All is Vanity

“There is an appointed time for everything, a time for every affair under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die…” Poetic. The meaning is that things are going to happen when they are going to happen. Perhaps the best lesson we can take away from Ecclesiastes is that you don’t know what you have till it’s gone. You won’t appreciate the “after” if you don’t remember the “before.” In this respect, we are talking about how it was before Jesus Christ. Then was darkness, confusion, misery, disorder, etc., where Jesus brought us out of the darkness and into the light, teaching us how to live and explaining the reason for living. Before Jesus, God graced Solomon to be the wisest man in the world. Solomon’s treatise dealing with life as vanity, found in Ecclesiastes, provides an abundant source of logical references about life and living. Despite our resistance to the facts, the subjects of life and living are always timely, but especially now in our frantic, accelerated pursuit for the toys of our times, making them gods. “Where your heart is there will your treasure also be.” Ecclesiastes (Old Testament), though comprised of 12 chapters, is only about eight pages, and holds much meaning for everyone and every age, time immemorial. If you ever opened an encyclopedia to search on a subject and found yourself unintentionally perusing related or other subjects, you can expect similar to occur when you open up to Ecclesiastes. In fact, may I recommend that you read Ecclesiastes in a moment of quiet and solitude? Doing so will have your mind comparing then, B.C., with A.D., and now, in this 21st century called the “modern era.” A time easily described by the word “folly.” So much of what you read will make you think outside of your normal routine. Many, because of how times and human practices can change the mentality of individuals, mostly for personal preference, may even think some of Solomon’s writings strange, incomprehensible. For those who maintain their sensibilities about themselves, in essence, you should find yourself agreeing and thinking how logical and sensible Solomon’s findings, conclusions and discernments about everything being “vanity of vanities” are. For your best reading, your Bible should contain footnotes that refer, compare or explain. Also, try to make your Bible the oldest you can have. (This will keep the number of modern writers’ interpretations to a minimum, in their attempt to update today’s Bibles.) If need be, it would be helpful to you to understand the different shades of meaning for the word “vanity.” You would do well by opening up your very best dictionary and look it up. You should discover more than a simple definition, quite a few in fact. With a good grasp on the word, you should reasonably be able to keep up with Solomon’s treatment of the subject. Read how he says vanity applies to man and the world. Learn. Enjoy! Thanks for visiting. -- Bob II Tim 4:2

Don't Fight Problems Alone

There is a Light at the end of this earthly road, a Light that beckons you every day that you live and breathe. If you are like most people, you pay scant attention to this Light – that is, until you experience weakness in sickness, or have found yourself with a problem or many problems that you find wearing you down. You do not need to fight problems alone. You may not realize, or do not want to admit, that your peace of mind and heart are disturbed by the choices you make. With God far from your thoughts, you have chosen to face your problems without Him. He wants you to lean on Him, but you do not give Him any thought. Do you not know that without God, your Father in heaven, you can do nothing? Has anyone not told you that your body is God’s temple? He lives in you. You can ignore Him, and He still lives in you. He is the Light of the world. We are to reflect His light; that is our mission. Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” About six hundred or so years ago, Thomas a’ Kempis, of The Imitation of Christ, reminds us that “Without the Way there is no going; without the Truth there is no knowing; without the Life there is no living.” Do you grasp that the preceding words describe for us the picture of life itself? Read these words repeatedly until you come to understand. It should be important to all who live and breathe so they will understand that you are not alone. God the Father made us, but Jesus, His Beloved-Son, also our Brother, is our Friend. Such is their Nature of Love. How you live your life determines whether He remains in you or not. You can make your light shine before men; you can make the most of the Best He has to offer by giving Him some of your time. Speak with Him, grow in Him, tell Him what you want Him to do for you. You will not surprise Him because He knows and sees all – all of the time. This may be your first step in praying (in your own words) to your Creator, and the Creator of all that is seen and unseen. He loves you unconditionally, you are His, whether you acknowledge that fact or not. On the other hand, you may be one that prays, “Savior, I’ve no one else to tell and so I trouble thee, I am the one that forgot thee so, do you remember me?” (Emily Dickinson) Come to Him in the sanctuary of your heart; talk with Him as His child that you are, and as a child talks with his attentive, listening parent. The Light of the world will never be too busy and is always there for you, even to the end of the road of life. Now you know why I say, you do not need to fight problems alone, nor walk the road of life alone. Turn to Him right now. He will delight in hearing from you, His son or daughter. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Philippians 1:3

"Drug"

As it was brought to me... The other day someone at a store in town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked a rhetorical question: "Why didn't we have a drug problem when we were growing up?" I replied that I had a drug problem when I was young. I was drug to Church on Sunday. I was drug to Church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials, no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the precher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in the garden and flower beds,and cockleburs out of dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family,friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop firewood, and, if my Mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed. Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a whole lot better place. God bless the parents who drugged us. Thank you for visiting. - Bob Eph 3: 16-19

Making the Sign of the Cross

By R. R. Soucy, (First written May 27, 2008;revised Sept 23,2010) Two Clarifications Needed Right Here This topic, making the sign of the cross, is addressed here as we, lay people, generally exercise it, and not as a Sacramental of the Church, as found in the official publication of the Holy See, known in English as the Raccolta (#678). Another clarification is my use of the word Christian. As best as I can put it, I apply the use of the word Christian for this article to mean persons baptized with the Holy Spirit, belonging to a denomination participating in ecumenism endeavors, and Catholic Christians. On the other hand, there is nothing I know of that would deter anyone reading this piece from adopting for themselves what they find here. The choice is always yours. >>>>><<<<< The sign of the cross is a confession of faith in Christ crucified, made by a cruciform gesture on one’s body. What a brief, beautiful prayer with imagery it can be! Made respectfully with the tips of the fingers and thumb of the right hand held together, deliberately, slowly, and aware of the movement from the forehead, breast, left and right shoulders. The words that accompany the gesture, slowly, understandably uttered (orally or mentally, as appropriate), visualized and felt, come alive with full of meaning. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the utmost, and first in the life and death of a Christian. The gesture is somewhat altered in different countries of the world. Simplified or otherwise, normally said, are “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Amen. Those words are the centuries old, accepted Sacramental Form, a confession of faith and an acknowledgment of the Three Divine Persons in the One God. At Mass before listening to the Gospel reading, we make the sign of the cross in small form on the brow, lips and breast. Just prior to the reading, appropriate words (referring to the Gospel reading), such as, “In my mind, on my lips, and in my heart” welcome receiving the word of the Lord. Regrettably, many Christians make the sign of the cross with such haste they have no time to say the words with loving thought, feeling and meaning. I fear that this has become automatic, i.e. second nature for them, bordering on disrespect, disrespect through carelessness. When we give God our attention, He wants 100% of it. He does not want us speaking (praying) to Him while simultaneously looking around and thinking about someone or something else. That is not only wrong it is rude, toward anyone, let alone God. Paying Attention If you have read thus far, I will be bold and urge you to check your habits to consider your manners in the Presence of God, especially in God’s house of prayer, launching into prayer with the sign of the cross. Mass is not a social hour. There is a saying that if Elvis Presley were to enter the room, all would stand. If Jesus were to enter the room, all would kneel. (For once, someone got it right.) This simply means pay attention to your sacred surroundings and conduct yourself in a manner befitting of where you are. The sign of the cross, carefully executed, will help you do that. How wonderful it is to feel and act as though you are alone with God and in the presence of His angels and saints. It is a time to carry and place your prayerful heart and soul into God’s sanctuary with full attention and all your love and adoration; the blessed moments of silence, combined with the holy actions of God’s Minister, accentuate the spiritual sense. The deep sense of connection to the wonders of the invisible world is awesome. The sign of the cross has led us, in concert with the angels and saints, to rendering glory and praise to our Almighty God. Some things should never change and this is indeed one of them. How to Break a Bad Habit If you are one of many that hastily make the sign of the cross without thinking, or as if you were swatting at a fly, allow me to suggest another form until you break yourself of the “rushing” habit. This long form will almost certainly slow you down and help you begin to realize what you are saying and doing. You most probably will begin to realize that you can truly enjoy being present in God’s House, and glean something new from the readings. You may even ponder upon these words suggested here and know their ultimate meanings. You should truly enjoy the living images that the words you say slowly bring to mind. I learned this many years ago and say it now and then, in solemn moments, when reminding myself that it is the thing to do. As you raise your hand and fingers, and you purposely gesture making the sign of the cross, say aloud or to yourself: “In the Name of the Father, Who made me, and of the Son, Who saved me, and of the Holy Spirit, Who pours out Their Love in me.” Amen. Pause long enough between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to imagine: God seated as on a cloud above the earth, with scepter held in one hand, gazing down upon us, His children. The Son nailed with crude nails to the wooden cross, suffering horribly, having taken our sins upon Himself, the crown of thorns upon His head, His body wracked in terrible pain and drenched in blood. View the Holy Spirit of Love, as a Dove or as a Tongue of Fire, in some manner, perhaps hovering over someone you love or care for. The Christian that I picture in my mind as I write these words would have little trouble visualizing the roles of the Creator, His beloved-Son, and their Love in the Holy Spirit. Because of the First Commandment, the Christian knows God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. It may be just a matter of thinking on these things to make them substantive. This form, because it is unusual, should make you stop and realize where you are, and it ought to help you think about what you are doing and saying. I hope that you may even take a more fervent part in the Mass, if that is your Christian life. If you are unable to conjure up suggested imagery, or you do not understand the meanings of the imagery in your mind, you should seriously consider a good Gospel Study Group or, at the least, begin reading the New Testament. In either case, supplement your pursuit with acceptable iconographic material to help resolve your inability or lack of understanding. A visit to a Christian Book Store and browsing therein should reveal quality prayer books and prayer cards, and such. (Tread cautiously; bring a friend or relative to discuss things with if you are so inclined.) I say one other sign of the cross occasionally. I will share that with you as well. You can say, “In the name of the Father, Creator, of the Son, Savior, and of the Holy Spirit, Loving Sustainer.” Amen. Please understand that these variations are for your private prayer utterance only. Do not expect to hear them said in a community setting where it is best for you to use the normal, Sacramental form. This last sign of the cross says precisely the same thing as the long form in different words, perhaps with a wee bit different imagery. Only you can respectfully put your imagination to work. Confirmation and Communion Each sign of the cross, delicately expressed is a confirmation of belief in the Blessed Trinity,with the “Amen” meaning, “so be it.” In effect, you could consider a proper, respectful sign of the cross a prayer in itself, done in a brief amount of time available to you. A prayer when that is all the time you have now, wherever you may be. How wonderful to have that Christian prerogative, and to know what you are doing. We always make the sign of the cross as best we can, depending on our physical condition, before we speak with God, that is, before morning and evening prayers and throughout the day wherever we are; before and after meals in thanksgiving. As we raise our eyes to heaven in a plea, in gratefulness, in thanksgiving for answering prayers, in prayers for someone, in joining fellow Christians in community prayer, etc. When you commune with God, you do so alone or with relatives and loved ones, and others not of the immediate family. Nevertheless, especially powerful it is when two or more are gathered together in prayer; Jesus said, “Where two or more are gathered together in my name, there Am I in the midst of them.” No Real Reason Why You Don’t As I pen these words for the word processor and eventual placement on my Blog, it occurs to me that we may have readers that do not make the sign of the cross. Should that be the case for some of you, I am quite certain that there can be no reasonable explanation other than that you just do not do so. It may be that you never cultivated the gesture, never incorporated it into your life; perhaps it is because a spiritual leader failed to recognize its power. It could be that the practice was broken for some reason. I pray that soon changes in your life and you move closer to your God with genuine confession. I look forward to every day to learn something new from someone or some thing. That is to say, that today you can learn from this article a beautiful manner of expression toward our God. Christians, though righteous in many ways, always have more to learn. For you this article could be a learning moment of a mighty act. Go ahead find God’s peace and comfort in your mind and heart as you lovingly make the sign of the cross. I have been “around the block” a few times in my lifetime; I have been around long enough to recognize unexplainable differences disguised as excuses in Christian congregations and worship. There is little to no valid excuse for these differences among Baptized Christians. Right now, I remind myself that there are approximately 30,000 different protestant denominations, each making up their own private manner of worship. None of them present on earth from the beginning of Jesus’ time when He alone started His Church. As it is said, “the rest is history.” So many unhappy (or otherwise inclined) individuals cause break away or new denominations, one started every time you turn around it seems, certainly places us far from the unity that Jesus prayed to the Father for. You would think that if God is our Father and therefore Jesus is our Brother (of which I have no doubt), that we could at least agree on the sign of the cross. Many Christian groups (I do not know how many), have a cross on their church structure, some have a cross inside their building, others wear a cross on their person, and others around their necks. Even some of the “off the wall,” devil’s advocate Hollywood celebrities (I pray for them) abuse the cross, worn with their obscene attire. Why,what is with the cross? What manner of expression is associated with the cross? I know of none, except for the Catholic Christian. I cite the “cross” because it is not a crucifix with the image of our Brother,Jesus. Someone long ago apparently, made an erroneous, cruel distinction and others blindly followed. So I can ask why have crosses at all if you do not acknowledge its representation, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? In summary to this paragraph, I say, it is long overdue, not too soon to start saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Amen. What Matters The most important thing is to know what you are doing and why. Reflect on the meaning of what you are doing when making the sign of the cross. (This is not the same as knowing why.) Understanding the significance of the sign of the cross will see your Christian life grow stronger and more durable. You never know about tomorrow. Unable to know where in the world my Blog is read, my closing words are to accommodate even the most hardened heart against Christianity. Be wise and learn that it would be better for unbelievers to believe and find out God did not exist, than to not believe and find out that He does. Consider the God-inspired Holy Bible and strong, historical accounts of the ages; I would say the odds are in the favor of the believer. Besides our God is pure Love and Love does no wrong. Those of you that are Christian, I once again urge you to make the sign of the cross deliberately, with proper feeling, gratefulness and unrivalled respect. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob Eph 3:16-19

Feast of the Holy Cross

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Annual Feast Day: September 14 In 2004 I wrote this article, an adaptation from an older work. The message remains as needed for the many that know not the story it relates. I am humbled, on my birthday, to share this history, as my present,with as much of the world that will take the liberty to read it and gain some insight into the Leader of Christianity and of the world. When the Sacred Body of Jesus was taken down from the Cross and carried to the grave on Calvary, the Cross on which He died was thrown into a ditch or well, and covered over with stones and earth, so that the followers of the Crucified Redeemer might not find it. Almost three hundred years later (312 A.D.), Constantine the Great, not yet a Christian, while battling with Maxentius for the throne of the Roman Empire, prayed to the God of the Christians to aid him in his struggle. In answer to his prayer, a luminous cross, or monogram of Christ appeared in the heavens bearing the inscription: “In This Sign Thou Wilt Conquer” In gratitude for victory, under this banner, over Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge, on October 28, 312, Constantine had the Sign of Christianity placed on the Roman standards and on the shields of his soldiers. Then came the finding of the True Cross at Jerusalem by St. Helena in 326, commemorated…on May 3rd. In the year 614, Chosroes II, King of Persia, invaded Syria and Palestine, took and sacked Jerusalem, carrying off, with other treasures, the great relic of the True Cross. The emperor Heraclius of Constantinople, at the head of a large army marched into Persia, forced the Persians to sue for peace and to restore the Sacred Cross, which Heraclius piously brought back to Jerusalem in 629. When he reached the city gate on the way that led to Calvary, the Emperor laid aside every robe and mark of royalty, and clothed in sackcloth of penance and barefoot, carried the Cross up the ascent of Calvary and restored it to its place in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This event is commemorated by the Church on September 14th in the feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Two-thousand years ago Christianity became the spirit of Jesus Christ at work in the world. Jesus gave us His spirit (1 Jn 4:13). Dear Lord, "by Your Holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world." Thanks for visiting. - Bob Gal 6:3

Notes of Wisdom #9510

Ricochet Bob repeats from April 13, 2010 these nuggets passed on to him by an associate that had other intentions besides sharing the wisdom contained in these words. I share with you, as it may be just what you need to think on at this point in your life. Let us see, shall we. Summarily listed: 1. To get something you never had you have to do something you never did. 2. When God takes something from your grasp, He’s not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. 3. You may roam where angels fear to tread, but God will never take you where He will not protect you. 4. There comes an unspecified point in your life when you begin to realize: • Who matters, • Who never did, • Who won’t anymore, • And, who always will. So, don’t worry about people from your past,there’s a reason why they didn’t make it to your future. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Gal 6:3 In God we Trust

Going to Heaven?

It was in the TV News or on the radio recently that I saw or heard a report that said 80 percent of the people today believes they would go to Heaven. Say what!

It is right about here that I am strongly urged to say: “I don’t think so. I have real doubts about that”

The first thing to come to mind is that these people who think they will go to heaven is that they know not about Heaven, may even need to dust off their Holy Book and begin to visit its pages and discover how the Bible applies to them personally, and those they love. No Bible? Seek out a Bible Study Group. One that is devoted to the Bible and not concerned with interpretations among different denominations. Take care of yourself and the Truth will surface in your heart and mind along the way.

Those that pursue learning what they ought to know, will learn that for the most part the Bible guides us in this life and tell us about the past and the future. Without knowing about Heaven (our concern here), what they “think they believe” will be but a terrible, irreversible disappointment.

This disappointment will be especially true if called home without taking the necessary time to change their ways as discussed in this article. The danger is that we do not know when our time on earth will end – and it will end; perhaps even today, tonight, tomorrow, next week, next year. Only God Who knows every hair on your head is aware of your time here. It is prudent to be spiritually prepared. Merely believing that you will go to heaven is a delusion, does not make it so, period.

The second thought is that should they take the necessary time to read and learn about Heaven, they will learn of the need to change their moment-by-moment lives to get on the correct path leading to salvation and eternal life. These means accepting the existence of the unseen world more than superficially, and respectfully enter the Sanctuary of God’s House and actually worship Him Who calls to you in the recesses of your heart and mind.

Too many people tend to believe that all they need to do is call themselves Christian and that will be good enough to go to Heaven. Where such an idea comes from is anyone’s guess, it probably derived its origin from beguiled, progressive or modern thinking.

The entire Christian population needs to back up and start all over. Jesus said: “I solemnly assure you, no one can see the reign of God unless he is begotten from above,” meaning born again with a new, heavenly nature (Jn 3:3). Jesus continues to knock on the door of our lives. If we open to Jesus through true, lively faith, He enters, throws the devil out of us and gives us a second birth (Lk 4:35).

We need that new birth now, beginning in seminaries and places of pastoral and ministerial training, practicing priests, pastors and ministers, in fact all Christian clergy, regardless of echelon, degrees or level or denomination. Too many clergy are or have become likely more interested in their popularity and conduct their vocation with that aim. That all-important deportment of humility is absent. The expense of that is not pasturing their flock in imitation of Jesus Christ, Whom, in their ministerial duties, they are suppose to represent.

Worship is worship, no ifs and or buts. There ought to be no room for presentations, jokes, floor shows, or favorite this or that. A natural likable personality can be gained by being effective in and attending to God’s work, not actively sought after.

Back up and renew everyone’s reason for believing, everyone’s reason for having faith, everyone’s need to understand the reason and meaning of his or her Baptism. Revisit the meaning of holiness and sacredness, and make true the House of God the House of Prayer, a solemn Sanctuary that it is, and feel the unseen world therein during Holy, Sacred celebrations experienced in punctuated holy silence.

Most Christians need a new beginning to know our Holy God, our Father in Heaven. Why they are here and where they are going. They think they know; most people have no idea why they (think they) believe. Just ask them. Those that do know why they have faith and believe, have no problem in humbly obeying the first commandment.

Proof of Ignorance By Contemplation

Those who erroneously believe they are going to Heaven can begin learning the Truth by dissecting the prayer Jesus taught us. He said: “Say, Our Father, Who art in heaven…” Seek out, word for word their meanings; cling to and contemplate each word. Starting with this prayer will lead you to other meaningful aspects of your Christian duty, as taught in the very first of God’s Ten Commandments. (The first three concern love of God and the other seven love of neighbor.)

Jesus, Who came to teach us how to live, summed up man’s duties toward God by saying: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greater of the first commandment” (Mt 22:37, 38; Lk 10:27…). Luke adds “…and all your strength.” Taking each commandment and pondering upon them one at a time, progressing through the ten, will reveal to everyone how far we have strayed from God.

Recognizing and admitting disobedience to God’s Law would erase the 80 percent of people falsely believing that upon their death they would go to heaven. These 80 percent would probably see in themselves as King Solomon did, that chasing after pleasure, money, wine, houses, possessions, etc., was all vanity and grasping for the wind. Those pursuits, he said, were empty – “vanity of vanities” (Eccl 2:1-11). Solomon wisely concluded “Fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl 2:12, 13).

Years ago, in my early days of the Church when silence made for a beautiful, focused Mass, and hymns of praise meaningfully and effectively placed, we got the lively idea that hardly anyone but saints went to Heaven. Over the past 70 years, the reality of heaven and hell has thawed to a somewhat more reasonable understanding. God’s Law and the Bible remains our guide, but their power has met with careless attitudes by people of all ages.

Today, as in the past, our innate desire to know God and our duty to Him, and the pursuit of that desire seems to be obscure. Now, to better understand what we are to do, we can delve into the Bible more intelligently, rationally, giving more thought to God’s Will and to Biblical passages, always keeping God’s love for us uppermost in mind.

A relevant example of such a passage is when “a certain man asked Jesus: “Lord, are they few that are saved?” Jesus said: “Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter and shall not be able” (Lk 13:23, 24). Matthew 22:14 reads: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

The Heart of the Matter

Let us be honest and not deceive ourselves. Here is why 80 percent of the people believing they will go to Heaven cannot enter. To live in heaven is to be with Christ. For that blissful moment to occur one needs to die in God’s grace and friendship. Should I repeat that? No. You read it again. To have God’s grace and friendship means being without stain of sin. God is repelled by sin, regardless of how we try to color it. We cannot gloss over thinking sin is not serious; all sin repel God. Heaven is not open to anyone at any cost – only by love and total obedience to God’s law. King Solomon got it right, not right away, but he got it before it was too late.

Our Society Is Sick

Infecting our society are matters that prove our powerlessness to stop, disunity may be the cause of our inability to overcome evil. We must stop what is happening if we are to survive and reach our heavenly goal. There is plenty of evidence that convicts us: Four thousand surgical abortions daily, even more daily chemical abortions. American Christians cannot stop abortion, cannot get pornography off prime-time TV, cannot slow down the flood of drug abuse, cannot even get several states to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, just to name a few.

Too many people, those in authority and the common man, are complicit in our downward spiral, our population has become impotent, indifferent, apathetic. Only constant teaching at any cost, a return to the basics of right versus wrong is urgently needed. I envision that this may cause a separation between believers and nonbelievers. What will be will be, but we must try to reverse the present trend that leads to hell.

Christianity Is Hard Work

Our Creator knows our weak human nature and sees our personal struggles. Jesus instructs us, “Be holy as your Heavenly Father is Holy.” For this reason getting to Heaven requires more than wishful thinking, it takes work, often, hard work that serious, baptized Christians understand and humbly accept. However, to believe in, know a truth, and ignore it works against the Christian’s conscience. There are no short cuts. Jesus did not take any short cuts for love of us, we ought not to look for any for love of Him.

The gate to perdition (Hell) is wide and the gate to eternal life (Heaven) is narrow. God has given us the freedom to choose our eternal destiny without any interference on His part. He would rather that you return home to Heaven, to salvation and Eternal Life with Him, than enter the everlasting fires of hell and destruction as a reward for freely siding with the Devil. That is always your decision to make. Judgment is between you and God alone, no one will stand with you to speak for you. The moment of Judgment, according to your transitory life here, is final.

Only Through Jesus

In reality, our time on earth is truly brief. Deciding whom you will follow is urgent, and cannot be overemphasized. Getting to Heaven is not automatic, as many people have strangely come to believe. Jesus said the way to the Father is through Him, He is the Light, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way. Only the Truth will set you free. Set your sights on things above. Only joy can come of it.

The One Thing Needful for Mercy

If there was a secret for returning home to Heaven (there is no secret, however), it would be this:

If you persist with honest effort to Love Him Who created you, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, know and live by His Laws (the Ten Commandments), you also will know (or discover) that our Merciful God asks of us not sinlessness but persistent diligence.

Thank you for visiting. - Bob Rom 15:13