Monday, August 25, 2014

What If...

What if when you die, you find out believing Jesus Christ to be the Son of God wasn’t true?

What if in the end, you found out the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ wasn’t real?

What if those that profess the only way to eternal life with God is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—but in the end, eternal life just didn’t happen?

What if when you die, there was no heaven or hell and you simply cease to exist?

What if when you die, you find out none of what you heard about eternity with or without God is true?

But, what if it is?

I have put my faith in Christ and know for certain if I die today, I will spend eternity in the presence of God Almighty. I’m trusting that to be true.

 “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Monday, August 4, 2014

Childhood Pranks and "Mrs. Kravitz"

Let me preface this story by admitting, as number five of six kids, we were hoodlums!

It’s true.

Imagine an over-the-top mischievous version of the neighborhood “Little Rascals”.

We Moore kids staked claimed on our North 8th Street territory like nobody’s business. Ramping our bikes fearlessly over dirt-mounded curbs, decapitating the neighbors’ pretty flowers gardens and yelling “Red Rover” and “Ally, ally oxen (outs) in free” disturbingly loud--way past dark. You name it, we did it.

Oh my goodness…before I go on, a little grace here…okay?

One of our neighbors we loved to pester was the neighborhood “Mrs. Kravitz”, if you may. She was a bit skittish—an obviously easy prey.

It was late evening—pitch dark—but back in the day, that’s when kids played their hardest and best. My sister and I were still outside, not ready to give up our playtime. We glanced across the street and noticed “Mrs.Kravitz’s” kitchen light on. We could see through the open window that she was washing dishes at her sink.

Putting on our best hoodlumness, we quietly snuck over to her window, and on the count of “3” jumped up wildly yelling, “Aaaaaahhhhh-ga-boo-ga-la!” and then ran away as fast as our legs would allow. But before we got out of ear-shot, we were pleased to hear “Mrs. Kravitz” let out a blood-curdling scream.


Mission accomplished!

(Weren’t we were awful? Our parents moved us to the country when I was in 3rd grade. In celebration, I think that was the day 8th Street invented neighborhood block parties.)

Although, I still love a good prank now and then, I’d like to think I’ve matured a little over the years—especially spiritually.

James 1:4 says, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

To grow in the Lord, we must take the initial step toward maturity. Reading our Bibles, being faithful in prayer, maturing our walk with Christ…it all takes effort. But rest assured, perseverance is the key to completion.

Even in our childish ways, I’m so glad God doesn’t give up on us. Aren’t you?

So persevere on, my friends—and thank goodness, God isn’t finished with us yet!