reason to stay.

When a famous politician or other celebrity arrives in town, leaders of the community seem to be impressed and are inclined to welcome the visitor in a special public way. Most mayors of cities and governors of states are usually seen smiling and shaking hands with famous guests on local TV news. It is common for people throughout communities to show admiration for those who have achieved fame, political power or wealth. Crowds often gather
to mark various occasions when government leaders, movie stars, singers, sports stars, comedians, TV evangelists or magicians arrive alive and in person. Why is human nature so predictable?

We know that sheep follow wherever shepherds lead. We know that human behavior is a result of habitual thought processes. We know that people are constantly bombarded with graphic images, sounds and ideas in the form of news, advertising and entertainment during international communications. We know that repetition of certain facts, statistics, philosophies, concepts, value judgments and subjective interpretations regarding current events makes conditioning of human souls possible. Why are people so gullible
and so easily controlled?

Has respect or fear motivated weak people to obey strong leaders who use military force to assure compliance to laws they have written? Have those who commit crimes been caught and punished in a humane way? Are there police officers, attorneys and judges who do their best to keep society free from troublemakers? Do most civilized communities have religious leaders, social workers, psychologists or business owners who are compassionate enough to offer assistance when people make mistakes? Are governments emphasizing punishment or rehabilitation for those who need intellectual enlightenment, spiritual redemption and restoration of freedom? Who is it that determines right from wrong or has the power to offer opportunities
to people who desire success and happiness?

Ignorance is like a prison for those without jobs; Poverty is like a prison for those who are lazy, irresponsible, sick or disabled. There can be no honest way to obtain wealth without freedom to use talents, learned skills, natural resources, physical energy and time efficiently. People must be taught to be diligent and disciplined as they work to produce what is desired or needed. Those who are unable to care for themselves should never be left alone to suffer. It is the weak among the strong who should enjoy the first fruits of
all endeavors. It is charity to those in need that brings blessings from God and provides greater satisfaction than excessive wealth.

Opportunities come to everyone from the One they serve! There are no fields to plant crops and no trees from which to pick fruit without Him. Prodigal sons and daughters who refuse to honor Lord Jesus Christ in their zeal to engage themselves in systems devised by Satan are destined for failure. Disobedient children who show disrespect for God or earthly fathers and mothers will never find lasting success or contentment. Only souls who choose to change from sin to obedience will be forgiven and restored. Only those who humbly acknowledge their mistakes at the feet of Jesus will be able to release the burden of guilt. Reconciliation with the Maker of souls
is easy and necessary for all who hope to dwell with Him in Heaven.

Every person reading these words has a past, present and future. Your past will not be forgotten unless you ask God to forget the guilt you remember. This present time in your existence is filled with opportunities to do good or evil. The choices you make on this day will determine your eternal future in ways that are not easily understood. Please choose the ways of God by faith rather than choosing the ways of Satan out of ignorance. Following in the steps of Jesus will lead to everything you could possibly desire – and much, much more than you could ever imagine. Whether you think of yourself as a saint or sinner, repent of sin to make sure all is well before you take another breath. Just like you and I, all people are sinners who need forgiveness. Jesus loves everyone – and so does every true Christian!