“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. For He laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.” Psalm 24:1-2
They were magnificent indeed. My wife Judy and I embarked on another journey recently. We travelled to Buffalo, New York to work with a great Christian organization called, “Eight Days of Hope.” On a moments notice, following disasters, they go wherever they are needed. While they have a staff, most of the workers are volunteers. In addition to their disaster relief efforts, for the last nine years, they have set up in a different part of Buffalo needing some love and invited volunteers, thousands of them, to come and make a difference. What happens during those “Eight Days of Hope” is simply amazing and really requires its own Grits story so more on that later.
So, in case you didn’t know, Buffalo is very close to Niagara Falls. These Falls are truly magnificent. First, there is the Bridal Falls or American Falls that happen to be on the American side of the Niagara River and then there are the Horseshoe Falls that the Canadian’s lay claim too. And guys, I’m afraid this is one time, and probably the only time, that the Canadians take the day. Here is why.
First, from the American side you can’t really see the action. The way the Falls fall you know the water is falling but you can’t really see it falling. Beautiful? Absolutely but you want more–you crave more. That more if on full display as you cross the border into Canada and view the Falls from our northern neighbor’s backyard. From their side of the river you have a full view of both the Bridal Falls and the Horseshoe Falls and what you see if almost beyond words. Both Judy and I were speechless as we both stared at the beauty of God’s creation–and make no mistake–He gets full credit. His Words tells us that the whole earth is His and everything in it. In other words–He owns the falls–lock, stock and barrel.
Amazingly a lot of people go to Niagara Falls and don’t cross the border to get this amazing view of the falls. Do you want to know why? Well, you see, because you have to cross the border you have to have a passport. Generally speaking–no passport–no entry. If you are an American and you have a passport, that document declares you are a citizen of the United States and citizens of the United States are welcomed into Canada. Show your passport at the border crossing and they more or less welcome you to, “come on in.” Now all that is somewhat simplistic but you get the idea.
It would seem a shame to travel all the way to Niagara Falls and not see it all. It simply isn’t enough to get close. As they say close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. If you are going to get in–you have to have the necessary documents. And guess what? What is true going into another country is even more true when it comes to Heaven. If you want to get into Heaven you have to have your spiritual passport and that is faith in Jesus Christ–who He is and what He has done. When we believe, God invites to “come on in.”
What about you? Have you crossed the border from the land separated from God into His Kingdom? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him believing that if you do–God will welcome you into the family? If not, why not do it today? I told someone that I was glad I saw the falls before I died. More than that, much more than that, I am glad I trusted Jesus before that day arrived. Afraid God won’t let you in? Think you messed up too much? Don’t you worry about that. His grace is bigger than your sin and no matter what–He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 