Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Romans 14:11-12

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God. So then, everyone will give account of him/herself” (Romans 14:11-12)

I was just out of basic training and in my first week of tech school at Chanute AFB. It was Friday evening and I was happy to have the free time. Something compelled me to look at the bulletin board. There was a KP duty roster. What got my attention was the name at the top of the list: “Amos.” I had about twenty minutes to get there. Soon I was standing before a pile of potatoes.

I knew a minister who was relaxing at home one Saturday when he heard a knock at the door. He was a little embarrassed because it was getting late in the day and he hadn’t bothered to clean up. At the door was a man in a tuxedo who had a question: “Pastor, everyone is waiting at the church; are you coming to the wedding?” That would be a nightmare for me.

Lent has begun. These forty days are a time of soul examination and doing whatever is necessary to be prepared for Easter and the life it brings. Easter Sundays come and go, but there is a day coming that we only get one opportunity to experience, and we must be ready.

It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God. So then, everyone will give account of him/herself” (Romans 14:11-12)

Some people try to “not believe that away,” but the day will come when believe it or not; we will be in His presence.

What would the world look like if we wanted Heaven as much as God wants us to have it? Lent reminds us of what a price He paid so that we can be forgiven and spend eternity with Him and our faithful loved ones who await our arrival.

When it comes to judgment, “Perfect Love cast out all fear.” The fear of that day is only for those who refuse to prepare for JOY. Faithful living in this life is getting ready for a celebration in the life to come. “You have been faithful over a few things…Enter the Master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:23)

Lent reminds us that these are “getting ready” days.

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray 3/8/2019

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