Chris Lane: A Tragedy Born from Boredom

 Christopher Lane, 22, from Australia, was attending Eastern Central University near the town of Duncan, Oklahoma, where his girlfriend lived.  He was there to visit her last weekend, and while jogging down the road during his workout, he was shot by three teenage boys in a passing pick up, who later said they did it because they were "bored."  He never even saw it coming.  They shot him in the back.  He was found quickly, laying face down in a ditch by passersby, but it was already too late.

Christopher was an up and coming baseball player who just might have had a shot at the Bigs.  I  feel he was worth more words than they are giving him.  They are calling it a "thrill kill" in the media, which highlights the three teens who did the shooting, rather than talking about this young man and his possible path to the Major League's and how he may have made a difference in the world.  I was so sad when I heard the circumstances behind this senseless tragedy that I  prayed for his family and girlfriend and then just broke down and cried.

How does something like this happen?  I can only point to one chapter in the Bible, which again, I believe, proves that we are in fact in the end days, and that the Lord is indeed coming quickly! 

There were many things Jesus told us would happen, in Matthew 24.  But the only explanation for this cold tragedy is what Jesus tells the disciples in Matthew 24:12.  "And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold."

There needs to be more love in this world.  Jesus came to give us the tools to do just that, but our hatred for others and our own needy sinful nature has destroyed the love we have for others because we've been hurt, or abused, and this madness needs to stop.  We should stop blaming others for our choices rather than on our parents or others who may have hurt our feelings.  

It is my feeling that these teenage boys knew exactly what they were doing, and it is my prayer that they will all go to jail, and find Christ somewhere along the way.  Perhaps they will eventually be responsible for leading hundreds of other prisoners to Christ!  Hope springs eternal right?

Question is, with all the angst in the world, can we make a difference in our everyday lives with the people we see everyday?  Just a smile at the person who get's  your coffee for you in the morning, whether it be your spouse, or the waitress at the corner coffee shop, you can be kind, gracious, caring and tell them they are doing a great job and then be more generous in your tipping!  There is nothing better than feeling like someone thinks you are doing a good job!  It makes them more positive and causes a change in them, perhaps, being kind to those that are rude to them instead of saying something that might cost them their job, or becoming so frustrated that they argue instead of just smiling back, no matter what.

While we pray for Chris Lane's family and friends this week, and the many others we will no doubt be burdened for, let's remember to smile at others, be gracious, friendly and open.  Just be kind, caring and seek opportunities to share your faith.

Remember what Jesus said?  Turn the other cheek and pray for those who curse you?  To pray for your enemies?  We don't want to let our Savior down do we?  In Galations 6:2, Paul said that we "should bear one another's burden's in love, thus fulfilling the law of Christ."  

That means we should forgive one another our trespasses, and ask God to work in the lives of those around us who do not know Him.  It also means to "give til it hurts," helping those who are truly in need. 

It is my hope, that Christopher Lane was a Christian.  I don't know why, but in my heart I believe that he was.  And if so, he is with the Lord.  My heart breaks for his girlfriend, coaches, family and friends.  Please keep them in your prayers at this most difficult time, and when you're done, pray for these three misguided and violent teens.  Nobody gets to that place of violence without some help.  I know, because I grew up in a very violent, and negative atmosphere, and I'm 50 and still trying to work out all that pain, negativity, abuse and neglect.

Please, be at peace, and be kind to others, even if they don't respond in kind, it shall be awarded to you as righteousness by God.  When we as Christian's do what we are called to do, which is to love others, this world will become a different place.

Come Lord Jesus!

In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus tells the Disciples the "signs of His coming and the end of the age."  He discusses earthquakes in various places, plagues, famines, pestilence, wars, rumors of wars, etc., and if I'm not mistaken, we are close to that golden day of favor!  

It is time we all bow our knees and confess our sins, known and unknown, and pray that God will in His infinite wisdom and mercy show us the things we need to ask forgiveness for.  I don't want so much as one doubt on my record, for I want to be found without blemish on that day, when Christ returns for His Bride, the church, don't you?

In Lamentations 3:22-23, it states that "His mercies are new every morning.  Great is they faithfulness!"  He is always faithful to us!  We are the ones who in our weak flesh are always losing our way, and leaving Him!  It is in those times that Jesus carries us!  

Take this time to pray, and believe, having faith that no matter what may come, you will see His face soon as long as you endure!  I'm going through my own endurance issues right now, but the more I think of every awful thing I have been through in my life, the more I realize that while those things made me very weak, that it is in that weakness that He has made me strong!  

My faith has grown a great deal in the last four years and I have been subjected to such wonderful grace, that it is only explainable by saying that it was GOD!  I've experienced un explainable mercies that others don't receive when they have lost a loved one, and are worried whether they made it to heaven or not!  Well, I not only got whispered in my ear that my Mom would be with Him. He also provided the date of her death!  

I've also recently had visions of Christ's victorious return to heaven to the throngs of Angels, and all the Host of Heaven. Think about it....we were all there!  If God chose us before the foundation of world to be Holy and Blameless in Him (Ephesians 1:4), then we had to have been in heaven when Jesus returned after being risen from the dead right?  I believe that is the foundation of the short but beautiful vision the Lord gave me two days ago.

I had another one about a year ago, and it was the Throne, as I cried at His feet, He lifted me up into His lap like a small child to comfort me.   As I looked out from the throne all I could see was a crystal sea, in the most beautiful blue color, with columns, and the 24 elders on their thrones.  I was in the Throne Room of God, at his Feet crying out for mercy!  I can only quote the one verse I know that makes this sound even minutely feasible?   "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." (Acts 2:17).

Jesus is coming home for us soon!  GET EXCITED AND SHARE YOUR FAITH!  Don't worry about the words you will say, for God will give you the words!  It is promised in Luke 21!  

God Bless all of you who read this post, and I am in prayer for all of us as we hurtle towards the time when we will be raptured and every tear will be wiped from our eyes, and we will never suffer pain, death, despair, all of those things will be gone.  Hallelujah!  Praise you Lord Jesus!  You are the most wonderful counselor, provider, and the lifter of our heads, and the giver of life! 

Your love came down and rescued me, and I will be forever yours!