death

It Just Died

By: Denny

I built an HO scale train layout in one room in my basement several years ago. As of this writing I have acquired 27 diesel locomotive train engines and 110 cars. I don’t have room for all of the locomotives on the layout, so a few are packed away in their original boxes. I also don’t need that many engines, and I’m in the process of selling those I’m not using. I bought many of my locomotives pretty cheap as projects, converting them from the old-style Analog/DC and upgrading them to DCC so I could run them on my layout. It’s complicated to explain, but every DCC locomotive has a small computer module called the “decoder” that receives radio type wave signals from the handheld controller. Every engine is given its own unique electronic identity called a “long  address”, which makes it possible to run multiple trains at the same time at different speeds and directions providing you have more than one main line track, which I have two. I also have 7 separate locomotive sidings where I can park them when not being used. I try to run each one on a rotating basis from time-to-time. My favorite ones are equipped with factory sound decoders and small speakers that emit realistic locomotive sounds such as engine turbos, horns, bells, squealing brakes, dispatch radio communications, and other sounds. I have a separate track hooked to a computer with a program that enables me to adjust the various sound levels, as well as speed and lighting effects. Every decoder, even those without sound must first be programmed before they can be run.

The other day I had been running #632 a Great Northern GP7 locomotive pulling a 20-car hopper train. I decided to switch engines and fired up #2524 a U28 locomotive which is sound equipped. I let it idle on a sidetrack while unhooking #632 and parked it on another siding. #2524 has great sound effects. The turbo whistled loudly as the motor revs increased. The horn blared to announce its movement in the yard while the bell rang continuously. The couplers locked as the engine hooked to the lead car. I reversed direction and pushed the button to increase the forward speed and it just died. I mean there was no sound, the lights went out, and it wouldn’t move at all. I tried resetting the decoder and reprogramming the address, but it wouldn’t respond at all. As computers sometimes do, the decoder had crashed and was fried. In other words, the locomotive was useless unless I installed a new decoder. Good sound decoders are expensive ranging from $100 upwards. An original factory replacement decoder for this U28 was no longer available, and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money installing another brand of sound decoder. For $21.00 I could install a basic non-sound decoder and the engine would be back in operation, but it’s not that simple. The old decoder first had to be removed, which was the easy part. Once the outside body was off all I had to do was unplug the 7 wired socket connections and unscrew 4 tiny screws which hold it in place. This might be boring and too technical, but stay with me because I’m leading up to a point. I ordered a new decoder which would take several days to arrive. It comes with a color coded 7-wire plug which can be removed from the decoder while installing it. I had an extra wired plug on hand, so I was able to connect the wires where they needed to go. All the wires are very tiny and needed to be cut to the right length and the ends stripped back about 1/4 inch by removing the plastic outside sheathing from the wires, which is easily done with fingernails. Every connection had to be soldered and covered with heat shrink tubing. I also replaced the old lights with new brighter LED’s requiring soldering in tiny resistors. With everything in place and wired correctly, when the new decoder arrived the only thing I would have to do is plug it in, program the decoder, and power up the locomotive,  giving new life to an engine that just died.

New decoder

Old decoder before removal

New decoder installed

 Ephesians 2:1 “And you he made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Here is my point: We all are like that dead engine on life’s railroad. As a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin entered the soul of mankind and we just died spiritually. We were condemned to a hopeless eternity separated from God. Our decoders and relationship with God had crashed and fried. We needed a new decoder. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus is that new decoder that can make you spiritually alive again. You only need to believe and receive him. Allow God to do a complete heart change by removing the old dead decoder that separates you from him. There are things in your life that need to be stripped away and laid open much like a wire so you can be soldered to him. He will give you new lights that shine brightly. Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in  Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Wouldn’t you rather be doing and being what God created you for, than sitting on some abandoned railroad siding of life rusting away with no life, no hope, no joy, no peace, and no useful eternal purpose. You can if you surrender your life to Jesus and allow him to bring you new life. Jesus is the decoder, and the Holy Spirit interprets and opens your heart to receive the signal God is sending to you, through his word the Bible. Even though you may have a new decoder, namely Jesus, you still need to be reprogrammed with a new identity. Revelation 2:17b “And I will give him a white stone, and on this stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Jesus is coming back again, and it may be sooner than we think. The train of opportunity to accept Christ as your savior is waiting at the station and the Holy Spirit is calling “All Aboard!” Once Jesus returns the train will pull out and never return. Will today be the day you get on board? What are you waiting for? The fare was paid for you by Jesus at the cross of Calvary.

Worse Sinners?

By: Denny

It was a long trip from Galilee for those traveling to the temple in Jerusalem. They had come to offer sacrifices unto God. There are several speculations as to why and what happened that day, but the result was that Pontius Pilot sent soldiers into the temple to kill them as they were offering their sacrifices. One commentary said there were about 3,000 men killed. The Galileans were considered to be a lower class of seditious people by those in Jerusalem. They spoke the same language as the Jews in Jerusalem, but they had a definite accent that was easily recognizable. Such was the case of Peter, being himself a Galilean, when he denied He knew Jesus. Mark 14:70 But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” Herod was the governor over Galilee in the North, while Pontius Pilot was the governor over Judea in the South. They were in opposition to each other and not on friendly terms. Perhaps Pilot killed the Galileans to send the message to Herod that Galileans weren’t welcomed in Jerusalem. At any rate, the news spread and was told to Jesus. Luke 13:1-2 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilot had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?

They had said goodbye to their families that morning as they headed off to their jobs working for Leibowitz & Cohen Construction. It was just another ordinary day at work, no different than those before. A few may have walked along together as they headed for the job site discussing and coordinating their particular plans, duties, and actions once they got there. It was a beautiful sunny day and if all went well, they might be able to complete the Siloam Tower today and enjoy the weekend before moving on to the next project on Monday. Nobody knows for sure; maybe it was poorly designed, the footings may not have been deep enough, or perhaps they were using substandard materials. It happened at noon when all the men were sitting eating their lunch in the shade of the tower. There was a cracking sound that got louder. Bricks began to crumble and suddenly without warning the whole tower came crashing down killing all 18 men. Hypothetically, it could have happened that way, but the Bible doesn’t say. It only records that Jesus asked the same rhetorical question that he had asked those same people who came to him with the news about the Galileans being killed. Luke 13:4-5 “Or those 18 on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? There appears to be an almost veiled supposition by those present that the Galileans and the 18 men were worse sinners because of their horrible untimely deaths. In each case Jesus gave the same answer, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Throughout the centuries there have been tragedies that have snuffed out the lives of people just going about their daily activities, and we are no exception. Plane crashes, terrorist attacks, school shootings, bombings and shootings at events, building collapses, accidents, wars, diseases, and every kind of natural disaster you can name where people have died, are headlines we see in the news on a daily basis. Most recently we  witnessed the video of an out-of-control ship crashing into and bringing down the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD. Six workers who were making repairs to it at the time lost their lives. This was absolutely horrific and tragic. Not only for the six men and their families, but the untold hardships and far-reaching secondary impact on jobs and the overall economy. I find myself wondering if Jesus’ statement, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” would be the same today as it was then. The answer without even asking is yes. Granted, that doesn’t fit the one-sided view of the gentle, loving, and kind Jesus that many picture Him to be. Just as many, if not more, become angry at God for not preventing such things, which usually ends up with them becoming bitter and rejecting Him.  Death rarely ever gives an advance warning. The mysteries of the who, what, when, where, and why’s of life and death are only known to God. How would you tell someone that God cares about, loves them, and wants to be involved in every aspect of their lives, when they are suffering and grieving over the sudden tragic loss of a loved one? You certainly wouldn’t say, “Unless you repent, you will likewise perish”. Yet, Jesus did, because His primary and ultimate concern is for every eternal soul. Does Jesus lack compassion for those who have died and those left to grieve? Not at all, but there was a far greater eternal truth he was revealing. The statement, “you will all likewise perish” is worthy of pause and consideration. Jesus wasn’t telling them that unless they repent, they would die in the same manner. In Luke 5:32 Jesus says, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” The first words Jesus spoke as He began His ministry as recorded in Mark 1:15 were, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, but not because Lazarus died. He knew ahead of time that He was going to raise him back to life. He wept because of the unbelief of those gathered there. John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never (die). (likewise perish) – my emphasis) Do you believe this?”

There are many who would and do categorize sins. You have the little white lie sins, the middle of the road sins, and the really bad worse sins. In the eyes of God there are no worse sins or sinners. You either are one or you aren’t, and in case you don’t know, you are one. The playing field is level for everyone. Jesus is the only one who never sinned, which qualified Him alone to be the Savior of all mankind. What comes to mind when you hear the word repent? Perhaps it’s a scene from a movie depicting a preacher as a wild-eyed half-crazed man dressed in black pointing a long finger and shouting, “Repent sinner, or face the fires of Hell!” Leave it to the Hollywood elite to stereotype, misrepresent, demean, and portray Christians and the Gospel in a bad way. Repentance isn’t something you can force people to do out of fear to escape Hell. Think of repentance as if you are walking in one direction, then do a complete 180 turn and go the opposite direction. True repentance is birthed out of a heart realization that you are a lost soul in need of a savior. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts, opens your understanding, and draws you to Jesus the Savior who is calling you to come to Him. Believing is more than a general acknowledging that Jesus died for the sins of the world. It must become personal and that happens when you confess that you are a sinner, ask for forgiveness, and invite Jesus Christ to save you and be the Lord of your life. Jesus Himself said, “You must be born again”, and that’s what happens. The Holy spirit takes up residence in your heart and helps you to repent. Your old sinful nature was crucified with Christ, and you have a new nature according to His righteousness and now have everlasting life. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” We don’t often hear or use the word perish. It means to die a violent sudden death. The “should not perish” that the above scripture references is immediately followed by, “but have everlasting life”. It’s like a two-sided coin: repent or perish. We all will die someday, but there is coming a time when everyone will stand before God and be asked what we did about Jesus. Those who have repented in this life and accepted His sacrifice as payment for their sins, already possess everlasting life here and now. For us, death is just a door we pass through to enter Heaven. However, those who have not repented and turned to Jesus in this life will not be given that opportunity after death. Heaven’s door will be closed to them. Sin demands payment, and they will pay for their own sins by being sentenced to an everlasting death away from the presence of God, perishing in Hell. That is what Jesus meant when He said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”. Those aren’t my words or opinion, and you can read it for yourself. (John 3:17-20)

Where do you stand with God right now? Have you truly repented, or are you still listed among the condemned and the “likewise perishing”? If your life was taken from you today, can you say with confidence that you have everlasting life and no fear of death? You may think you are a  worse sinner, but there is no sin that the blood of Jesus that He shed on the cross for you cannot cover. Don’t wait, make your choice today, so that whatever happens you can face each day with confidence and peace and say along with King David.

Psalm 31:14-15a But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand.

Great Expectations

By: Denny

Charles Dickens wrote a novel entitled Great Expectations. It was a required reading assignment by my 9th grade English Literature teacher. All I can remember was that it was  about an orphan boy named Pip and an old lady named Ms. Havisham. I found it to be rather boring at the time. Thus ends my book review, which is probably why I got a D, and has little to do with this writing other than I needed a fitting title.

My parents were married in 1950. My mom was attending Coe College in Cedar Rapids, and my dad was working at Dows Dairy Farm. They were introduced by mutual friends. I’m sure they were no different than every young couple who had great expectations for their future. They had a very humble beginning, and lived in a big wooden silo on the dairy farm which had been converted into a house. They left there and moved to town as one by one us kids came along. First my brother Steve, then me, followed by Kathy, Sheila, Wendy, and much later Brian. Dad drove a taxicab and sold Fuller Brush for a short time then got a job as a truck driver which became a lifelong career. Mom never got her nursing degree, and stayed home with us kids. They no doubt endured many trials and unexpected setbacks, but they worked hard to see their expectations become a reality. They never tried to micromanage any of us kids in directing the paths we would take in life. However, they raised us with Godly values, taught us to be respectful and hardworking, so that we could be independent, responsible, functioning adults. I think for the most part we’ve lived up to many of their expectations. It’s impossible to meet and fulfill 100% of the expectations others desire for us or those we place on ourselves. We all fall short, no matter how hard we try, because that’s just the way life is.

It has been jokingly said that there are two things certain in life: death, and taxes. Taxes always seem to increase, and death is one of the many things that interrupt our expectations. You’ve no doubt heard the expression, “they died unexpectedly”, which is rarely used in referring to someone approaching the age of 100. If asked, they would probably say they never expected to live that long. However, when a child, teenager, or young adult dies, it crushes all expectations they and others had for them. Death is the ultimate destroyer of expectations, but there are those everyday life happenings that also interfere with them. Who expects to get sick, have an accident, lose your job, have your home destroyed by a natural disaster, be the victim of theft or other crime. What about that major appliance that suddenly needs to be replaced. Your car breaks down and it costs more than you expected to get it fixed. Your groceries, utilities, insurance premiums, and other bills are increasing more than you expected. You plan to go camping or to the beach and it rains unexpectedly. Not all the unexpected things that happen to us are bad or negative. Who doesn’t get excited about a sudden bonus, promotion, or raise. Your tax refund is more than you expected or that you’re even getting one. A friend calls just to say hi and see how you’re doing. A young couple discovers they are expecting their first child. The tests from the doctor come back negative, you passed your college finals, a check comes in the mail, or you win the lottery. A good neighbor mows your grass or shovels your snow. Sometimes it’s just an unexpected smile and a kind word from a stranger that brightens our day.

If you take the time to ponder it, you’ll realize that even the routines of our daily lives are interwoven expectations, that we often take for granted. You expect the alarm clock will wake you up. You expect the lights to come on when you flip the switch and water to come out of the faucet. You get the kids ready for school and yourself ready for work, and expect the car will start so neither of you are late. You expect everyone will return home safely, and there will be food on the table for supper. You expect the kids will do their homework and cheerfully go to bed without grumbling at the right time and without being told to. If you think that’s going to happen, then you also probably expect the dishes and laundry to do themselves. Maybe in your dreams! I wonder how much time and effort we spend trying to make unrealistic expectations become a reality which often consumes us or leaves us frustrated, confused, or angry, when they don’t happen.

While you’re pondering, answer this question: What do you want or expect out of life? Fame, fortune, recognition, great possessions, a fancy home with all the furnishings, money, a diverse portfolio to fund your retirement so you can do and buy whatever and go wherever you want to. What legacy will you leave when death separates you from your loved ones and your great expectations? Jesus soberly puts all of life in perspective with this one statement. Mark 8:36 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” He quickly shifts the focus from this temporal life and all its pursuits to life after death, putting emphasis on the eternal soul which we all have. The question now changes to: What do you expect after death? We marvel if someone lives to be 100 plus years, but that is a millisecond compared to eternity. Eternity is forever, not measured in increments of time. It is a perpetual state of being. Will you spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus or an unexpected eternity in hell? If your answer is Heaven, then how do you expect to get there, and why should God let you in? As I mentioned earlier, it’s impossible to fulfill everyone’s expectations of us, and that includes those of God. We all fall short, as it says in Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That verse alone levels the playing field for everyone. Maybe if you try really really hard to be a good person God will let you into his Heaven. Not going to happen! Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Since the gift is free, why are you still trying to earn it. All God expects is for you to accept the sacrifice that Jesus made for you when he took your sins upon himself and died on the cross in your place. God has Great Expectations for your life. Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him (NKJ) Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Seize the moment now before death destroys what God has planned for you. When someone sends an invitation to a wedding, they often request an RSVP, so they know who is coming and how many to expect. Is that too much for God to ask or expect of you? Give Him your RSVP today by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. The new life He will give you far exceeds all your own great expectations.

The Dash Between the Dates

By: Denny

My intention for this posting was to write my thoughts out as in previous times. I knew what I wanted to say, but nothing came together. I put my ideas on the shelf for a week mulling it over in my mind. Finally, I decided to give it another go. As I began to write, it seemed more like a poem, so I continued in that format and the following is the result. The subject matter is often avoided, but sooner or later it’s a reality we all will face someday.

I walk the ground among the graves of those beneath their stone,

Surrounded by so many, and yet I am alone.

Pretty flowers everywhere, a deaf-like silence fills the air.

Name upon name that I do not know, but wait . . . . why isn’t that old Joe?

Placed to lie there in the shade, while the memory of him begins to fade.

A common fate the dead all share, generations pass and there’s none left to care.

To place some flowers on the ground above, and recall memories of those once loved.

Father, mother, daughter, son, grandpa, and grandma too,

Aunt, uncle, cousin, and a friend to name just a few,

Their voices now silent as they lay ‘neath the morning dew.

Oh, the stories that could be told by those within these gates,

If only there was a key to unlock the Dash Between the Dates.

That little dash would tell it all, of everything they’ve done,

With the life God gave to each of them to live beneath the sun.

Did they accomplish much, acquiring great wealth, status, and fame,

Does their legacy live on as history records their name.

Many fought for our country, defending the red, white, and blue,

Laying down their lives for those they never knew.

Most were probably just content to be, living a simple life like you and me.

Of all the pursuits that mankind can make, tis sure in the end nothing they will take.

Vanities of vanities the wisest man said, for all are made equal when listed with the dead.

Another dash I look to see but it’s hidden from my sight,

It belongs beside the second date adjacent on the right.

I know it’s there, . . . . though I can’t see it plainly,

The dash that I’m referring to is called eternity.

Many doubt, others shout and say there is no God,

But I wonder what the answer would be from those beneath the sod.

Would they speak of the joys of Heaven above, or the torments of hell below,

If they could, . . . . I’m sure they would, . . . .  inform us about what they know.

Would they replace their epitaph with a very urgent plea,

“Don’t come here!” or “It’s better than I imagined it would be!”

I once was young as you now are with dreams that filled my head,

I’m older now and life is sobering as I walk among the dead.

I’m so blessed to have lived this long, and I’m thankful for all I’ve got,

My heart turns sad as I see the grave of a child whose dash was merely a dot.

God only knows the time we have and what this life will bring,

But peace of mind belongs to those who’ve made Jesus Christ their king.

He’s the one who long ago died for sinners you and me,

Death was defeated, sin was atoned for, the grave couldn’t hold Him,

and new life is offered so abundantly and free.

I know my walk will come to an end, it may be near or far,

I’ll say goodbye to those I love and be placed in a big black car.

Some will weep as they plant me deep and say a eulogy,

A song a prayer as they linger there, then put the dirt over me.

My dash will be done, my dates now complete, forever set in stone,

Perhaps someday you’ll see it there as you walk by the graves alone.

(By the way, I really like gladiolas and forget-me-nots)

So, if by chance you notice that something is out of place,

A second dash beside the date filling in that empty space,

Don’t think it queer,  . . . . .  because I’m not here,

For I’ve gone to be with Jesus, and I now see Him face to face.

So, seek the Lord while He may be found, ere they lay you in the ground,

Because then, . . . . . it will be too late, to change the Dash Between the Dates.