If I Could Spend 30 Minutes With You

If I could spend 30 minutes with you ... I am certain that I could talk to you about photography until I was blue in the face. However, I would rather tell you something really important to me instead.

Blogging really isn't like knowing people in your neighborhood. We may know some people in our blog world more than others but we still tend to remain strangers. You might discover that I like photography or that I own a dog (albeit 90% rat, 10% terrier) but we still remain strangers. We don't really discover what makes each other tick.

If I had that 30 mintutes with you I would want to tell you what gives me real joy in my life.

Life hasn't dealt me aces. I have had my share of trials and my share of blessings. At this moment, I am nearly 54. I am happily married now 32 years. I am unemployed after a 25 year career in one company and another 10 years of work in several places prior to that career. I have 5 grown children, 6 grandchildren and another on the way. We had 17 consecutive years with a high school student living in our home. One of my children deals with a life long disability that requires 65k in medication per year. The road has had many bumps and bruises but I also know that I have seen God's provision through it all. I just want you to understand that I DO know pain and I have seen life's setbacks. I don't have big a 401k and I haven't won a lottery. I have wondered many times why things appeared to be going so badly in my life but looking back I am really convinced that we have seen the goodness of the Lord!

If you know Jesus and are going through a tough period, make sure you run to the Lord quickly. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He is faithful. We have seen this over and over and I would talk to you at length in specific ways God has shown up during our trials.

If you do not know the Lord, I would have so much more to say to you.

As I mentioned before ... in most cases we don't really know each other in the blog world. We have had no past life together and we may really only know a few facts about each other in the "somewhat" present life. But, we certainly have no depth of relationship.

I want to speak of the future ... because it is really the only part of life in which we might be able to say hello and talk to each other. Here is the good news that is available in Christ alone.

You and I can live forever in eternity with Jesus. AND we can actually KNOW we are going there RIGHT NOW! And that is very very good news!

The world has tried to crush the good news of Jesus Christ. Satan wants you to think that you do not need Christ. Satan wants you to think that ignoring Christ means you won't be held accountable by rejecting Christ in the process. Satan wants you to ignore Christ and run your own life. He wants you to think that if there is a heaven, surely you are good enough to get there on your own. Satan is and has always been a liar!

Get your Bible! Seriously, go find that old dusty copy of the Bible that great-gramma used to read. I want you to get a copy of God's word in front of you if you can to read these things for yourself. What I am about to say is not my oppinion. It is in your Bible. I am only showing you where to find these things quickly. I am using an English Standard Version Bible but use the version you have to read these words for yourself or check them out later after reading. The words may be a bit different but the meaning is the same.

Here is the central message in the Bible.
1 - You were made in God's image. Read Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
That was a good plan! Uh, so ..., what happened?

2 - Sin separated you from God. Read Isaiah 59:2
but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
Who sinned?

3 - You and I and everyone we know. Read Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
What's the penalty?

4 - Death is the result of sin! Read Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Then what?

5 - Judgment! Read Hebrews 9:27
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Why don't you think I'll be "good enough" for heaven?

6 - Because God does not grade on a curve! Read Matthew 5:48
You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Let's pause here for a moment.
I agree. So far, ... this is really really really bad news.
None of us are "good enough" because being "good enough" isn't the way to heaven. God knew there was nothing that we could do to meet His requirement of perfection after we had become sinners.
Many people make the worst error by simply believeing they are "good enough" when God clearly says that we could do nothing to save ourselves. God requires perfection and He isn't lowering the bar! That's why He offers you a gift to accept that IS perfection.
If we could save ourselves then Christ died for nothing! Read Galatians 2:21, it says, I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
God made a way for us because there was no way that man could earn salvation. His mercy and grace made a way. God loved us so much he gave His only Son, Jesus. Read John 3:16! THAT'S how messed up sin really made us in God's sight. Sin IS serious. And God will punish anyone who does not meet His requirement.

So, how do we get to heaven from all this mess?

7- FAITH! Read Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Faith in what?

8 - JESUS! Read John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
How?

9 - CONFESS! Read Romans 10:9
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
That's how we get to God?

10 - YES! JESUS paid for your sin! Read 1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
So, that IS good news! What's the next move?

11- You need to make a decision. Read Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Jesus wants to enter your life. He wants to make himself known to you in a personal relationship. Right now, Jesus is asking you to open the door of your heart and let Him in. He won't force his way in because he created you with the ability to choose. That ability to choose is part of being created in the image of God. What will you choose to do with Jesus?

Well, what are my options?

12 - Receive the Gift / Reject or Ignore the Gift. Read 1 John 5:11-13
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.
You mean I can know I have eternal life?

13 - Yes! You have passed from death to life! Read John 5:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Now that really IS good news!

14 - It sure IS! Don't DELAY! Read 2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

I pray that you will answer that door. Jesus is knocking. You don't know if you will ever stand at this place again in your life. I pray that you will invite Jesus to take control of your life. I pray that you will make Him Lord right now.

You can pray this right now to accept Jesus' payment for your sins and to make Him your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. Please forgive me for all my sins.
Thank you for showing me how much I need you.
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.
Thank you for providing a way for me to live eternally with you.
Make me clean and help me to start a fresh life with you.
I want to accept your gift of salvation and make you my Lord and Savior.
Help me to live each day for you and to pray to you when I stumble in sin.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Becoming a Christian is just the beginning of an exciting new journey. Jesus called this experience being "born again in John Chapter 3. You have now begun a personal relationship with God as your Heavenly Father. You will never be alone again. If you asked Jesus into your life, the Holy Spirit came into your heart and He will begin to change you over a period of time. The Holy Spirit will now help you understand the Bible more and more. He is now your counselor and He will guide your path to truth. The Holy Spirit will help you to live each day for God and to learn to accept the changes that will begin to happen in your life. You can now depend on His strength and power to help you to grow as a Christian.

What's next?

Here are some things that will help you begin to see these changes in your life.
1. Tell someone. Confess Jesus to someone you know. Tell them that you believe in Christ!
2. Get yourself a Bible and start reading the Gospel of John every day. Try to read as much as possible but ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it means.
3. Talk to God. Pray! Tell Him how great He is for giving you eternal life! Confess your sins to Him when you still sin. He forgives! Thank Him for the good things you have in your life. Ask Him for help to live for Him and for your needs. Talk to Him because He is now your friend and He loves you so much and He can do anything to help you.
4. Find a church where they teach the Bible and encourage YOU to read it daily. Find other Christians and tell them about your decision to follow Jesus! Find a church that has small groups where you can begin to find new friends to talk to about your faith and life.
5. Simply share your faith with your friends. You have discovered the riches of eternity with Christ and you will want your friends with you. Read Romans 1:16. I am not ashamed of the gospel or Jesus! Tell them how much He loves them! You don't need all the answers! No one has all the answers. I can tell you that I was blind and now I see!
6. Find 1st Corinthians 10:13 in your Bible and memorize it. This is one of the most important verses to learn when you become a believer in Christ. After you memorize it, find more verses to learn. Start with the verses on the photo diagram attached to this post. If you need more, keep going ... here are some more VERSES that will help you grow.
7. Want to study more on your own? Find a book called “Growing In Christ (with Lessons on Assurance and Lessons on Christian Living)” by NavPress. It is a thirteen week study that includes the following topics: Assurance of Salvation, Assurance of Answered Prayer, Assurance of Victory over Sin, Assurance of Forgiveness, Assurance of Guidance, Putting Christ First, His Strength, God’s Word, Love, Giving, The Church, Good Works, and Witnessing.
8. Want even more after that? You think I'm surprised? No, I am NOT! Find a book called "Who I Am In Christ" by Neil T. Anderson.

No matter what you study in God's Word, ask yourself these questions!
a. What did the chapter content say to me?
b. Was there something in the content that exposed an area in which I need to grow in faith or trust?
c. How can I apply this content to my daily living?

I will try to help you with anything you need. If you are looking for a church and need help let me know but the Holy Spirit will guide you if you ask Him for help. Pray for help in all things! What a God! He is right with you.
I hope this has been the very best 30 minutes we could ever have together. This is where my heart is for you! I care for you deeply and wish you the very best in Christ. If you accepted Christ, we will meet someday ... and when we do ... it will be glorious to worship the King of kings with you!

As bloggers ...
We had no past,
We had no present,
... but in Christ alone, even bloggers can know each other!
We can have eternity!

May God bless you with the knowledge of His Son, JESUS!
nikonsniper steve

Thoughts At Easter

Following the resurrection, Jesus appeared on many occasions to His disciples and He also appeared to as many as 500 people at the same time. Paul testified to these events and eventually gave his own life refusing to deny his eyewitness testimony to the risen Savior. Paul had formerly persecuted Christians and had even given approval for the killing of some of them, Then Paul met Jesus and discovered He had indeed risen!

Paul stated the truth of the resurrection in his letter to the Corinthians in this way: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:3-6).

At the end of Jesus’ ministry here on earth, He met with the disciples on a mountain near Galilee for the last time before ascending into heaven. Jesus gave the disciples some final instructions at this meeting. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19, 20)

Notice that Jesus did not say to do this, “if you feel like it”, or “if it’s convenient”, or “if you are a good public speaker”, or “if you will be treated well”, or “if you are perfect. Notice that this is a command to those who believe in Christ, not an option to excuse yourself from doing.

That is to say that Jesus knew the disciples:
a. wouldn’t always feel like it.
b. wouldn’t always find it convenient.
c. weren’t all great public speakers.
d. wouldn’t always be treated well.
e. and … were never going to be perfect.

In fact, Jesus knew they would be terrified at times, travel great journeys to find a willing ear, would be jailed, persecuted, tortured at various times and ways, and would eventually give their lives for making such a bold proclamation of truth.

Now in America like no previous time in human history, the message of Christ is shunned. The good news of Jesus payment for our sins is rejected more and more … even though more people than ever in America call themselves Christians. Isn’t this a bit odd?

Perhaps calling yourself a Christian and really believing in Christ are two very different things.

If you were driving home late at night in a winter storm on a 2 lane highway and you saw several cars approaching you flashing their lights like crazy …

You might say to yourself, “Hmmm, I believe there is danger ahead” and yet you might continue on your way approaching the danger exactly the same as before.
OR …
You might slow down, tell anyone in the car with you that there may be danger ahead, turn on your flashers, drive with your foot gently over the brake, turn down the blaring music, stop drinking your mug of coffee, end your phone conversation … and even stop texting.

Hey, here’s another quick question to think about. Would you be angry at the guys flashing their lights at you from the approaching cars in the storm or would you be glad they cared enough to do so? Just a question!

I believe that both of these drivers could say they believed there was danger ahead. But I believe that really only one of the drivers believed. Would you agree?

Perhaps, it would interest you to know that the Bible teaches there is a difference between these two “believers”. We all know talk is cheap … but somehow we might think we can fool God with lip service.
Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-23).

WOW! Powerful statement. Jesus said that. Who cares what I think! Nothing I think really matters but Jesus Christ made that declaration. I submit to you that THAT matters and that we ought to be mindful of His words.

I guess I am saying this:
First of all, I care enough to risk saying this to you (maybe I’m the guy flashing my lights). And IF I say I really care … and IF I say I really believe there is danger ahead … shouldn’t I be flashing my lights?
You could be sitting in a house that is on fire.
You might smell the smoke.
You might feel the heat.
You might hear the crackling furniture in the next room.
You might even see the brightness of flames flickering off walls in that room.
But I don’t think you really believe the house is on fire unless you move on your instincts and get out.

This means that belief without action is dead.

The Bible declared this is a similar way. In James 2:14, it says, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?
I believe this can be applied by saying … something like, what good is it to say you believe the house is on fire if you are unwilling to do something about it?

If you know that deep down in your heart, your faith in Jesus Christ isn’t changing the way you live in any way, then I pray that you would consider these words and seek to change that. I pray that you would commit yourself anew or perhaps for the very first time to actively seek what Jesus would have you do for Him. I pray that when you one day stand before Jesus you are able to hear him say, Well done my good and faithful servant.

Lord bless you and all your family during the celebration of Easter.

He has risen! What glory! What a Savior!

NikonSniper Steve

Where Is Your Source Of Strength?

Your Name

Out Of School But I Still Have Homework

All Glory! International Version

I could tell you about the people that helped put this video together and a bit more about the talented people performing the music but I think that would completely miss the point, that ...
ALL glory, ALL honor, ALL wisdom, strength and power
are the LORD'S ALONE FOREVER!

I Must Tell You About Jesus

I'm selling out for Jesus. The world offers nothing better!

I wonder, ... who will you wish you had told about Jesus? I know that’s a provoking question. It provokes me!

Imagine that eighty years from now you are in heaven. I believe 80 years would be long enough to place all reading this post into the afterlife, the state of eternity. So, imagine that you are in heaven and pondering the days of your “earthlife” and thinking about whom you wish you had clearly told about Jesus. Who would that be?

Perhaps, it will be someone who did make it to heaven. Perhaps, it will be someone in heaven ... but they were completely unaware that Jesus meant anything to you at all when you were here on earth. Or worse, perhaps it will be someone eternally lost.

I have some people in mind as I write this post. I have some regret as I think about past relationships and our encounters in life’s journey. Many are people that God is still placing on my heart to pray for and look for an opportunity in the future to tell them about Jesus.

I understand this line of questions may seem strange to you. After all, ... won’t all the good people be in heaven?

The Bible teaches that the basis of receiving eternal life is by faith and that it is found by believing in Christ alone. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” Eternal life is a gift that is accepted or rejected. It is not earned in any way by what we do.

If you think about it, ... salvation that is by faith and not by works is actually really good news! Consider your life and think, ... Do I really want to stand before God on the basis of what I have done? Many people think they will be ok because they meet their own standard of "goodness". That isn't God's standard!

Find a Bible and read Matthew Chapter 5 for a better glimpse of God's standards. See verse 48, God requires perfection and I know there is none that meet that standard. God knew that we were hopeless and helpless to save ourselves.

SO, because God knew WE could do nothing worthy of salvation, He offered his perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus paid it all when we could do nothing. God knew we had no way to approach Him based on our filthy rags of effort. So God in His love, did not spare His Son, but gave Him as an offering for us so that we might be able to receive salvation. The question for all of us is, ... What have we believed about His Son? Have we received this offering from God or are we avoiding His offer and trying to find our own way?

In trying to find your own way, you are rejecting Christ. How do you think God will feel about you rejecting His Son after He allowed Him to die for you?

Followers of Christ have the truth to tell a dying world without hope.

It is love that compels me to make my plea to you to receive the gift of God, ... Jesus!

Most people are living their lives without regard for Christ. In doing so, many are wishing and hoping that they will be "good enough" to go to heaven, … when getting to heaven isn’t achieved on the basis of being "good enough".

Eternal life is offered to you on the basis of receiving Christ. (See Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9, John 3:16, John 14:6, Acts 4:12).

As believers, we need to invest time and effort telling our friends of the good news of life found in Jesus. Too often we muzzle speaking about greatest thing that has ever happened to us.

If I really believe in Jesus, … and if I really have experienced his love and forgiveness, … and if I know He is unlimited in His capacity and ability to love and save the lost, … shouldn’t I be willing to tell THAT to someone I call a friend?

YES, I believe in Jesus … and for good reason. And no, ... I didn’t have to commit intellectual suicide to come to a position of faith in Christ. The evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is incredible. And you can experience new life in Christ today … and eternal life in Him forever!

I want to be the kind of guy that tells you about Jesus. I don't want to be the guy who is too quiet and too reserved to offer you the hope found only in Christ.

I want to encourage those of you who believe in the Son of God to lovingly reach out to that friend of yours. Pray that God will give you the strength, humility, courage and boldness to speak up for Him in a world of hurting people. If I refer to anyone as my friend, … shouldn’t I be willing to pass on Jesus to them?

I am making a list. I know there are people I need to tell about Jesus! This post was for me too! Speaking up requires living by faith. Some of you knew me for years and I may have tried to communicate my faith to you but I fumbled at communicating it to you in a way you could understand. But I want to move on from those failures and live my days to tell others gracefully about the truth that is in Christ alone. I am praying for each pair of eyes that will read these words.

God bless you.

NikonSniper Steve

No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus

The words to this song have meant more and more to me as I have aged. Even tonight as I am living under a fair amount of stress I can still find relief knowing God is in control.

If I could only spend an hour with you ... I could talk about photography ... if that's all you would allow.
BUT, I guess I would rather simply tell you how Jesus has made my life joyous even in the dark trials of life. Jesus has changed my life and I am convinced that no matter how dark your situation ... Jesus can and will change your life too if you'll let Him.

Here are the words to the song, "No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus".

I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true;
I would tell you how He changed my life completely,
He did something that no other friend could do.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
O how much He cared for me.

All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me,
All my heart was full of misery and woe;
Jesus placed His strong and loving arms about me,
And He led me in the way I ought to go.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
O how much He cared for me.

Ev'ry day He comes to me with new assurance,
More and more I understand His words of love;
But I'll never know just why He came to save me,
Till some day I see His blessed face above.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
O how much He cared for me.

13 Minutes About Jesus

Would you listen to 13 minutes about Jesus?

The older I get the more I see and experience the harsh reality that this world is out to get you. This life is full of tough struggles. There are lightening bolts that hit every age group. Heartache and disappointment knock on everyone's door sooner or later. You could very easily be in a world of tough stuff right now. Perhaps you unemployed or under-employed? How do you cope with life now? Is it working?
Jesus is greatest story ever told. Some consider Him a crutch that weak people need to get through their Mondays. I know Him to be quite different than that. Jesus is alive and well and will return to reign as King of Kings on this earth! Jesus permanently changes hundreds of thousands of lives all over the world every year. The more that a nation experiences oppression, the more you see evidence of Jesus delivering freedom. People are being set free by Jesus as every hour passes. Just take 13 minutes and listen to Andy Stanley speak about The Message of Jesus. New life always begins by trusting and making a simple step to follow that lead. I challenge you to investigate Jesus for yourself.
Praying for you! May the Lord God of heaven and earth bless you all with abundant life!
NikonSniper Steve

Wanna hear more?
The Message of Jesus II,
The Message of Jesus III,
The Message of Jesus IV,
The Message of Jesus V,
The Message of Jesus VI