I recall in my early twenties people saying, “You’re really going to make a preacher when you get older.” Now that I’m in my 70’s they say, “I bet you were some preacher when you were younger.”
Have you failed to meet others’ expectations? Some folks are miserable because they’ve never felt good about themselves. They’ve always been second fiddle, last to be picked for the team, or fourth place in a three-person race. I was looking at my Florida Christian College yearbook yesterday and saw my picture with Edward Fudge and others. We were giving speeches to the student body in an election for Freshman Class President. I lost. (Edward won.)
In spite of my last place finishes, I’m not a loser! In fact, I’ve already won at life. I’m not a big shot. I’m just a little shot that kept on shooting. I never gave up on seeking the Lord. At my age, seventy-none-of-your-business, I’m still like a kid in a candy store when it comes to the Word of God. I want more! When it comes to my relationship with God, I want more. I just keep plugging away. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
I’ve won the greatest prize any person could win. I can boldly step without fear into the presence of God. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-23).
When everything’s said and done, when it’s all over, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Knowing Jesus will put you on the first team, heaven-bound, and in the best company ever. Jesus makes this possible. He makes it available for everyone who calls on His name and humbly submits to His Lordship.
By the way, if you’ve never become part of His family, He’s still knocking at the door of your heart. Open the door and let Him in!
I concur! And, my opinion carries credibility since I was there and watched the faith in young Rick and watched it grow and never waiver over the years. His heart is in searching the heart of God and digging in the Word for spiritual truth! As a human still struggling through this world like the rest of us his focus is fixed on the Lord. Thanks to my (much) older brother for standing firm in faith while wading through difficult times and crossing over high mountains and through low valleys to stand for the truth of God and sharing joy in the peace that passes all understanding!
And, since Rick’s message gives God the glory, and reaches out to others who need to bow their knees, obey and follow the Lord, well – I also add that it’s time for those who never have done so – to humbly and gratefully answer the knock at the door and let Him in.
I needed this tonight Rick. I just finished reading Heaven is Real. Literally, just finished it 5 minutes ago. Guess I still feel unworthy and that how could God really forgive my sins. I know he died for our sins, but when it comes to my sins some are unforgivable. I enjoy reading your spiritual viewpoints. You are so special to me! Glad we are related!!!