An impressive miracle

 

Paying Attention

While I was standing in his room at the rehab center today, talking with 90-year-old Gil, a thought occurred to me: “This man has lived a long, long life, there are probably some terrific pieces of wisdom you could learn from him. Pay attention.”

Less than a minute later Gil said to me, “Dan, life is just a vapor [remember he’s 90] that’s why we’re going to do it God’s way. He knows best.”

A few moments later Gil also told me, “It’s a miracle, Dan. About a month ago I broke my hip but I never felt any pain. In fact, I feel good. And I’m able to get up and get around. I’m thankful. I’m so blessed. No pain! Can you believe how good that is?”

I said, “That’s remarkable, Gil.”

“No,” he corrected me, as if I wasn’t getting the main point, “It’s a miracle!”

Before I left, I was preparing to pray with Gil and he said, “Now Dan, I won’t be around much longer [he has spoken to me about his funeral on a few other occasions] and here are a couple of the songs I want you all to sing.”

“Alright, Gil. But I’m hoping you’re going to be around a lot longer.”

He went on, laughing, “Tell people not to be sad. Because I won’t be there. I will be celebrating!”

“I know you will, Gil.”

He’s 90 years old. He lives in a nursing home. He’s recuperating from a broken hip. But, as always, he is one of the most upbeat and positive people you could encounter. His conversation continually references God; the Bible; and the application of Christian truths and values to life. He is unfailingly kind and encouraging to me even though, theoretically, I’m supposed to be encouraging him.

God bless you, Gil. I’m paying attention.

Frozen Pizzas Fall On The Floor And I Build Character

I was at the grocery store early this morning and I carefully pulled one pizza from the freezer case. Suddenly 8 other frozen pizzas shifted, then slipped, then fell out of the freezer case onto the floor.

When I picked up 3 of the 8 pizzas and placed them back on the freezer shelf 2 more pizzas slipped and fell out of the case onto the floor. I felt like I was in a scene from a mildly amusing Superbowl ad.

A woman walked past pushing her cart and staring at me with a look that seemed to say, “Why are you throwing frozen pizzas on the ground? You shouldn’t do that.”

I wanted to say, “Surely you know I didn’t do this on purpose, right?”

But I held my tongue. (Proving that miracles do occur.)

I’m told these types of life experiences help build character.

…So I’ve got that going for me.

A Resurrection Is The Best Explanation of the Facts

Dr. William Lane Craig, is a theologian and scholar who has spent decades carefully examining theological issues, in particular, the resurrection of Jesus. Dr. Craig states these four facts “are widely accepted by New Testament scholars today.”

Fact number 1: After his crucifixion, Jesus was buried by Joseph of Arimathea in the tomb.

Fact number 2: On the Sunday following the crucifixion, Jesus’ tomb was found empty by a group of his women followers.

Fact number 3: On multiple occasions and under various circumstances, different individuals and groups of people experienced appearances of Jesus alive from the dead.

And… Fact number 4: The original disciples believed that Jesus was risen from the dead despite their having every reason not to.

There are many more things which could be said in support of each of these four statements but a great question to consider in light of these truths would be this: What is the best explanation of these facts?

If you are my friend on social media you already know my position on the matter, but I will state it here, anyhow: the best explanation for these four facts is that God, the Father, raised Jesus from the dead.

You say, “Yeah, but if you believe that explanation it means you have to believe a miracle occurred.”

That’s true. But it’s okay. He’s God. He is capable of performing miracles. In fact, what we consider miraculous is actually simple and natural to Almighty God.

“He isn't here! [The tomb.] He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

Matthew 28:6