A Glimpse into Heaven's Throne Room

And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29 NKJV

OK, some people will think I'm nuts--but then, a lot of people already do. However, no one can deny what another person experiences & I recently had a deeply spiritual experience...

This past Thursday night, after a particularly unusual day--I got myself ready for bed and as I lay in bed saying my evening prayers, something extraordinary happened. I was going through my list of requests with GOD, naming off those I wished to come to salvation and those who needed healing and/or comfort in their lives. Suddenly, it was as if the roof of my house was lifted away & I was looking into the night sky. The clouds parted and in the distance I could see a massive throne. On that throne a figure was seated but I was unable to make out any features or determine any colors in the room because it was completely awash in brilliant, white light. As I squinted to look, I could see the source of the light was to my left--the righthand side of the throne. It was like the sun, only pure, white and it emmitted no heat. There were other figures moving about as if flying--I assumed to be angels. Their movement was slow & graceful and everything was calm and peaceful there.

Then just as suddenly as it began, the clouds closed up and in the diminishing light, I realized I was not alone. Standing beside me, to my left, was a female figure--a brunette with hair & facial features similar to Princess Diana. Was that to tell me an angel is watching over me? Was it telling me there is a woman out there GOD intends to be part of my life at some point in the future? I really don't know. All I know is what I saw and I believe that in response to my prayers that GOD would make Himself real to me, He opened up the Heavens just long enough to give me a brief glimpse and see Him on the throne--with Jesus, the light of the world, standing at His right hand.

The Bible says dreams & visions are real. I can't say I'd ever given much thought to them until now, but if it happened with the prophets of old and with those in Jesus' time, it can and does still happen today. God, nor His Word, are subject to change...

Blessings,
Tony

Our "Unchangeable" GOD...

For I am the Lord, I do not change; Micah 3:6a NKJV

Life is full of changes. No one knows that better than I do. Granted, many of the changes in my life--whether good or bad--have been the result of my own actions/decisions/choices. Some have been forced on me by the actions & choices of others. Others still were simply part of the life process involving the living & dying, working & toiling, teaching & learning of those I share this life with. Regardless as to how they came about, GOD has seen fit to use them to make me who I am.

Assuming my life on this earth continues (for none of us are guaranteed tomorrow) and Jesus doesn't return right away, I'm certain to see more changes come my way and to witness changes in the lives of my family & friends as well. Some will be pleasant and good, some will be painful & difficult. That is simply how life is. We can't stop the world from turning day by day or hit the pause button to keep things just as they are when we are comfortable & happy. If only we could, I'd surely rewind to happier times and pause there and I'm certain many others would as well...

Fortunately, we serve a GOD who does not change. He is Who He is, Who He was, and Who He always will be as referenced in the initial Scripture. His mercies and grace are new and fresh each day. That is the reason He allows us to continue on our often wayward paths in life, those times we are disobedient and defiant. Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. (Lamentations 3:22) He is ever faithful to us--even though we are often unfaithful ourselves--because of his great love for us. Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:4-5)

As for me, I am thankful for GOD's "unchangeability"--for were I Him, I'd have grown tired of me a long time ago and probably have taken me out of this old world. I know He has to become exasperated with me at times, yet His love is constant and unchanging. When I fail (or fall) He gently and lovingly picks my up and puts me on the right road again. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. (Psalm 40:2) A fella just can't ask for much more than that...

Blessings!
Tony

"Waiting" in the New Year

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NKJV


Well, it's here--it's 2012, a new year is upon us. Whatever might it hold in store? I, for one, am happy to say farewell to 2011--it was not good to me. My life changed drastically last May when my sweet bride, the love of my life, passed away. Many of my hopes and dreams died along with her.

I'm not bitter, but my life seems to lack direction these days. I drift along like a ship blown about by the winds, seemingly with no particular destination. I read my Bible, I pray, I seek GOD daily. Still, He seems to say "Wait"--something I personally don't do well. Wait? Wait for what? God, You know--I'm not getting any younger here. If I am to do anything with my life, if I am to make a difference for You in this world--I need a goal, a destination, a mission of some sort. GOD, are You there? Can You hear me? Do I matter? Do You care?

Silly me! Of course You're there. You care. I matter...and You hear me fine. But, wait...? I'm trying, Lord--I really am. Although I often procrastinate, I'm accustomed to having some goal, some deadline. Waiting is difficult for me. Can't we speed up the process a bit? Can't You slam doors shut or swing some open wide so I know what the next step is? I know, I know--still You tell me to wait...

So, I wait, and I trust, and I hope. My hope truly is in You, Lord. Your Word tells me in Isaiah (40:31) "But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Renew me and strengthen me, Lord. Show me Your way.

I am not overcome with worry. I am not fearful of what the future holds. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) I simply desire purpose in my life. Show me Your Will and Way, oh Lord. I trust You to meet my needs, but I desire to serve You. My prayer is simply that You will use me as a willing vessel to show others the way to You.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

This is where I am for now--yielded and waiting for GOD to reveal His plan for my life to me. I would appreciate the prayers of my friends & family while I wait...

Blessings!
Tony

Joseph--husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus...

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24 NKJV

I've been thinking some about Joseph lately as I prepared for the celebration of CHRISTmas. I've decided the man has been somewhat short-changed. We all know him as the earthly (step)father of Jesus but he really was a humble & godly man.

Think about it--he & Mary weren't married & he knew they had not been intimate so there was no chance the child she was carrying was his own. Imagine that--your fiancee is pregnant & you're not the father. Joseph & Mary lived in a time that was more then simply scandalous--that type of thing was not accepted and more than an embarassment. I'm sure they both endured much ridicule & were the subject of tremendous gossip. No wonder he considered "putting her away" to avoid bringing shame on either of them.

Yet, when the angel visited him and made him aware that Mary was indeed carrying the child of GOD and instructed him to take Mary as his wife--he obeyed. He did this knowing what people would think & say. He subjected himself to much in order to be obedient to GOD. Not only that, but after taking her as his wife--he restrained himself from "knowing her" sexually, until after the child was born that she would retain her virginal status.

Later, Joseph was visted again by an angel and instructed to flee to Egypt in order to protect the child from evil King Herrod. Again, he obeyed and did as instructed. When it was safe for them to return, yet another angel appeared to him to make him aware that they could in fact return to Israel. Joseph was visited multiple times by GOD's messengers. I take that to mean he was in tune, so to speak, with GOD--otherwise he wouldn't have been privy to those angelic visitations. GOD only communicates with those who know him. What a reward he got for his obedience--he got to raise the Son of GOD in his home. There is no mention of Joseph beyond Jesus' twelfth year. It is assumed that he died relatively young but what a reward he must have received at his heavenly homecoming!

Oh that I might be more of a Joseph! GOD--grant me the wisdom to be the humble, obedient, godly man that he was. Give me the strength and fortitude to endure whatever comes my way in this life that I might also bring honor to your name through my unworthy efforts.

Much has happened--much that is beyond my control--in many ways, I feel robbed, although I know that among men--I am truly blessed if for no other reason than that I am GOD's child and my future is secure in His hands.

Blessings!
Tony

Joyful Sorrow?

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b NKJV

Well, CHRISTmas is fast approaching--yet another "first" for me in life since Dee's passing. Frankly, I have good days & bad days still. I assume that is normal--whatever normal is. I'm attempting to continue on with my life--I know that is what Dee would want. I also know I can't be effective in GOD's mission for my life if I wallow forever in grief and self-pity. While she will ever be a part of me, I must continue this journey alone. That is evidently GOD's plan...

I've done most of my shopping, mailed CHRISTmas cards, decorated as much as I plan to and even gotten the gifts I purchased wrapped. Yes, I wrapped them--you'd have to know that being the perfectionist I am, gift wrapping would be something I do. I realize it's not exactly a manly talent but I'm secure enough in my masculinity to admit it.

I suppose I'll be creating some new traditions--I'm not sure what they'll be yet. Obviously, things will be different for me this year. I've given thought to volunteering at a mission or taking meals to shut-ins--I'm not certain what the final outcome will be. I try to live out the acronym for JOY--Jesus 1st, Others 2nd, then Yourself. Knowing and sharing Jesus is my first priority. I do my best to think of & do what I can for others. As for myself, I lack little materially--GOD has blessed me and my needs are always met.

I suppose it is possible to be both joyful and sorrowful at the same time. I possess the joy of the Lord. In Him, I truly do live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28). At the same time, I still grieve and have sorrow over the loss of my wife. Yet, even so--I know her pain and suffering are no more and she is happy and whole in the presence of our Lord and celebrating with the saints who have gone on before. So, my emotions are somewhat of a roller-coaster ride or like the ebb and flow of the tide. Granted, it is difficult to understand unless you've experienced it for yourself.

GOD has a unique plan for each of us and while we cannot fully understand it, He does what He does & allows what He allows as part of that great plan. Our part is simply to trust and follow Him in the good times and in the bad. I'm reminded of an old hymn, "Simply Trusting Every Day"...

1)Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

(Chorus)
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2)Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

3)Singing if my way be clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

4)Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth is past,
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Just take it one day at a time--that's all we really have so we need to make the most of it. May the warmth of GOD's great love lead, guide and direct you through the Holiday season and into a blessed & prosperous New Year!

Blessings!
Tony

"Thanksgrieving"

"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100 NKJV

Well, here it is--Thanksgiving morning--yet another "first" in my life since Dee passed away. If I am honest, I'd have to say I'm struggling to be thankful today. Don't misunderstand that--I am grateful for GOD's blessings in my life, and there are many. It just feels like a part of me is missing. Part of me went into that grave last May--a piece of my heart that I'll never possess again in this lifetime.

Still, I have much to express thanks for. I have a loving family, great & supportive friends, I'm relatively healthy for an old guy, I'm part of an awesome church family and most of all--I am a child of the King! I smile as I think of those things yet it all seems overshadowed by a cloud of loss. I miss spending the holiday with my wife. We typically visited with her family on Thanksgiving Day & usually planned a little getaway for the two of us afterwards. While the memories are wonderful, the pain of losing her is still fresh...

I remind myself that I should really be thankful about her homegoing. She was so sick for so long--it was a terrible struggle for her. Still the same--she put on a smile & ventured out into the world as much as possible, loving & being loved by those she came in contact with. Few knew how difficult it was for her--she didn't want pity, she wanted to share life & share GOD with those around her. She was a kind & loving soul. I know she's celebrating Thanksgiving every day in the presence of our Savior. The thought of that makes me somewhat happy--sort of bittersweet at best.

I'm trying to make the choice daily to be grateful for the time & the life we shared together, rather than being bitter about her being taken from me so soon. We shared something that few find in this world, we were happy and we were in love with one another and jointly in love with GOD. I go back to my life verse, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) I helps me remember that GOD truly uses all things and all events/circumstances in our lives for good and also to shape us into the person we are to be in His Kingdom.

I still don't know what the future holds in store--maybe ministry, maybe missions, maybe just living out life & offering support and direction for those dealing with life's harsh realities. Regardless, I am in GOD's Army for the long haul, for whatever time remains of my earthly life. For now, all I can do is take life one day at a time & attempt to live out another of my favorite Scriptures, Micah 6:8 "And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to let those you love know it and give GOD thanks for His blessings & provision in your life...

Blessings!
Tony

Complacent Christianity...Is it the Pastor's fault?

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV


Who is to blame for the complacency in churches today? While it is true that some preachers lose their zeal for the things of GOD, I propose that the real reason lies with the people--the members of the church body. You see, it doesn't matter how passionate or well-prepared a man of GOD is--if our hearts have grown calloused & we aren't "tuned in" to the things of GOD, the message will never penetrate our hearts.

It's important that we individually prepare ourselves for a time of worship. We do that by spending time in prayer, reading our Bibles and fellowshipping with GOD on a daily basis. We were created for worship but worldly things have distracted us from our original purpose. We've become obsessed with material things that have no place in the spiritual world. In our pursuit of alleged happiness & in effort to keep up with the Joneses, we've effectively sold our birthright to the devil.

Sure, we still go to church & go through the motions but usually it's more so we can check it off our list & say we met our obligation to GOD by attending a Sunday service & placing a check in the offering plate as it passed by. GOD is not satisfied with or amused by our feeble attempts to live a moral life. He desires a deep and intimate, individial relationship with each of us. Until we completely sell out to Him, that cannot be acheived. We must expect to have an experience with GOD if we are to have one.

So, before you accuse your pastor of failing you in his leadership, assess your spiritual condition & see where you stand with GOD. Each of us is responsible for our own relationship with our Creator. Philippians 2:12 tells us to, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Do you love Him? Do you seek Him? Do you obey Him? Do you worship Him?

If we, as individuals, line ourselves up with GOD & His plan for our lives--true revival will break out & a move of GOD such as has never been witnessed before will saturate these United States. Our daily prayer should be, "Lord, send a revival & let it begin in me."

Blessings!
Tony