Month: April 2026

An American Bible scholar and pastor was asked in the 1800’s if he could sum up the entire Bible in a single sentence. This is what he said, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” That is the reason the Bible is such an important part of our Christian life.  Skeptics point out that the 66 books of the Bible were written by more than 50 people over a span of thousands of years. So how can it be the complete and infallible Word of God? The answer is simple. Every writer was inspired to write every word by  the one true author, God’s Holy Spirit. How do I  know this?   

How else would Moses know about the Creation described at the beginning of Genesis? How else were other Old Testament writers able to predict the birth, life, death and resurrection  of God’s Son in human form? How else was John able to describe the direct role Jesus played in Creation in the first chapter of his Gospel and reveal His message to believers in Revelation from Heaven> How else did Saul of Tarsus, prosecutor of Christians, become the Apostle Paul establishing churches and writing most of the New Testament before being executed for his faith.

I have received many humorous and interesting stories that begin with someone dying and standing at the pearly gate with Saint Peter.  I don’t know if my friends are sending me a smile or preparing me for that encounter. All I want is to hear Jesus say, “Well done” and then meet with my loved ones who are already there. Nevertheless, I want to share this modern parable with you.

A long time U.S. Senator was talking on his phone and stepped in front of a bus and found himself with Saint Peter at the pearly gate. Peter welcomed him and said God had a special arrangement for him. He will spend one day in Hell and one day in Heaven and then choose where he will spend eternity. Then he led him to an elevator for his trip down to Hell for a day. When it stopped and the door opened, he saw a beautiful golf course and country club. There at the first tee were his old cronies who died earlier. They enjoyed a great round of golf and then their closed changed to formal wear as they entered the club for a delicious dinner  They all lit up huge cigars and continued to discuss old days until Satan said his day was over and sent him back up to Peter. The pearly gate was opened and an angel took him on a tour of Heaven. It was more beautiful and peaceful than he could ever imagine, but he knew few people and those who knew him were shocked to see him even for a day. When that day ended and he was asked for his decision, he chose Hell where he was more comfortable. Peter took him to an elevator with just a down button and sent him on his way. This time when the door opened, he only saw fire, brimstone and his naked friends screaming in agony. He turned to Satan and asked what happened? Satan replied, “You of all people should know, the election is over and I have your vote.”

Truth is, Heaven is much better than we can imagine and Hell is much worse than Satan wants us to know. Each of us has been given the choice between eternity in Heaven or Hell, but the deadline for our vote is while we are still alive in this world. I made my choice 72 years ago in Vacation Bible School at age 11,  when I vowed to believe in and follow Jesus into Heaven as I have watched others believe the lies of Satan and follow him into Hell. My friend, if your heart is beating and lungs are breathing you can change your eternal destination today. Read John chapter 3 , believe in and follow Jesus into God’s presence to pray and worship and then into Heaven when you die. That is one vote, one choice, you will never regret.

I learned at a young age the true value of time spent with someone who cares about you. Although they are no longer with me physically, I still cherish the time my parents gave me and all of the time my wife and J gave to each other. When you give your time and attention to someone, you are giving them a piece of your life you can never get back. Ironically, as I have less time left at 83, I am even more willing to to share my remaining time with others who need it. That is because I have found human contact and interaction are just as valuable as my time.

I am posting this on Easter Sunday morning, Oh I know, many Christians call it Resurrection Sunday and want to separate out pagan practices associated with Easter. I intend to celebrate it all today in the Christian way. Because I know Father God and not a mythical mother nature created the Earth and the seasons. I also know that an empty tomb and not an Easter egg or Easter bunny is a sign of new life spiritually or physically. The truth is that it is God who fills my basket with goodies every day, not just today. I plan to thank and praise God for everything today, including chocolate, marshmallow and after Easter sale prices.