Three Crossroads

This morning Val and I heard and excellent message from Dr. Mark Rutland, President of Oral Roberts University regarding Three Crossroads.

The first ‘Crossroad’ comes from Deuteronomy 2: 1-2 as follows:

“1 Then we turned back and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea,[a] as the LORD had directed me. For a long time we made our way around the hill country of Seir.

2 Then the LORD said to me, 3 “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.”

These are times in our lives when the Lord wants us to completely change our direction in life and follow his leading. Dr. Rutland pointed out, for example, an angry father needing to turn away from his anger that is harming himself and his family. Or, in my case, how God had me do a simple act like drop the dating sites I was on and going to Christian Mingle – this lead me to my beautiful bride Valerie, moving to Florida from Ohio, and a new job. This did carry a price as I do miss Will, Victoria, Peter and seeing mom. God has blessed me with the opportunity to see all of them several times in the past couple of months of which I am grateful for !

The second “Crossroad” comes from Acts 16: 6-10

“6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”

I would say this can best be described by the phrase ‘God has closed the door’. The Holy Spirit directed Paul not to go to Asia – we really don’t know why. But Paul was directed to Macedonia to preach the gospel to them.

The clearest examples I can give are from my own life. I diligently looked for a job for over 2 ½ years having applied to close to 900 times with a multitude of interviews – even flying me out of state. I was faithful and persistent in praying along with my family and friends. During this time I was also looking for a soul mate. So many dates with a lot of nice women - I did find bits and pieces of what I was looking for along the way. But never that ‘Proverbs 31’ woman who I couldn’t live without. God was telling me during this time that my job search and soul mate search were related. But the doors remained shut until January 27th this year when I met Val – we were so perfectly matched by God and knew each other so well we got married February 11th – 15 days latter (which by the grace of Jesus Christ our love grows for each other daily – we have never been happier in our lives !) and a job offer three hours after my interview – to God be the glory !

The third “Crossroad” comes from John 21: 1-13

" 1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.”

We all remember Peter telling Jesus that he would never leave him. Jesus told him that he would deny him three times. And Peter did so – twice while warming his hands over a charcoal fire and once even cursing (John 18: 15-18, 25-26). And immediately the rooster crowed. Peter knew exactly what this meant and was so ashamed - he hid missing the crucifixion. But as we read in the scripture above Jesus welcomed him not with condemnation but with open arms – even making breakfast over a charcoal fire. Dr. Rutland pointed out that there are only two places in scripture where it mentions ‘charcoal fire’ – during Peter’s denial and Jesus preparing the fish for them in John 21.

Peter denied Jesus pretty much in person – not once but three times, wasn’t there for the crucifixion, and pretty much felt unforgivable. And Jesus forgave him. Wow. What a grievous sin but what radical forgiveness. And guess what? I have been there as well - just like Peter I felt unworthy of forgiveness. But Jesus practices radical forgiveness ! Amen !

In closing, Dr. Rutland told us that a major magazine conducted a survey of what American’s would like to hear from other people.. In order they were “I love you”, “I forgive you”, and “Supper is ready”. He pointed out that he as a unworthy yet ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ says to his congregation “I love you” , by the authority of Jesus as commanded in scripture “I forgive you”, and distributing the elements of the Lord’s Supper “Supper is ready”.

Thank you Jesus for your blessings to overflowing!

"Revelation" by Third Day

"My life has led me down the road that’s so uncertain
And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Tryin’ to find my way, tryin’ to find the faith that’s gone

This time, I know that you are holding all the answers
I’m tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem,
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

My life has led me down this path that’s ever winding
Through every twist and turn I’m always finding,
That I am lost again (I am lost again)
Tell me when this road will ever end
Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without

I don’t know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won’t You show me where I need to go
Oh oh
Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it’s the only way that I can get back home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

Oh, give me a revelation

I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You"