"This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it"

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Patience

Patience be a virtue
Patience lets ye bend
But,if ye don't got patience,
Ye not make happy friend.

Patience hard to come by
Patience ain't no fun
But, if ye got no patience
Ye just be on de run

Patience in no hurry
Patience take it's time
But, if ye don't got patience
De mouth does double time

So git yeself some patience
Try relax wee bit
Cause if ye got no patience
Ye take humungous fit!

c.mcgrath

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The rich man and Lazarus

 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”...Luke 6:19-31

This is not a story about the rich and the poor. Or, that rich people go to hell and poor to heaven. That would be ridiculous. There's much more to this story than I can fathom, I'm sure. What I'll say will be simple, because I'm a simple guy. I'll leave the scholarly unpacking to the scholar.

This is a story told by Jesus. Jesus believes in Hades (Hell). He talked often about it in Scripture. He died and rose again, so we wouldn't have to end up there. So... He thinks it's an important subject.
This is also a story we see playing out today all around us. People living it up with seemingly not a care in the world, just because they have a few dollars in their bank accounts.
Just like the rich man and his brothers, people everywhere aren't listening to the watchmen on the walls. They're being warned continually about what's coming. They had Moses and the prophets to listen to. People today, especially in North America, have no excuse. The Truth is being preached from many pulpits,(not all pulpits, but many), tv & radio stations, internet, blogs, facebook accounts, twitter, etc, etc. But, they don't listen. I'm convinced just as Jesus said that "even if one returned from the dead, they would not listen". They'd just explain it all away with their self-proclaimed intellect. After all, the Bible is just an outdated man-written book anyway, they think.

It's a shame, because there's a world of hurt coming to all those who have rejected Jesus for the temporary fulfillment this world has to offer. Or, they've become steeped in religious activity and gospel of good works, rather than faith in the finished work of the Crucified and Risen Christ. You think the Bible is a man-made book of fairy tales. You think that because you don't believe it, read about it or hear it, you'll have that as an excuse if and when you stand before God. You're wrong, and you're believing the lies of Satan. You'll be held accountable for what you COULD have known...had you the will to listen.

"For He(God) says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."... 2 Corinthians 6:2

The time is now! Don't be like the rich man who waited until it was too late. He was more concerned with the gifts, than the Giver of all gifts. This is for all the marbles; there's too much to lose and everything to gain. Time is getting short.

Accept Jesus while He may be found. He doesn't want your money and you won't turn into a weirdo. He wants all of you so you can become all you were meant to be when He created you. You won't be a wimp or turn into a goody two shoes like you've been led to believe. You won't have to wear a robe  and sandals and walk around with a pious look on your face. You won't need to don sackcloth and ashes. You'll just be loved and forgiven and have peace of mind about where you'll spend eternity. You'll have someone to do life with. Someone who will never leave or forsake you.
A simple prayer of "LORD save me!" will suffice if it's genuine, and comes from a repentant heart. He'll know. You won't fool Him. He only wants you and a relationship with you, and for you to glorify Him in all that you do. Give your life to Jesus so He can live and work through you to tell others of His love for them. He doesn't promise life will be easy. You will face rejection just as He did. He does promise to see you through whatever comes your way though. And...the retirement benefits are out of this world, lasting forever! The Bible says so! I believe it!

Today is the day of salvation...Don't put if off!

c.mcgrath

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Mothers Day!

Mothers we all know are a special breed,
They're often found tending someone in need.
Mothers we all have in one way or another,
And yes, they'll stand by you, more so than a brother.

Mothers like everything come in all stripes,
Some good and some bad, some playing bagpipes.
They grow old too soon, and their clothes often clash,
But that's not so bad, it helps mask their moustache.

So if you have a mother, and I'm quite sure you do,
Just think of the many things she's done for you.
The love and devotion and all that attention,
So on Mothers Day, the moustache don't mention!

Happy Mothers Day Ma!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

You're loved always

It matters not what people think,
some say you're great, others say you stink.
It matters not what they might say,
carpe diem, just seize the day.

In God's image, we've all been made,
a plan for all of us He's laid.
Some plans are big, and some are small,
but we're all needed, one and all.

So if by chance you be feeling low,
get on your knees and before God go.
He'll whisper this any nights or days,
Fret not my child, you're loved always...

cmcgrath

I once

I once thought I wouldn't see this day.
I once helped someone bring in their hay,
I once even thought I'd run away.

I once had firm teeth now they're loose,
I once even tried to shoot a goose.
I once could see but now for naught,
I once was stealth but now get caught.

I once had muscle now it's all fat,
I once worked out, so much for that.
I once had abs but now they're gone,
I once almost even wrote a song.

I once could run and jump about,
I once could even raise a shout.
I once thought I'd have all the time,
I once a mountain almost did climb.

I once thought there'd be lots to do,
I once even heard a cow go moooo.
I once was thin but now I'm round,
I once was lost but now I'm found.

I once thought there was no point,
I once had my big nose way out of joint.
I once didn't think I could be made new,
I once found Jesus and now I do.

I once thought this poem would never end,
I once thought some steel I'd like to bend.
I once thought I'd bid you all adieu,
I once thought all this, while on the loo...

cmcgrath

Monday, April 23, 2012

I spent some time with God today

I spent some time with God today,
the time was very well spent.
We sorted out at least one thing,
The time just came and went.
I asked Him why so many,
just won't heed His call.
He said, they just can't see,
the writing on the wall.
Satan has them blinded,
and if they would only see.
They'd throw aside all his lies,
come running straight to me.
I have done all I can for them,
So I can do no more.
I sacrificed my sinless Son,
He is the open door.
I said I felt discouraged,
it's as if they've all gone deaf.
He said my son don't worry,
there's many out there yet.
The harvest will be plenty,
and some just won't be reached.
They'd rather live their lives in sin,
than hear the Gospel preached.
So just keep putting out my Word,
and let it point the way.
Some will hear, and some steer clear,
and some come home to stay...

cmcgrath

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear".....2 Timothy 4: 2-3

Sunday, April 22, 2012

That trumpet you'll soon hear blow...

Wake up! wake up! the time is near.
The Lord is coming soon.
Get ready to meet Him in the air,
Could be midday, night or noon.

One day that trumpet's gonna blow,
And only the saved will hear.
Come up hither, Jesus will say,
That day is very near.

It matters not you don't believe,
It will happen anyway.
It matters not the plans you've weaved,
DO NOT miss that day!

Position, fortune, prestige or fame,
Won't matter in the least.
It's what you've done with Jesus Christ,
Your ticket to the feast.

The marriage supper of the Lamb,
You DO NOT want to miss.
To rule and reign with Jesus Christ,
A future of heavenly bliss.

So set your sights on things above,
The time is very near.
Don't miss the best that is to come,
And settle for less that's here.

If you don't know Jesus as LORD,
Your Savior He can be.
But, turn your back, laugh and scoff,
You're on your own you see.

For God is Holy, we are not,
In His presence we can't stand.
Unless with Jesus we enter in,
We're up the creek! Understand?

Just ask Him in to cleanse your sin,
Your heart, He'll make it glow.
People around will see you change,
And, that trumpet? You'll soon hear blow!

c.mcgrath