Walking With Jesus

What Are the Odds?

“All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through His prophet.” (Matthew1:22 NLT)

Let’s say you and I were having a conversation and you mentioned that you’d never been to the Grand Canyon. If I said, “Wow! You’ll be amazed. I’ve been there a couple of times and it’s well worth the trip.” Depending on our level of friendship, you may or may not go.

But what if I told you, “If you’ll go to the Grand Canyon on September 7, 2023, and follow a certain trail down into the canyon, you’ll see two men who have built a fire and they’re cooking a large fish they just caught out of the river that runs through the canyon.” And on and on I’d go with details. And then you made the trip and discovered everything I told you was exactly right, down to the smallest detail. Would you then conclude I told you the truth?

The fact is, the historicity of Jesus can easily be confirmed through non-Biblical sources, but what boggles my mind and gives assurance to me that Jesus is absolutely without question exactly who He claims to be is the more than 450 prophecies (predictions) related to Him that were given hundreds of years before He was born, and happened exactly as they were described. If you want to dig a little deeper into this subject, go to https://empower.global/the-mathematical-probability-that-jesus-is-the-christ/

Let me share a few lines from that site: “The reason why prophecy is an indication of the divine authorship of the Scriptures, and hence a testimony to the trustworthiness of the Message of the Scriptures, is because of the minute probability of fulfillment.

This is the result from considering a mere 48 prophecies. Obviously, the probability that 456 prophecies would be fulfilled in one man by chance is vastly smaller. Once one goes past one chance 10^50 (10 with 50 0’s after it), the probabilities are so small that it is impossible to think that they will ever occur.

As the professor concludes, ‘Any man who rejects Christ as the Son of God is rejecting a fact, proved perhaps more absolutely than any other fact in the world.’”

My experience is that, not all, but by far, most people who claim the Bible is just a book of fairy tales or fictional stories have never actually read and studied the Bible in its entirety. Most people who dismiss the Bible don’t do so on religious or even a “truth” basis, but their conclusions are drawn based on their chosen lifestyle. People typically want to make the Bible line up with the lifestyle they’re living, or want to live, as opposed to lining up their life with what the Bible clearly teaches.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NLT) You may have issues with the Bible, but you need to be mindful of the credentials of the Bible’s Author (see above 😊).

It’s getting close to time, according to Biblical Prophecy, for this world to come to an end. I urgently hope and sincerely pray that if you haven’t followed the guidance of the Scriptures and yielded your life and allegiance to Jesus, who is the ONLY way to heaven (to the Father), please make that decision now, while there’s still time.

Blessings, Ed 😊

How Do We Know What Is True?

“You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” (2 Timothy 3:14b NLT)

What do you believe about truth? What do you believe is true?

When I was in college I made several trips from Indiana, where I went to school, to West Virginia, where my parents lived. I always followed the same route. Why? Because I believed it was the fastest way. On one occasion, I saw a very large sign telling me to STOP! Why? Because there was water covering the road ahead.

I didn’t want to stop! I didn’t want to turn around! Why? Because I knew it would take more time to go an alternate route. So, what did I do? I verified the truth of that sign. I kept going on my route and, sure enough, a short way further, it looked like a river was flowing over the road. It was very dark, so I got out the car and walked to the edge of the water, hoping, maybe it wasn’t as bad as the people who put up the sign thought. Maybe if I went slow enough I could get through. I decided it wasn’t worth the risk.

Many in our world today have built their lives on lies, never taking the time or making the effort to verify the truth.

There is a lengthy definition of “truth” in Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, but it begins by saying: “truth suggests conformity with the facts or with reality…” What does that mean? It essentially means – see if what you believe is true, accurate, verifiable with the facts and/or reality.

Relativism is rampant in today’s culture. What is “true” for you, may not be or doesn’t have to be true for me. It’s ALL relative! I get that on some levels, but I believe there are still truths that are absolute. What does that mean? It means it’s true for every person, in every era of time, under every circumstance. And even as I write these words, I can “hear” someone saying, “but I DON’T believe that!”

A high school friend I’d not seen in several years, and I, were talking, catching up on people we’d both known. At one point he asked: “Did you hear about Karen?” Under the influence of drugs, she’d jumped from a building, believing she could fly. The lie she believed cost her her life. Whether or not someone chooses to believe it, because of the law of gravity, and the construction of the human body, people can’t fly without assistance (i.e. an airplane, parasailing, etc.).

In the passage I referenced at the top of the page, Paul was saying to Timothy, who was like a son to him, that he could verify the truth of what he’d been taught by viewing the life of the one who taught him. But beyond that, he could verify its truth by the impact it had on Timothy’s own life. What had Timothy been taught? “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:5 NLT)

Much of what we “believe” as an adult, was “taught” us by significant role models in our childhood. That’s why those who understand the process, for good or ill (i.e. Hitler, “educators” in our day, etc.), want to command the process by which children learn. For example, my generation (Boomers) were taught (encouraged) to go to college, “get an education,” and that would be the pathway to success.

For younger generations, they’re discovering alternative pathways, without college. Which one is “right?” There’s “truth” in either avenue. But the real issue isn’t equating a successful life with how much money you make or how much “stuff” you accumulate (i.e. possessions, position, power, or prestige), it’s how you effectively and purposefully build a life? What’s the “truth?”

Why do so many, young, and old, choose to end their lives after they’re at the “peak” of “success?” Because they verify, through their life’s experiences that all the world offers can’t satisfy their soul. It was never designed to.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT): “He (God) has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Something temporal can never satisfy what God created to be eternal.

It’s no secret that I believe the Bible is true, because I’ve lived long enough to validate the Bible’s claims and understand they are trustworthy. But what “sealed the deal” for me, was getting to know the central Character of the Bible, Jesus.

I will share with you tomorrow something that helped me, and may help you, to see more clearly just how trustworthy the Scriptures are.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Being Free from Whatever Has You Bound

“Some of you were once like that…” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Paul writes: “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people – none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” But then in verse 11 he adds: “Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit of our God.”

Yes, you’re tempted! Yes, there are times you fail! Yes, you used to be controlled by the evil that filled your life and overpowered your will, but YOU DON’T HAVE TO STAY THAT WAY! Give your life to your only hope of deliverance, the Lord Jesus Christ! Start professing what only the Holy Spirit can live out in and through you. Stop making excuses for what you can’t do and start believing and sharing what you’re discovering that only HE CAN do!

As a teen and into my young adult years, I was plagued by lustful thoughts. Even after I was married, I continued, in my mind, to “compare” my wife with nearly every attractive woman I saw. My mind was continually fantasizing what it would be like to be with that other woman. I begged God to deliver me. I was filled with shame and guilt, but nothing I did was ever enough to make it stop. Today, on rare occasion, I still have a lustful thought, but God, by His powerful Spirit delivered me. Do you know how He did it?

One day my (first) wife came to me and told me she wanted a divorce. She told me she was more committed to another man than she was to me. Suddenly, there was not a more beautiful woman on the planet than my wife. What changed? My focus! I finally realized what God had given me, to which I’d been blind until it was too late. Satan had me believing I was the only one who ever dealt with such evil and inappropriate thoughts. I feared if I dared to reveal my hidden secret, I would be shunned and alone.

Sin is our mortal enemy and unless and until we muster the courage to call our sinful, habitual behaviors what they are and fall at the feet of Jesus, asking for His Spirit to fill, empower, and enable us to do what in our own strength we can NEVER do, we’re fighting a losing battle. How do we do that? One way is to find another, godly man/woman (man to man/woman to woman) you can trust and confess your sin to him/her. Then together, allow the power of God’s Spirit to deliver you both. How so? Don’t think for a moment the other person isn’t also dealing with sin issues, with which you can help them.

These are perilous times, and our lives must be lived in purity, honor and worship of our living, loving King. Those in our spheres of influence must be able to see a clear difference in our lives as we’re living them for Jesus; otherwise, what are we inviting them to become? Just perpetual strugglers who can’t muster the courage to allow the powerful Spirit of God to enable them to overcome sin in their lives? Or courageous warriors, bearing the armor of God as they face and win the daily battles against sin and the devil.

The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, the One who pleads our case with our Father. He WILL give you victory, but you must let Him win the battle in your heart and mind first before He will enable you to win in your life from day to day. As a Christ-follower, that’s the only way to be free from whatever has you bound.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Our Powerful Advocate

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:8 a NLT)

Yesterday, we looked briefly at the issue of sin. We used an example from the Bible of a woman who had committed adultery and was brought to Jesus, whose final words to her were “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11b NLT) Do you understand that’s essentially what the Lord says to each of us upon our confession of faith and the beginning of our walk with Him?

Yet, I’ve seen across the years an increasing reliance upon the doctrine of grace to deliver us from what the Bible clearly says is sin. What are we really talking about here? Habitual sin. We too often convey to new believers: “Just do the best you can, but if you can’t control your urges, don’t worry about it, we’re all human. God will forgive you.” Yes, of course, God forgives the cry of a repentant heart, but therein lies the issue. If there’s little or no desire to turn from the sin in our life, we’re living a lie to believe God will tolerate a life of sin under the guise of a profession of faith.

In 1 John 2:6 says: “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (NLT) Can any of us do that? No, but that’s no excuse for not striving to live more and more like Jesus every minute of every day. That’s our goal, but if our mindset is: “Well, I know I can’t help but sin, so I guess it’s okay. I’ll just ask for forgiveness, and everything will be fine.” What you think about comes about!

If all we can think about is our next fix, or our next view of pornography or our next sexual affair, etc. then that’s the road we’re on and it’s not the road that will lead to life. The Bible says: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9 NLT)

Am I suggesting we have to be perfect? Of course not. What I’m suggesting is we stop depending on our own willpower or discipline to do in our lives what only the Holy Spirit can do. After overcoming death and the grave, Jesus told His followers: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:8 a NLT)

That word “power” is the word from which comes our English word, “dynamite.” I can’t discipline myself in my own strength to avoid sinful habits, but I can, with Paul, declare: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NLT) The battle with sin is a battle that is fought and won in our mind, in what we choose to use as our point of focus. Focus on sin = defeat! Focus on God’s Word, and the promises He gives us to live a victorious life = VICTORY!

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:3: “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning, and to destroy false arguments.” (NLT) This is not only how we pray for others, it’s how we defeat the enemy in our own heart and mind. Our goal is to grow in our likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29) and we can’t grow in Him and be positive influences to reach others for Him, if we can’t get our own minds out of the gutters of sin.

That’s one of the many reasons we really do need each other – to pray for one another, to love one another, to walk closely with one another in the strength of Christ Jesus. When one of us is weak, we can reach out to a stronger brother (if you’re a man) or sister (if you’re a woman) in the faith to support and help us through the rough times. We need never be alone in our walk with Jesus.

Blessings, Ed 😊

The Issue of Sin

“And Jesus said, ‘…Go and sin no more.” (John 811b NLT)

A group of men came to Jesus and declared: “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?’” Actually, the law of Moses stated that the woman AND the man should be put to death (Leviticus 20:10), so it was evident from the outset that this wasn’t so much about the adulterous woman as it was about trying to trap Jesus. However, this passage highlights an important theme that runs throughout the Bible but takes on a whole new meaning in Jesus’ ministry. The issue of sin.

In the above referenced passage, Jesus “rescues” the woman from her would be assassins, and when no one is left to accuse her, Jesus says to her: “Neither do I, Go and sin no more.” The likelihood is that the woman in question was a prostitute whose livelihood was derived from illicit and indiscriminate sex. So, what Jesus said to her is like saying to a drug addict, alcoholic or any other sinner struggling with an addictive behavior: “Go and sin no more.” What does that mean? It essentially means to turn from whatever sin habits are holding us captive and by the power of the Holy Spirit, walk in a life of purity that then identifies us as a child of God, not a child of the devil.

We sometimes have the mistaken notion that because of grace we can essentially live any way we choose and God’s going to be okay with it. But to believe that is to negate nearly everything Jesus taught on sin. Read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. Was Jesus “light” on sin? By no means! He not only said it was sin to commit adultery, He said: “anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28 NLT) Or see what Paul said in Romans 6:1: “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” (NLT)

Where did we ever get this idea that we have no choice but to sin? Certainly not from the Bible. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:6: “We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.” (NLT) Does this lifestyle happen overnight? Yes, and no. Yes, it BEGINS (or should begin) the moment we yield our life and allegiance to Jesus, but NO, we don’t immediately bear mature fruit, any more than a new plant or tree does.

Did the woman caught in adultery ever commit another sin? I have no Biblical evidence that she did, but it’s likely she struggled like every other human being. But did her life take a new direction? Will I meet her in heaven and hear her story? I believe I will.

I can’t “prove” this, but I strongly suspect that this woman is Martha and Lazarus’ sister, Mary. I do know from John 11:2 that Mary was the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. That account is found in Luke 7, where the woman isn’t named, but referred to as “a certain immoral woman.” (Luke 7:37 NLT) I believe her encounter with Jesus so impacted her life that she was literally never the same.

Think about it. How many women in that culture would have an alabaster jar filled with expensive, rare perfume? My hunch is, after she met Jesus, she didn’t need it anymore for her profession, so, as an act of worship, that took on far more significance to Jesus than she realized, she poured out her life at His feet, and without regard to what anyone thought of her, she pledged all she would ever hope to be to Him. She likely committed sin after that, but I believe she was done with prostitution.

John writes in 1 John 2:1: “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin.” (NLT) Sin in this context has reference to sin as a habit, living in habitual sin patterns. Then in verse 3: “And we can be sure that we know Him if we obey His commandments.” (NLT) Devotion to Jesus is a heart matter that results in every area of our lives being lived under submission to His authority. It’s a conscious, moment by moment awareness that my life is not my own, it’s been bought at the price of the incalculable worth of my Savior’s blood. I cannot take that lightly.

The Lord willing, I will share more on this subject tomorrow.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Am I Really Going to a Better Place When I Die?

“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27 NLT)

If I was the proverbial “man on the street” with a microphone, and I asked you: “What do you think happens after you die? Do you think you’ll go to a better place or a worse place?”

Depending on your frame of reference, that question could take you in a lot of directions. But the truth is, most people don’t like to think of death at all, and when they do, they perceive death leading to “a better place,” irrespective of their lifestyle.

Proverbs 14:12 (NLT) says: “There is a path before each person that seems right (seems to be leading to a better place), but it ends in death.”

What does that mean? Death in this verse means exactly what we would think – DEATH! It means separation from life as we’ve known it. Is that good? Or bad? And my answer would be “YES!”

“But, hey, wait a minute. You can’t have it both ways, right? Isn’t it either good or bad?” And again, my answer would be “YES!” Okay, what’s my point?

Some, because of the circumstances in which they find themselves are tempted to believe ANYTHING would be better than where they are in their life right now. But the reality is, that may not be true. To die without knowing Jesus as Savior results in an eternity of misery, loneliness, suffering, and anguish the likes of which no human being, apart from Jesus, has ever experienced.

And some may ask: “Why would God send me to hell? I’m living the best I know how to live.” See, here’s the deal. God doesn’t send anyone to hell! It’s not God’s will that anyone go to hell, but that everyone would repent, turn to Him and receive the gift of eternal life (2 Peter 3:9). That’s exactly why Jesus died on the Cross – to pay the penalty for our sin (mine and yours) and allow everyone who puts their trust in Him alone for their eternal life, to live with Him forever in Heaven. Which, of course, IS a much better place, not only in death, but in life.

Eternal life in Jesus doesn’t begin when you die, it begins the moment you lay down your life in humble surrender to His way and His plans for your life. By inviting Jesus to be the Lord (leader, guide) of your life, He will steer you in a way that will be satisfying, enriching, purposeful and meaningful. I think it was D. L. Moody who said: “I gave my life to Christ because I knew He could do a much better job with it than I could.”

That’s true! God’s love for you is greater than any good thing you can imagine for yourself. Knowing my life is being directed by a loving, kind, compassionate and generous Heavenly Father, gives me confidence to trust Him in every circumstance. Does that mean nothing bad will ever happen in my life? Of course not. But what it does mean is that nothing enters my life unless and until it passes through the filter of God’s permission. What does that mean?

It means NOTHING touches my life, good or bad, unless, in God’s infinite estimation, it will result in my good. It’s my choice to follow God or my own way, just as it’s your choice, but once we make that choice, God leads us on a good path that will lead us to heaven.

In Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT) it says: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life…”

PLEASE! I implore you to choose life today! Open you heart and life to Jesus. Allow Him to forgive you, cleanse you of anything you’ve ever done wrong, and empower you to deal with anything you may have going on in your life today.

Click on the link below to watch a brief video from Ron Hutchcraft that will help you understand better what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. This may be the moment you’ve been waiting for your whole life. You can pillow your head this evening knowing when you leave this life, you definitely WILL be going to a better place! *Click here: https://hutchcraft.com/the-bridge-to-god

Blessings, Ed 😊

Is Heaven a Real Place?

“Now Christ has gone to heaven.” (1 Peter 3:22a NLT)

In Revelation 21:3-4 John writes: “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Jesus believes heaven is a real place.

My first mission’s trip was to an area near Lima, Peru. I cried most of the first day. Not only had I not seen living conditions like that, I’d never imagined they could exist. The average life expectancy of the people in the area where we were serving was about 40 years. The primary purpose of our trip was to help build an orphanage to house the children left behind, who roamed the streets seeking to survive.

What struck me was, you could literally see the difference between those who knew Jesus and those who didn’t. Their countenance seemed to glow with joy and reverence for the Lord. It wasn’t hard for them to imagine a place better when they died. A place where they would find comfort and security, being with their Savior and Friend forever.

In America, if you’re on government assistance, you’re in the top 1% of the wealthiest people in the world. It’s easy for some to believe this is as good as it will ever get. But that’s just not true!

The appeal of heaven for me is that “God Himself will be with them.” Because Jesus is there, that’s where I want to be. But think of the other benefits.

Our tears will be wiped away by the Lord. Notice it doesn’t say there won’t be tears. I can’t imagine seeing Jesus and not shedding tears of joy. Or crying when I’m reunited with loved ones who loved Jesus in this life, who have preceded me in death, never to be separated from them again.
No more death. Death in Scripture often refers to separation from God. But for those who are in Heaven, there will be no more separation from God or anyone else who knows and loves Jesus.
No more sorrow. This word can also be translated “mourning.” I think of godly parents whose babies were stillborn or died at a young age. They are waiting for you in heaven, never to be separated from you again. And I’m thinking of others who are grieving because you’ve been separated from loved ones who loved and served the Lord Jesus. One day sooner than you can imagine, you’ll be reunited – for all eternity!
No more crying. This has to do more with crying out, agonizing, clamoring due to the pressures of life. Circumstances about which you don’t know what to do or how to cope. Those will no longer be issues in heaven.
No more pain. This certainly includes physical pain, but this word also speaks to the agony of toiling for daily subsistence. Like the folks I met in Peru, whose annual income was $300-$400. Most of us in America can’t comprehend that kind of pain. But thanks to Jesus, in heaven, no one will.

Heaven IS a real place, and you don’t have to die to begin to enjoy the best part of heaven. His name is Jesus, and He gave His life in your place, so that you would not only have a place in Heaven with Him when you die, but you can enjoy walking with Him right now, while you’re alive on this earth. If you haven’t yet met Jesus, you may not understand what I’m talking about. Please click the link below to watch a brief video by Ron Hutchcraft, in order to give you a better understanding of what it means to know and love Jesus and how to begin a relationship with Him. https://hutchcraft.com/the-bridge-to-god

I’ve heard many people who don’t profess faith in Jesus, speaking in reference to death, say that they believe they will go to a better place when they die. On what is that based? Is it really true? We’ll explore that tomorrow.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Are You Ready for the Bridegroom?

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.” (Matthew 25:1 NLT)

Like the other parables Jesus told, this is a fictional story designed to make one primary point, but from which other pertinent information can be gleaned. I will summarize the story that is recorded in Matthew 25:1-13, but it will be helpful if you read it yourself. It’s the story of ten bridesmaids who were invited to their friend’s wedding.

As was the custom in Jesus’ day, invitations were sent out, the wedding party chosen and all the details were set in place, but it was the father of the groom’s responsibility to actually choose the day and time of the wedding. It could occur anytime, but if you wanted to participate in the festivities, you had to be ready.

According to the story, five of the bridesmaids brought extra oil for their lamps, five did not. In verse 6 the Bible says: “At midnight they (the bridesmaids) were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’”

It’s safe to surmise that as the sun went down, the bridesmaids used their lamps to see while they waited, but after so long, they decided to turn off their lamps and go to sleep. Five of the bridesmaids anticipated the late arrival of the groom and brought extra oil, five did not.

At the sound of the announcement of the arrival of the groom, all the bridesmaids trimmed their lamps so they could go and greet him, but five of them didn’t bring extra oil, so their lamps were going out. With no time to waste, they asked the girls who’d brought extra oil if they would share, but were turned down and told to go and buy their own.

While the five were away trying to find more oil, the groom came, and the wedding party all went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was closed. When the five who’d gone for oil returned, they stood outside and shouted for someone to let them in, but the groom responded, “Believe me, I don’t know you!” (vs 12b)

So, what does this mean? But more importantly, what is this story’s relevance to me and you? The context of the story is shortly before Jesus’ betrayal, trial, torture and execution. The parable’s main point is: BE PREPARED! Jesus is speaking to His disciples and He’s telling them about what will happen to Him and about end times before His second coming.

There are those who want to “live it up,” in terms of the pleasures of this world, then at the last possible second, repent so they can go to heaven. From all outward appearances, all ten bridesmaids were ready. They were all dressed for the part, acted similarly, had desire to be included in the festivities and they all had their lamps, so what happened?

In the story, the oil represented preparedness. But for the believer, what is the critical, irreplaceable “oil” that must be present in EVERY Jesus follower’s life? What is the invisible, yet undeniable, presence that determines whether or not someone/anyone is prepared to meet the Lord? The Holy Spirit!

When someone opens their heart and life to the will of the Father of Heaven’s Armies, as “proof” of their new relationship with the Lord Jesus, they are given the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in Romans 8:16: “For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” (NLT) Without the Spirit’s verifying presence in our lives we can never enter God’s eternal home. We may look like a believer, on many levels we may act and speak like a believer, attend church, read our Bibles and even pray, but if the Holy Spirit doesn’t own our heart and life, we’re living a lie.

Satan is a liar who hates you and me; who’s whole point of existence is to deceive us by causing us to believe something, anything, except the truth that apart from Jesus we are nothing and can do nothing (John 15:5). If the “oil” in the lamp of your life is anything but God’s Holy Spirit (i.e. good works, religion, etc.), fall on your face and seek God’s forgiveness and the life-giving presence of His Spirit right now, before it’s eternally too late.

The truth is, no one, except the Father (God) of the Groom (Jesus) knows when that moment will come. But on the authority of Biblical Prophecy and the urging of the Holy Spirit in my life – He’s coming SOON!

Blessings, Ed 😊

(If I can answer questions or be of support, please let me know at walkingwithjesus09@gmail.com )

What Will Hell Be Like?

“The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham with Lazarus at his side.” (Luke 16:22b-23 NLT)

Let me begin with this disclaimer – NO ONE knows with certainty what hell will be like, except Jesus. So, my observations in this article are based on His words and the illustration of hell that He gave in Luke 16:19-31.

In his book entitled Heaven, Randy Alcorn wrote: “The best of life on Earth is a glimpse of Heaven; the worst of life is a glimpse of Hell. For Christians, this present life is the closest they will come to Hell. For unbelievers, it is the closest they will come to Heaven.”

My goal isn’t to scare anyone or pretend I know more than I do. My purpose is to make some observations that many people, in the harried pace of this life, may never stop to consider. Please also note, like the other parables that Jesus used, this is a fictional story designed to portray a relevant truth.

We can’t assume because Jesus used a rich man and a beggar, that all rich people go to hell and all poor people go to heaven. That is an individual decision that each person, irrespective of material wealth or possessions, must make in this life. It’s a decision, essentially, as to whose will, will reign supreme in a person’s life? Theirs or God’s? We have to assume, from the context of Jesus’ words, the rich man chose his will and Lazarus chose God’s will.
For illustration purposes, in Jesus’ story, the rich man can see and communicate with Abraham in heaven. Based on the evidence revealed in the rest of Scripture, I don’t believe this will be the case, but Jesus uses it here to make a point.
The central purpose of the story to me, that illustrates the vivid torment of hell, is the rich man’s request of Abraham: “Father Abraham, have some pity … I am in anguish in these flames.” What was the source of his anguish? Was it simply the flames? I have no doubt he was in physical pain beyond description, but the source of his true torment is revealed in his next request. “Please, Father Abraham, at least send him (Lazarus) to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.”

What can we learn from this story?

Hell is a real place. A place of severe and eternal punishment with which nothing on this earth can compare, and from which, once there, there is no recourse.
The greatest torment won’t be physical, but emotional, intellectual and spiritual, realizing we had an opportunity on earth that we ignored. Compounded by the likelihood, that even in light of all the churches and all the internet, radio and TV programs that proclaim the good news of who Jesus is and what He accomplished on the Cross on our behalf, unless we and our loved ones personally repent and turn to Christ, seeking forgiveness of sin and a new life that can only be found in Him, we/they will share this rich man’s fate.
In this story, it’s glaringly obvious that there is no one else present with the rich man. No one with whom he can commiserate his torment; no one to give a word of comfort or encouragement; no one to share the burden of an eternity alone, without one single hint of the presence of God, thus no influence of love, compassion, caring or empathy. People often believe they will have lots of company in Hell, and they very likely will, but the implication of this story reveals an eternal aloneness that is literally unbearable.
In life on earth, the rich man was too distracted with his wealth and material possessions to be troubled with thoughts of God, but in hell ALL he can think about is his deep regret, not only that he didn’t put his trust in God when he had the chance, but his brothers are on the same path that he followed and he’s agonizing over their fate.

Dear friend, it’s not an accident that you’re reading these words. I often ask the Lord to give me the very words that will make an impact on the hearts and minds of the ones He already knows will be reading them.

If you can’t point to a specific time when you first yielded your life and allegiance to Jesus, you probably haven’t. We don’t become a believer by osmosis, simply by hanging around Jesus followers. This is a personal decision that only you can make. A decision that will determine the eternal destination of your soul and be reflected in every subsequent action and decision you make.

PLEASE don’t wait another minute! Click on the link below and watch a brief video by Ron Hutchcraft, then pour out your heart’s desire to become a follower of Jesus, connect with a local church and begin your walk to heaven, one step at a time. https://hutchcraft.com/the-bridge-to-god

Blessings, Ed 😊 (you can direct questions/concerns to me at walkingwithjesus09@gmail.com )

A Guide to More Effective Praying

“When you pray…” (Matthew 6:5a NLT)

Prayer can be a conflicting process for believers. Often our attitude towards prayer and praying is somewhere between obligation and responsibility. Rarely is it seen as the privilege and honor that it is. Praying can be accompanied by guilt, because we’re not sure what to say or even why we need to say it, or shame, because we just don’t see the need for prayer.

These same attitudes and feelings can also be experienced related to reading and studying the Bible, but that’s another Post.

When I was in high school, I met a girl. Now, mind you, I’m bordering on ancient, so when I tell you the only means of communicating remotely back then was a landline phone, some of you may gasp and say, “What is that?” Fortunately, our phone had a long cord, so I could lay on the floor of our bathroom and close the door so we could speak in private. We would talk for hours or until our parents said, “ENOUGH!” What did we talk about? Anything and everything. WHAT wasn’t the issue. WITH WHOM was the crux of the matter. It’s similar when we consider this whole issue of prayer.

Today, I’m going to give you a simple guide that can help you with the WHAT of prayer, but it will be useless unless and until you begin to understand the WITH WHOM. I loved to have long conversations with my girlfriend because I loved her (as much as I could understand love as a teen 😊). And today, after walking with Jesus for a very long time, I know with whom I’m speaking and my love for Him is growing nearly by the second. The more closely you walk with the Lord, the more your heart will beat with longing to speak with Him often – about EVERYTHING!

The acrostic I’ll be sharing today originated with the late Dr. R. C. Sproul and is available for you to check out more thoroughly at: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/simple-acrostic-prayer It spells the word ACTS. Note that the order of the letters is important.

A – ADORATION. As with the Lord’s prayer, it’s important to begin your prayer time by acknowledging with whom you’re speaking. God isn’t the “man upstairs,” He’s the Master Designer, Creator, Sustainer of all that is, both seen and unseen. He deserves our reverence, respect, and time. But more to the point, He’s our Heavenly Father who loves us and longs to spend time with us, not for His sake, but for ours.
C – CONFESSION. Confession literally means “to agree with God’s estimation of something.” What does that mean? It essentially means, if God’s Word says something is wrong, it’s not subject to debate. Confession is to acknowledge that you’ve sinned and, ask the Lord’s forgiveness. Sin, at its root, is not doing something God clearly says to do (i.e. love Him and others, etc.), or doing something He clearly says not to do (stealing, adultery, gossiping, etc.)
T – THANKSGIVING. Regardless of the season of life you are experiencing, there is ALWAYS something for which to be thankful. Remember, God is not concerned with our use of proper grammar or correct sentence structure, He’s interested in us getting to know Him better and sharing what’s on our heart. (i.e. “Father, thank you that even though I’m out of work right now, I’m grateful, that You may not always provide my wants, but you will provide all of my needs as long as I’m seeking to put you first in my life.” See Matthew 6:33).
S – SUPPLICATION. Think of this as sharing your needs, desires, and concerns. Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

I’m sure this acrostic won’t answer all your questions, it may actually create more than it answers. It is simply a guide to help you as you’re learning to pray more effectively. A couple of things I have found helpful is to create and use a list of your requests/needs and record answers as they come. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding prayer, you can contact me at walkingwithjesus09@gmail.com

Blessings, Ed 😊