The After-Oakdale Chronicles

a great day to love others.

“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  Matthew 22:39 NIV

God gave mankind many gifts, many talents, and many skills.

He made us seemingly without limit in our ability to develop technologies and products that are extremely complex and require a tremendous amount of education, thought, and expertise. He gave us the ability to develop an almost incomprehensible array of vehicles with which to traverse the land, the oceans, the sky, and even space itself.

In spite of all of these God-given gifts, talents, and skills which enable us to achieve ever-increasing levels in science and technology, manufacturing and production, education, medicine, and building, we sometimes seem at a loss to fully comprehend the simple concept of loving our fellow man.

Perhaps the concept itself is so simplistic in nature that we automatically diminish its significance and deny its importance.

Jesus Christ did not think it was insignificant or unimportant. In fact, when asked by the Pharisees what He thought was the most important commandment in the Law of Moses, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV).

If that, in and of itself, is not enough to demonstrate the importance of loving your neighbor, Jesus went on to say, “The entire law and all of the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:40 NLT).

So, not only did Jesus say that loving your neighbor is important, He placed it second only to showing love to God Himself in terms of importance and significance.

Jesus was not referring only to those who live in close proximity to us, of course. To God, the entire world that He created is a very small place and all of mankind should consider all other inhabitants of God’s creation to be his neighbor regardless of where they live, or whatever their race, creed, or social background.

We should all reach out in love to anyone we see who needs assistance.

Often we become so wrapped up in our own little corner of the world and become so overwhelmed with our own lives and problems that we fail to lift our heads up and look around us. When we do that, we realize that there is always someone in greater need than we are. When we take the time – and make the effort – to reach out to another human being, we not only learn a little about ourselves, but we learn a little more about God’s love for us. When we help someone else with their problems, God helps ours seem to diminish just a little, and those that remain seem easier to handle.

Loving our neighbor is a simple concept with far-reaching impact. It is a concept that is important to the Lord.

Today is a great day to make it important to you as well.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

the perfect day to seek the light.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”  John 1:5 NLT

Under cover of darkness, we may allow ourselves to do things or live our lives in ways that are contrary to the will of God.

When we are shrouded in darkness and ‘safe’ from prying eyes, it becomes far too easy to indulge in sinful acts and selfish pleasures and give in to immoral thoughts that can have a negative impact on how we view ourselves, and could cause others to view us differently if those thoughts and actions were to come to light.

Carrying around the burden of sinful living takes its toll on us and can drain us of our joy and our peace. It can deny us the true pleasures available to us that can be found in righteous living.

Accepting Christ as the true Light in our lives exposes us to the rest of the world, making it more difficult for darkness to consume our thoughts and actions. The Light illuminates the path before us and leads us out of the darkness and away from the pain and the suffering that lurks there.

Living in the Light helps us to want to live as better children of God and allows us to reach out to others and point them to the Light as well. Living in the Light helps us to demonstrate our faith to others and live in a manner that will reflect the goodness of God to them.

With so many sources of temptation in today’s world, it is difficult for many of us to embrace the concept of living in the Light of Jesus Christ, but giving in to temptation by taking the easy way out and making excuses for our sin is not advised.

“Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey Him.” (Ephesians 5:6 NLT).

Many of us have experienced the almost physical heaviness that can be felt upon entering a darkened room. We have also experienced the tremendous relief that turning on the light brings as that oppressive weight is lifted from us. With the light on, we can see clearly in front of us and are forewarned of any obstacles that stand in our way and could cause us harm as we move through the room.

It is the same when we accept the Light of Christ into our lives. The heaviness of sinful living is lifted from our hearts and minds and temptation is exposed in order that we may avoid it and move in the right direction in our lives.

Of course, there will be obstacles and pitfalls in every life that cannot be avoided completely, even in the Light of Christ, but we will be much better prepared to deal with them when we live in His Light.

The darkness of evil can never overcome the Light of the Lord. Use the gift of this day to step out of the darkness and into the Light.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

a perfect day for peace with God.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:1 KJV

Disagreements among people on earth too frequently have led to devastating wars.

The road to peace and reconciliation has inevitably been cleared through the shedding of the blood of hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of men and women in service to their countries.

The road to peace and reconciliation with Almighty God was cleared through the shedding of the blood of just one man in service to all of mankind. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross cleared that road and gave us a way to establish a relationship with God that is ours for the asking.

Jesus is the way to the Father. The only way. Our faith allows us to trust that Christ died for our sins. His death gave us the ability to ask God for salvation through Jesus Christ and obtain forgiveness for ourselves.

The ability to be at peace with God – to be reconciled with Him – is the gift that Jesus Christ gave us when He died. It is a valuable gift; a precious gift; a gift of love and everlasting life so wonderful as to defy any true mortal comprehension.

At the same time, it is a gift that is often taken for granted, or simply not accepted at all.

So many of us live in spiritual darkness, locked in a continuous battle that we try to fool ourselves we can win without God’s help. If we haven’t accepted the gift already, it is time to reach out and accept that which was given with such love and selflessness so long ago.

Today is the perfect day to come to God through Christ and find the clear path to reconciliation and peace with God.

Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NIV).

Enjoy the gift of a relationship with God that was paid for, in full, with the death of Jesus Christ. Make His death mean something by making your life an everlasting one.

Enjoy the gift of peace that comes from being reconciled to God.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

a great day for forgiveness.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32 NASB

Christ forgave even those who spat on Him, mocked Him, beat Him, whipped Him, forced a crown of thorns upon His head, made Him struggle under the weight of His own cross, laughed at Him and called Him names, nailed Him to His cross, pierced His side with a sword and watched Him die.

What is it that someone has done to you that you find yourself incapable of forgiving?

God knows your pain.

He sees how much you hurt and He knows how angry you can be with those who may have caused your pain. Letting go of grudges and forgiving others is hard work, but accepting the love of the Lord into your heart and exhibiting true faith in the power of God to heal you is part of being a child of God.

We cannot pray for God to forgive our sins if we have not developed the love and peace in our heart, through our faith, which enables us to forgive others.

Sometimes it may seem almost impossible to imagine forgiving something another person may have done to us. We may have been beaten, robbed, raped, sexually abused, or had any number of serious sins, crimes, or injustices committed against us. The last thing our hardened human hearts want to do is give up our pride and our desire for vengeance, but true faith changes us; it allows us to open our hearts to love and force out the hurt, the grudges, and the need for vengeance.

As Christ hung on the cross, bleeding from His wounds, knowing that His life was about to end, He looked down upon those who had tormented Him, tortured Him, and were now gambling for His clothes while waiting for Him to breathe His last breath.

Under the worst conditions imaginable, He still looked upon His murderers with compassion, love, and kindness and said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV).

With Christ as the perfect example; with Christ as the perfect source of love and strength; with Christ as the perfect Light illuminating our path, let us pray that we may we all learn to ask God to help us look upon others with forgiveness for what they have done to us in order that we may then ask God for forgiveness for ourselves.

And today is a great day to start.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

a good day to thank God for the gift of freedom.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  Galatians 5:1 KJV

A carpenter from Nazareth changed the world.

His life gave the world Hope, and His death gave the world Life. His teachings instill within us the basic Christian values that provide us with the foundation for social morality and human decency.

Jesus died to set us free, but it is important to understand that the freedom He gave us is not the freedom to do whatever we wish. Rather, He gave us the freedom to do the right thing; the freedom to live unselfishly and with purpose; the freedom to live without sin; the freedom to serve.

Chiseled in a low wall on the grounds of Penn State University is the following message:

“USE WELL THY FREEDOM”

Wise words indeed, and if we look to the Bible, we find Paul explaining exactly what those words mean:

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NLT).

How completely this sums up our responsibility to the One who gave His life so that we may live ours free from sin. And how perfectly this demonstrates why we should give thanks to our great God who is, “…so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT).

While it is true that we should constantly praise the Lord and give thanks, it would be a far more meaningful way of showing appreciation if we reject the bondage that accompanies sin and rejoice in our freedom by serving one another in love.

Just as any parent experiences a warm feeling when a child of theirs is observed in an act of kindness, generosity or love, God is also pleased when His children act towards one another in a similar manner.

A better way to thank God for our freedom simply does not exist than to be kind, to help another human being, and to serve one another in love.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

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a good day to seek refuge in God.

“The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you.”  Deuteronomy 33:27a NLT

The refuge provided by God’s love is the only true security available to us on this earth.

It is possible to endure any of life’s storms when we understand that, “The Lord is good. A stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.” (Nahum 1:7 NASB).

To those of us who love God, His mercy is a refuge no matter what events may be taking place around us; no matter what trials and tribulations we may be facing; no matter how deep the pain or sorrow due to the loss of a child, a loved one, or a friend.

Taking refuge in God does not automatically mean that He will make all of our troubles disappear, but when we truly believe that He is our Rock, we will be amazed at the strength, encouragement, and hope with which He fills us. Unwavering trust in God has enormous benefits, too, as we are able to look forward with courage and determination, knowing that we have nothing to fear.

“I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:11 NLT).

Just think about that for a moment: “What can mere mortals do to me?”

When compared to an eternal life in His presence, one can only answer, “Nothing.”

This is a difficult place for many of us to reach.

If we look around us, there are signs of faith everywhere that stop just a little short of carrying that level of conviction. There is trust, but not complete trust. For many, refuge in the Lord is something that occurs only when we are in trouble or when we are in terrible pain. Of course, that is absolutely alright. He wants us to reach out to Him when we are frightened, in pain, or in trouble. But we must also thank God for the gift of His refuge when the skies of our lives are cloudless and when the sunshine of good fortune warms us and makes us smile. It is during those times we can be sure that His everlasting arms are under us as well.

Seek your refuge in God today, and then thank Him for always being there to provide it.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

the perfect day for harmony.

“Above all, clothe yourselves in love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”  Colossians 3:14 NLT

Before telling us to clothe ourselves in love, the apostle Paul tells us to first clothe ourselves “…with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NLT).

It is only after we have put on all of these other virtues that we are to wrap everything in the final garment – love.

As Christians, we are expected to live in peace. This does not mean that we will agree with one another all of the time. There are bound to be differences of opinion, but the love that a close relationship with God enables us to have will help us resolve any disagreements and differences peacefully and in a harmonious fashion.

It is always important to remember that most of the things that people argue about are nowhere near as important as the relationships of the people involved. Whether the disagreements lie within a marriage, a friendship, within a church, or with a fellow Christian outside of church, the important thing to remember is that the people are more important than the issue.

As He traveled, healed the sick, taught, and spoke to ordinary people wherever He went, Jesus made it abundantly clear that loving your neighbor is among the highest of virtues and one of the most important responsibilities of living on God’s creation.

The ability to live in harmony with all different kinds of people in a variety of different situations and to be loving and accepting of each and every person is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith.

In Paul’s letter to the Romans introducing himself and presenting the Good News, he instructed them that we are all to genuinely love one another.

“Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” (Romans 12:16 NLT).

Begin your own quest for harmonious living today. You will see how much of a positive impact it can have with those around you, and in your relationship with God.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

the right day to plant your Spiritual Garden.

“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.”  Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT

Waiting for perfect conditions to tend to the gardens of our spiritual lives will result in inactivity and will delay the blessings the Lord has reserved for us.

We cannot wait for the perfect time to plant the seeds that will grow and mature into a ‘crop’ of spiritual well-being. If we do, there will always be an excuse for delay and another reason for the inaction that will leave our spiritual gardens barren and bereft of the magnificent color and vibrancy that come from an abundant crop of God’s peace, joy, and love.

Other fruit of God’s garden includes, “…patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23a NLT).

Filling our Spiritual Gardens with beautiful, life-giving crops such as these will force out the ‘weeds’ and other useless crops that invade – and eventually take over – untended gardens. These life-choking ‘weeds’ include, “…sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures…” (Galatians 5:19 NLT), and other undesirable crops such as “…hostility, jealousy, outbursts of anger” (Galatians 5:20 NLT), as well as many others that not only do not nourish us spiritually, but actually make us weaker and even more susceptible to spiritual disease and decay.

For many of us, the time to plant never arrives because how to plant gets in the way. Fortunately, the Holy Bible is not only the ‘gardening manual’, but it also contains all of the ‘seeds’ we will need to plant an abundantly beautiful and life-sustaining Spiritual Garden that will not only nourish and sustain ourselves, but will provide the same thing for those around us as well.

If there is any question in anyone’s mind as to when to plant, the time is now, so pick up your ‘manual’ and begin planting the many wonderful types of ‘seeds’ you will find within it. Before you know it, your own Spiritual Garden will stretch beautifully before you wherever you look.

And then, “At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9b NLT).

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

a day for change.

“Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well!’ And the woman was healed at that moment.”  Matthew 9:22 NLT

It matters not who we are or how we have lived our lives.

What does matter is that we see the need for change and then reach out to the Lord and ask for help.

“But what is the right way to reach out?” we might ask.

While the concept of Jesus as the Son of God may be very complex and overwhelming to us, the Lord Himself is not. All that He requires is that we – like the woman Jesus was talking to – simply reach out in faith.

The woman in question had been considered “unclean” and “untouchable” for 12 years and was unable to live a normal life. However, her faith was so great that she believed that simply touching the robe of Jesus as He walked by would heal her and change her life.

And she was correct.

While she may have had the distinct advantage of having Jesus Himself right in front of her, we too can ‘touch His robe’ by reaching out to the Holy Bible and ‘touching’ the life-changing love, hope, and wisdom contained there.

Unfortunately, not everyone who recognizes a need for change, and says they want help, really believes that God can help. Individuals such as these will just have to wait a little longer because our faith – our belief – must be true.

But God is patient and He will wait for us as we wrestle with the concept that it really is as simple as believing that we want to change, and having faith that the Lord can help.

Once we develop our faith we will see that He can bring healing to those who have troubled relationships; to those who struggle with addictions to drugs, alcohol, and sex; to those who suffer from emotional scars.

The Lord can light our way through the darkness and bring newfound peace, joy, contentment and purpose to our lives by providing a detailed map to guide us on the road to change.

That ‘map’ is the Holy Bible, of course, and making it a daily part of our lives shows us the path to God’s glory and helps us face each day with appreciation for the gift from God that each new day truly is.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to change your heart, your mind, and your life.

And TODAY IS….a day for change.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson

the beginning.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1 NLT

A new day.

A new month.

A new year.

So what are you going to do with it?

In the beginning, God did something good. He created something of infinite wonder and beauty. Should you not do something good with the beginning that you have stretched out before you right now?

Of course, none of us can do anything as remotely spectacular as what God did, but then, He doesn’t expect that. If you feel unsure or tentative about your ability to do anything that will have any impact, perhaps the words of the poet Edward Everett Hale will serve to reassure you:

“I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything. But still, I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do!”

God showed us His love by creating the world and all of the life that was to inhabit it. A good way for you to begin would be to return that love with a commitment to try a little harder each day to make His creation a better place. You can do this by spending a little time each day reading the Bible and asking God for help in understanding His Word and putting into practice the simple concepts repeated throughout its many inspiring pages.

None of us will ever be perfect, but we do have the ability to mirror God’s character by the way we conduct ourselves in daily life.

It is far too easy to slip into bad habits and mirror the crudeness, immorality, and inconsiderate character to which today’s society so often exposes us. But with the determination to begin something beautiful and full of meaning, it will soon be apparent that what people see when they look at you is a mirror image of God’s love, patience, kindness, and forgiveness.

You see, you cannot do everything. Only God can do that. But you can do something to take advantage of today.

Make it the beginning of something good.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson