“God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn't. In this trial He makes us occupy the dock, the witness box, and the bench all at once. He always knew that my temple was a house of cards. His only way of making me realize the fact was to knock it down.” ― C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

Yep. Not to worry. It's only me. Again, and I'm telling you for the 3,683rd time, hello and welcome. This one happens to come to us sponsored by Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Benjamin Franklin reportedly said in 1789, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes." That's a popular quote but, my friend, speaking of certainty, I quickly add the absolute truth as stated in The Scriptures, Hebrews 9:27-28, "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him." (Legacy Standard Bible, a literal translation.) Maybe it's the frequency of funerals I attend as I grow older, but, the reality of the subject of certainty is one that becomes more front and center as I continue my journey. I know. Many would rather not think about anything relating to the real future. May I just say this about that. No matter who we are, that real future will begin for every individual, not matter who they might be, when we breathe our last breath here in this life. That's a reality we all will experience, ready or not. The good news for those who have anchored their faith in the finished work of Jesus is the reality of how the judgment mentioned as certainty by the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews has been borne by our Savior on our behalf. I am happy about that because to the tell the truth, without Him providing me with His righteousness, as the saying goes, I wouldn't have a prayer. Sorry to start off today talking about the next life being a reality but it was on my mind, and, this is my blog, and, as a friend of ours used to often say, it is what it is. (If you happen to not be ready. Get ready. How? Recognize yourself as a sinner, recognize you are helpless, recognize and call on the Christ who died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15) For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life. (John 3:16, my version) Call on Him. Whoever does so will be saved. (Romans 10:13). That's it in a nutshell.)

 

Here's the truth folks. Rarely do I know exactly what will end up being on the electronic page when I climb the stairs to my office. It's not always, but most of the time. Sometimes I have something stewing, but, often, I do exactly what the sign says, I make it up as I go. I so much appreciate the positive feedback I receive from those who have been encouraged or helped in some way from what they read. I talk often about spiritual matters because they do occupy much of my time. Not that long ago I thought I was a pretty decent theologian in terms of having biblical insight, however, over the past number of years I've come to understand the overwhelming simple truth found in the children's song, "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so." Don't get me wrong. I still know a lot of stuff. But, as I get closer to my departure, since I am in the final quarter, I keep loving the words of my Savior who said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (Gospel of John, Chapter 14, Verse 3) I put that in red letters fully knowing the first red letter edition of the New Testament was not printed until 1901 but it has become a favorite way to indicate the words of Jesus. I used that verse because it really sums up my hope for the certainty that awaits me. I hope that's your hope as well. We can hope together. And, we can encourage each other all the more as we see the day approaching. (Hebrews Chapter 10, Verse 25).

 

Okay. I will end this for today and maybe next time I will have something more amusing for those who enjoy funny stories and anecdotes. However, I ask anyone who reads today's edition to think seriously about the certainly of the life that awaits us all. I do. I really do. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day and may God add His blessings. Amen.