Memorial Day 2024

A Tribute To Our Heroes: Memorial Day 2024

 

Memorial Day 2024

Today, Memorial Day 2024, is a special day to honor our heroes, the brave men and women who died while serving in the military.

They deserve our respect for their unwavering courage and dedication to defending our nation.

No doubt, family and friends are gathering together to celebrate this national holiday.

Families at the park and backyard barbecues all over the country are happening.

At the same time, it’s important for everyone to take a moment to reflect and be thankful on the true meaning of Memorial Day, and to pass this on to the next generation.

Freedom comes at a price.

Remembering Memorial Day

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention also the families of fallen soldiers left behind.

I can’t imagine the pain of their loss and I pray they can receive the care they need during their times of grieving.

We can honor our brave heroes by living our lives in a way that upholds the values and ideals that they fought to protect.

May we never forget their sacrifice.

On this Memorial Day 2024, may the memories of these heroes live on in each one of us with a spirit of patriotism and an abundance of gratitude.

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Every Christian Should Have A Will

Planning Ahead: Every Christian Should Have a Will

For many years I worked for large law firms writing position papers as well as taking on other assignments.

While it wasn’t my “dream job”, it was a good transition after leaving television.

I learned a lot about the legal profession during that time.

One of the most important take-home lessons (that deserves a friendly reminder) is that every adult should have a will.

Lasting Impact: Christians should have a will

Have you done your estate planning yet?

If you have kids, and still no will, what are you waiting for?

These are crucial legal documents to ensure, among other things, future care for your dependent loved ones (of any age) upon your death.

Lasting Impact: Every Christian Should Have A Will 

Every Christian should have a will

Everything belongs to God and it’s up to us to be good stewards of His blessings.

With that in mind, it is of vital importance for adults to plan ahead, and to have an estate plan in place.

Otherwise, depending on the laws where you live, a state court may end up deciding how your assets will be divided.

Worst case scenario: having no estate planning documents upon your death can cause a lot of disputes and anxiety within families.

In addition, the time and legal costs for the probate of your assets can be overwhelming for those you have left behind.

Having a will in place is one of the most thoughtful and responsible things you can do for your loved ones.

Having a will professionally prepared ahead of time is also a great opportunity to include your written testimony and a statement of your christian values in your documents.

Initial Estate Planning Questions

Estate planning questions for Christians

Even though it might feel overwhelming at first, a good attorney will guide you through every step of the estate planning process.

It’s okay to have a lot of questions.

Don’t know which estate planning attorney to hire?

Be careful with online reviews since these are coming from complete strangers.

It’s better to ask around for testimonials from your friends and/or coworkers.

You should know that some attorneys offer initial consults at no charge.

It’s not a given, so make sure to ask beforehand if this is important to you.

In addition, ask what you need to bring to your first appointment (if anything).

Before you go in, here are just a few initial estate planning questions to think about:

– Whom would you like to appoint as your executor?

– Which charities should receive donations in your memory?

– Where do you prefer to be buried or cremated? 

– Which pastor would you like to conduct your service?

– Any favorite songs or hymns you would like played?

– Do you have any idea of how you would like your assets handled, including your car and finances?

Of course, there are more questions, but I’m not an attorney.

He or she is there to help you!

Getting your will done is painless, and you’ll be glad you did.

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Amazing Grace: A Timeless Favorite

“Amazing Grace”: A Timeless Favorite

Amazing Grace: A Timeless Favorite

Who doesn’t love the song, “Amazing Grace”?

It’s a timeless favorite loved by many people in every generation.

Sometimes we sing popular songs like “Amazing Grace“, and don’t even realize there’s an incredible history behind its making.

Historical accounts from various sources tell us that, in the 18th century,  John Newton was a slave trader.

Once, during a journey in the North Atlantic, his ship was engulfed by an increasingly violent storm.

In those scary moments of life or potential death, Newton prayed for God’s mercy for the first time.

He survived, and the harrowing experience prompted Newton to reexamine his involvement with the evils of slavery.

By the grace of God, and in time, Newton converted to Christianity and turned against his former profession.

Eventually, he became a minister in the Church of England.

Newton ended up co-writing the words to “Amazing Grace” to share God’s life-changing message of forgiveness and redemption.

 “Amazing Grace” has since become a beloved hymn, captivating listeners worldwide with its heartfelt lyrics and enduring melody.

Through the ages, people from all backgrounds and musical genres have performed this beloved hymn.

With that in mind, a recent search turned up another beautiful version of the song that I’m excited to share.

Amazing Grace: A Timeless Favorite Reimagined

There are many versions of the song, “Amazing Grace”, but this has become one of my favorites.

Here is Christian artist and songwriter, Stephen McWhirter, singing “Amazing Grace.”

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home. John Newton, evangelical and hymn writer.

The grace of God is not something we can earn; it is God’s amazing gift to us.

For that we can praise Him all day long.

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– Quotation from John Newton (1725-1807), reformed slave trader, preacher, and hymn writer, as quoted from Christian quotes.info.

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God is Never Caught Off Guard

Rest Assured God Is Never Caught Off Guard

Have you ever been caught off guard?

I’m talking about one of those memorable yet awkward moments when the unexpected happens.

Usually, there are plenty of people around to laugh at your predicament.

It happened to me when I was in a community theater production of “My Fair Lady.”

caught off guard

During one of the big musical numbers, my character was right out there in front, dancing and singing along with the rest of the cast.

It was opening night and I’d invited a bunch of people to attend.

After a big dance number, the cast and I froze in position on stage to wait for the applause and closing of the curtain.

Out of the side of my eyes I saw the heavy curtain closing . . . but it was closing behind me!

For some goofy reason, I was too far forward on the stage.

The curtain closed.

There I was all by my lonesome and cringing as it was just me facing the audience.

What did I do?

The only thing I could think of.

I made up a few little dance steps and then sidestepped off the stage.

So embarrassing, but the audience got a good laugh!

The next night, believe me, I was prepared.

No more being caught off guard in front of all those people.

Without a doubt, it’s impossible to be prepared for everything.

We will all get caught off guard at one time or another and sometimes, in way more serious situations than others.

Aren’t you thankful that we have a Sovereign God who is never caught off guard?

God is Never Taken by Surprise

God is our ultimate authority.

In His greatness and wisdom, everything is working out according to His perfect plan.

The evils of sin that we see around us? God allows it.

So that people may know from the rising to the setting of the sun
That there is no one besides Me.
I am the Lord, and there is no one else,
7 The One forming light and creating darkness,
Causing well-being and creating disaster;
I am the Lord who does all these things.Isaiah 45:6-7, (NASB).1

Through all of the hardships and sufferings that man’s sin has brought on the world, by our strong faith and perseverance, God is preparing us for His church – the eternal Kingdom of God.

We need men so possessed by the Spirit of God that God can think His thoughts through our minds, that He can plan His will through our actions, that He can direct His strategy of world evangelization through His Church. – Alan Redpath, Christian pastor, author and theologian.2

God Already Knows 

Discouraging news of our day

If you look at the world today, it’s easy to get discouraged.

Even so, God is never taken by surprise.

Recently, I heard an excellent sermon from one of my favorite pastors. The topic was God’s Ultimate Authority.

After acknowledging the widespread evil in our day, he said to remember this:

“God is in control of those who are in control.”

Think about that.

The headlines are daunting:

Our nation turning its back on God

Protests

The breakdown of families

Horrific crimes increasing, including against children

Every evil we can imagine

As a result, we have become a lawless nation that has turned its back on God.

It’s all very hard to watch.

Take Comfort In God’s Divine Omniscience

God is never caught off guard

This is an election year, as you already know.

The political vitriol will only heat up as we get closer to the date.

We should expect it, and pray.

Therefore, we must seek His guidance and wisdom during the challenging days ahead.

Hold onto the truth that God is not surprised, no matter what the outcome.

Here’s some encouraging words we can remember going forward.

Nothing has ever just occurred to God. Nothing has ever dawned on God. God is never caught by surprise. He is in charge every second of the way . . . up to Jesus Christ’s return. Take comfort in the fact that God’s got this, even if it doesn’t look like it. What appears to be falling apart for us is falling together for God. – Pastor Jack Wellman.

Remember, “God is in control of those who are in control.”

Let His peace that surpasses all understanding wash over you during the worst of times.

And, during those seasons of uncertainty, may you find comfort from the One who loves you unconditionally.

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 Quotation from Alan Redpath (1907-1989), former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, as quoted from Christian quotes.info.

Quotation from whatchristianswanttoknow.com, from “Why America and Other Nations Have Had Such Bad Leadership?” n.d., para. 5. Web. Accessed May 3, 2024.  https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/why-america-and-other-nations-have-had-such-bad-leadership/

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Hell’s True Horror

Hell’s True Horror: Separation From God

Here’s an interesting question that people often ask on social media.

Is hell “hot?”

In fact, a simple google search pulls up over 500 million results for that very same query.

My question is: why does the “temperature” even matter?

Hell = Separation

I thought I knew what “hot” was.

Living in Texas for so many years, eating spicy hot food is a regular thing.

It all changed one evening when we went to dinner with friends to an acclaimed, James Beard-nominated, restaurant.

I ordered the dinner special inspired by famed TV chef, Bobby Flay.

Little did I know that the colorful pepper on my plate would pack such a devilishly powerful assault on my tastebuds.

The Scotch Bonnet pepper

It looked good to eat so I took a big bite.

Too late!

The scorching began immediately, reaching new heights of extreme.

My eyes started to water, my face turned red, and nothing (and I mean nothing) would quelch the intense burning.

What was that spawn of Satan that made the inside of my mouth go numb with pain?

A deceptively cheerful-sounding name – the Scotch Bonnet, which is a chile pepper often used in Caribbean cooking.

Thanks for the warning, Bobby.

According to the research, many hot jalapeños have a heat rating up to 10,000 Scoville heat units.

The heat rating of “the Scotch bonnet pepper is about 445,000 SHU.”1

It was “hot” in every sense of the word.

Hell’s True Horror: There’s No Going Back

You already know that some people describe Hell using the same word: “hot.”

You may have even heard someone say on a hot day, “It’s hotter than hell out here.”

All colloquialisms aside, the actual place called hell is not a subject to be taken lightly.

It’s real, and the eternal dwelling place for lost souls.

You don’t want to go there.

Hell’s true horror is not the heat – it’s separation from God forever.

There’s no going back.

Nothing will compare to the extremes of suffering experienced by lost souls in hell.

Hell's true horror

Hell’s True Horror: It’s Not the Temperature

In the Bible, there are several descriptions of hell including Gehenna, Hades, and Sheol.

When Jesus spoke of Gehenna hell, He was speaking of the city dump of all eternity. Yes, fire was part of it, but the purposeful casting away—the separation and loss—was all of it.got questions.org.2

Other references to take note of:

“The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever”  (Rev. 14:11)

“The eternal fire”  (Matt 25:41)

Even acknowledging these references to a fiery-hot place, the “temperature” is the last thing an unrepentant sinner needs to worry about.

The True Horror of Hell – It’s No Joke

The torment of eternal separation from God is far worse than any physical suffering that is inflicted.

The lake of fire, mentioned only in Revelation 19:20 and 20:1014-15, is the final hell, the place of eternal punishment for all unrepentant rebels, both angelic and human (Matthew 25:41). It is described as a place of burning sulfur, and those in it experience eternal, unspeakable agony of an unrelenting nature (Luke 16:24Mark 9:45-46). Those who have rejected Christ and are in the temporary abode of the dead in hades/sheol have the lake of fire as their final destination. – got questions.org.3

Sadly, some people joke about this.

Can you imagine the pain of being denied His presence – our loving Father who created you out of nothing?

Intense sorrow and regret are the least of it.

If they must be doomed to such a state of endless misery, yet may they not have some good company there? No, none but the devil and his angels, their sworn enemies, that helped to bring them to this misery, and will triumph over them in it. They served the devil while they lived, and therefore are justly sentenced to be where he is, as those that served Christ, are taken to be with Him where He is. – studylight.org.4

It’s Important to Tell Others About Hell’s True Horror

By God’s grace, He sent us His Son, Jesus.

And, by our faith, we have an escape available to us from the eternal torment.

God desires for all of His children to be saved and to spend eternity with Him.

So, why do Christians have to talk about hell?

It certainly seems like, in today’s world, no one wants to hear about it.

Even so, it’s a much needed wake-up call for those who have not yet accepted Christ as their Savior.

There are eternal consequences for unrepentant sin.

Have you read the news headlines?

The world appears to be spiraling out of control.

But actually it’s not.

God is in control.

Bad leaders or good leaders in the political spotlight, God is still in control.

Until Jesus comes again, we should aim to live out our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him.

The Good News of Salvation

It’s never too late for the lost people in our lives to turn to God and seek His forgiveness and mercy.

We have the good news of salvation to share, and it’s our responsibility to let the world know.

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1 Scotch Bonnet citation [June 2015] Courtesy of bostonjerkfest.com, “The Tale of Two Peppers: Scotch Bonnet and Habenero” Web. Accessed 20 April, 2024.

2 Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “Is hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? n.d., para. 2. Web. Accessed April19, 2024. Fire and brimstone

3 Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “What is the difference between Sheol, Hades, Hell, the lake of fire, Paradise, and Abraham’s bosom?” n.d., para. 6. Web. Accessed April19, 2024. Sheol, Hades, Hell

4 Quotation from studylight.org, from “Matthew 25: Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible” n.d., para.118. Web. Accessed April19, 2024. Endless misery

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