Life is a River

Life is a River

12/5/1022

A long time ago an acquaintance of mine encouraged me to follow my instincts about the reality of my situation, and I looked to God who I had heard about in Sunday school. I looked up to the night sky from the roof of my hotel and simply said. “Lord, help me!”

Continuing on in my life I eventually came to a place of true repentance — “…not my brother or my sister but it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer…Not my mother or my father , but it’s me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer…” On my knees, pleading for Jesus to forgive me and come into my life, He did, and I got to my feet feeling completely forgiven, cleansed, joyful in a newness, a freshness in my life from the inside out.

As your acquaintance, perhaps if you consider me a friend, consider what I say.

Jesus became my redeemer and friend. I did not really believe in God, but hoped He existed. He did and does exist, and did and does reward me for continuing to seek Him in earnest. He will do the same for you. I haven’t the slightest idea how God does what He does, but Jesus is always around whenever I need Him, even if it is when I simply need someone to talk to. There’s probably no reason you should believe what I am saying to you, but maybe there is some sense, some instinct you have that tells you God actually does exist and maybe you should turn to ask, “God, I cannot see you, hear you, or touch you, but this guy says I should call on you. My life isn’t all I hoped it to be. Please open my eyes so I can see You and my ears so that I can hear You.”

Say whatever is on your mind or in your heart. Be honest and open is all. The most important action is that a person starts to direct their attention toward the God of the Bible, even though you have not ever experienced this so-called Jesus of Nazareth. (I know you have heard of Him, and no matter what others might say to discourage you, go directly to the top.)

You might not know me or see me or believe me, but you must know I exist — not as an AI but as a real person with at least some intelligence.

*****

Poet. Redeemer. Friend. Listen, as if for the first time, to what this man, Jesus, said, noting that “bless” means to grant a favor by giving a gift from God, the gift of inner happiness. Yes. Listen to Matthew in his writing in Matthew 5 :

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (New Living Translation)

Beautiful. Isn’t it?

Hard to believe? A pipedream? A fantasy? Uh-uh.

That’s why Jesus calls it work! Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” and also Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Yes. A bit of work. But a huge amount of reward. Jesus is “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

It’s a bit of a walk for sure. But the scenery is sure nice!

Take the first step: Consider Jesus.