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February 5, 2023
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius There’s an old hymn that begins like this, “I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory…” There’s something about old hymns that have withstood the test of time. Somehow, their words, in a familiar melody, touch us in a special way. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I love to tell stories. Over my lifetime, I’ve met only two or three men who could spin a good story to make you cry, laugh, or scratch your head and wonder. Here’s a short story I heard. I wish I could tell you it was an original thought of mine…but it wasn’t. One day a little boy decided to run away from home. He packed a few Twinkies in his lunch box, along with two cans of pop. As he walked along toward the city square, there sat an old man, obviously homeless. The boy smiled at him and the old man smiled in return. Eventually, the little boy, without saying a word, sat on the park bench by the old man. The old man said not a word either. The boy opened his lunch box and handed the old man one of his Twinkies and a can of pop. They sat there together in silence as they ate. By and by, the little boy closed up his lunch box, got off the bench, and began to walk away. After a few steps, he stopped, turned around and went back to the old man and gave him a hug. The old man smiled and the young boy went home. When he got home and closed the front door, his Mom asked what he had done that day. His reply was this. “I met God.” After a pause, the boy followed up with, “He’s older than I thought.” Meanwhile, the homeless man returned to his shelter and at the communal supper table, someone asked of him, “What did you do today?” The old man, once again with a smile on his face said, “I met God. He’s a lot younger than I thought.” I wonder how many times each one of us have met God unaware….. Love to all, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved
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January 29, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius As I sit down to write this reflection, my heart is burdened and I am very sad. You see, one of my friends died unexpectedly. So now I sit back and ponder to myself, “Did I reach out enough?” Isn’t it strange that while someone is alive, we all just kind of “take them for granted.” We seldom look them in the eye and say things like, “I’m glad you are in my life. Tell me what’s happening in your life.” As I sift through my emotions about my friend, I even stumble across the thought, “What about the other people in my life?” Those “other people” are people who enter into my life for a season, maybe for just a moment, and then vanish even as the night disappears at sunrise. These “other people” sometimes help each of us live out our own lives. I think of the waiter I recently met on a cruise. Every night, he not only brought my family their meal, but he made them smile with his magic tricks. Then there was Number Seven (the number on his jersey), whose name turned out to be Javon. I spent an hour with him talking about Jesus. I pray my witness one day is remembered and Javon will ask Jesus into his heart. Then there was an airline clerk, frazzled to be sure, but she helped us check in and get us on our way. Armona took time in the rush to bless her. She said, “Thanks, I really needed that!” The list goes on and on. Do we even know the name of the clerk at our favorite grocery store we visit week after week? To be sure, we all need to embrace and encourage our loved ones on a routine and regular basis, but we also need to pay attention to the “other people” in our lives. Tomorrow just might be too late. Trying to live my life without regrets….. Pastor Allan PS: Remember your loved ones and remember the “other people” too! ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 22, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Every year, we wake up to the start of a new year. That morning is universally celebrated around the globe. Granted, due to staying up and greeting the “new year,” there are many eyes that don’t want to open! That thought of waking up on New Year’s Day prompts me to think about sleep every day. Sleep allows all of us to take a break, to escape, to fall into nothingness each night. Unconscious, not thinking, our body replenishes and rejuvenates. Then we awake to a fresh new day with anticipation of what this day might bring. For some, a new day brings new hope, new promise and for others, deep sadness and gloomy despair. Every new morning is all about life. The Psalmist said this about each new day, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” But I want to focus on the time of sleep. Somehow, my body instinctively knows when to, as the expression goes, “knock yourself out.” Some nights, I truly am unconscious and unaware of whatever is going on around me. Other nights are more like half-sleep, half awake. My brain knows what’s happening all around, but even though my brain is aware, it does not react. (That happens when I am awake too.) 😊 Then there were nights of sheer terror as I once heard evil coming to devour me and I was unable to move, unable to escape. (I should never have gone to that movie in third grade entitled, Dinosaurs.) Don’t tell me what young people watch in a movie, or T.V. today doesn’t affect them tomorrow. For forty some years, I slept with the nightly fear of being unable to escape the pounding advance through the forest of that dinosaur, evil coming for me. My only avenue of escape was to cry out, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus!” Now, in my older years, that dragon (dinosaur) has all but disappeared. Is he gone forever? No, I know he still lurks out there in the forest ready to pounce at the first moment of weakness. So, what’s my defense? The answer is Jesus, Who guards me and keeps me. Knowing that, I sleep like a baby! Sweet Dreams, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved December 25, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Where are you, oh little one? I’ve searched the world over to bring to you a package with not just anyone’s name on it, but yours. From pole to pole, from east to west, I’ve tried my best. The eve is almost gone. Dawn creeps ever closer. My tribe and I look side to side, to and fro, as we soar ever so high, even where bluebirds sometimes fly. But, I cannot find you. Maybe it’s my fault. If only I had started out on time. But, you see, one of my trusted reindeer, year after year, Blitzen, came down with reindeer hoof. There was only one in the corral to take Blitzen’s place among the eight. Not in shape and overweight, called into action with the blow of a whistle. Certainly he wasn’t thin as a thistle, or fit as a fiddle. Up he arose out of the hay and with a salute said, “I’m ready to fly.” I knew in an instant that, though his spirit was right, though he would pull with all of his might, he would not last the night. I needed to turn around, return to headquarters at the North Pole and recruit yet another. The sleigh with only one package for that one last boy or girl was almost empty and ever so light. In a flash, we were back and, as I unharnessed the one so willing but so unable, what to my wondering eyes should appear? With a nose so bright, I knew Rudolph could find you through the dark of night. Up, up and away we arose and just before you awoke, we landed on your roof top, covered in snow, the chimney belching out smoke. I plugged my nose and closed my eyes, with your package (the one just for you,) I jumped down the chimney and soon smelled of smoke. Just as the delivery was made, someone turned on the light. They called out your name and down the stairs you came running. I couldn’t leave, not just yet. I wanted to see what you would get. With a glimmer in your eye, I could see it was a manger set. You opened it with a love so special. It was then you saw me kneeling before the cradle. You see, I too worship that little Baby in the manger—Jesus Christ, my Lord. No time to waste, the dawn is near. Gotta go and get ready for next year. Love to all---Santa Claus Merry Christmas, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 25, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius In a time, long, long ago, when Armona and I were first married, we lived in the quiet bliss of the country. One day it snowed and that night the moon was ever so bright. Soft, crunchy snow, glimmering in the soft glow of the moonlight. Even at night, there were a million diamonds sparkling in the snow. Just outside our house, was a beckoning hillside softly whispering in my ear, “Come out and play.” I took the cue and said to my young bride, “Let’s go outside and go sledding.” The kids were all tucked into bed. What could go wrong? Parkas all zipped up, gloves pulled up tight, boots on and out we went for some winter fun. The sled we had, held two. We were all set. Perched at the top of this very steep hill, with laughter, we pushed off. Faster and faster did we slide, the bottom fence approaching, oh so fast! Hair flowing, as if flying at lightning speed. Then----BOOOOOM---the sled stopped and we kept on flying. Over and over in the snow we both tumbled….all the laughter and giggles ceased and then, in an instant, was silence. As we both laid there looking up at the stars, I asked, “Are you O.K.?” “I don’t know. Let me lay here and take inventory,” came her reply. Her laugh was a clear tale sign that she had no broken bones. Both of us had forgotten about the garden we had plowed in the fall. Sleds work really well on snow covered grass, but not at all on a “no-covered” plowed ground. They stop in an instant while you keep on going. For sure, we created a memory moment that cold winter’s night. Had we stayed in by the cozy, warm fireplace that night, we wouldn’t have that memory to share today! Sharing the gospel is sort of like that sled run. You can stand at the top of a hill and just think about the exhilarating ride down to the bottom, or you can just do it and see where it takes you. Telling someone about Jesus has the potential of being the most memorable moment in your life! Go ahead—give it a try! I’ll push you if you need me to get you started! Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 18, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius Several years ago, I attended a seminar for pastors. Yes, even they, me included, need a time of learning and refreshment. It didn’t take long and, as you might expect, every one of the twenty coalesced into one harmonious group, willing to share deep personal experiences. Here are three of those shared experiences.
I learned from those experiences that “everybody’s got something.” An emotional scar can stay with you all of your life. If you are carrying a burden in your life, give it to Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Giving it all to Jesus….. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 11, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius There are days in our lives that are memorable memory markers. Historical events that are burned into our memories for all of time. Here are three of my memorable memory markers.
Indeed, everything changed after September 11, 2001. What remains are memories of the heroes that emerged from that terrible day. The firemen, the police, who ran into those buildings to save others. While everyone else was running away, they ran into the burning, collapsing buildings and not away. Jesus said this in John 15:13. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Let us never forget….. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 21, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius As a young lad, I had several close encounters. Some of them, you’ll never hear about. 😊 But I’m thinking of primarily turkeys, ganders, and a banty rooster, who at one time or another, all chased after me and scared me to no end! Even then, I was fifty pounds heavier and a whole lot smarter than any of these “birds of a feather.” My brain against their bird brain, and I’m running away from them? How can this be? In today’s environment, you might say these guys bullied me. Their fowl play was no fun! 😊 I don’t remember the end game for the gander or the banty rooster, but I do remember when Mr. Turkey met his waterloo at the end of an axe on a tree stump. No longer did I need to look around and locate that Tom Turkey and then calculate my run time to safety. I think about him every Thanksgiving---and smile. Go ahead, puff up your feathers, now I’m a lot bigger than you, probably thanks to you! 😊 All of us have a nemesis that we fear, even the great prophet, Elijah. He just scored a major victory over the prophets of Baal. Of course, it really wasn’t Elijah’s victory, but God’s. Yet, though Elijah single handedly killed nine hundred Baal prophets, he was afraid of one woman, Queen Jezebel. In the end, she met her waterloo when she fell out of a window and was trampled by a parade of horses. I wonder if Elijah let out a sigh of relief. Whether it is Tom Turkey or some modern-day Jezebel haunting you, give your fears over to the Lord. Run to Him, for He is your shelter and refuge! Fear not—trust in God! Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 14, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius Oh boy! What a day! Life surely would have changed—if only. If only, I had won the $1.3 billion lottery prize last week. But I did not---I guess you must buy a ticket to have a chance. 😊 At the dinner table, probably like most of America, my family discussed, “What would we do with that much money?” I pray we would spend and use it wisely. But, without a doubt, a windfall of that much money would change anyone’s life. Personally, the first thing I would do, after catching my breath, would be to sit down and have a time of prayer and talk with Jesus. With that much money, so much Kingdom work could be done. From feeding the hungry to caring for the orphans, God’s work is never done. I would want to be a good steward of the wealth entrusted to me. Of course, I have my own personal wish list, which, by the way, would be fairly modest. After giving away a healthy portion of that fortune, then one needs to think about investing what remains. The after-tax proceeds of this lottery winning was somewhere around $700,000,000. That’s a LOT of money! If you invested it at a one percent rate of return, you would earn more money that you could spend in one year, $7,000,000. Talk about a well that never runs dry—a money tree that never stops growing. So, besides buying a private jet and yacht (just kidding), how would you use that much money? Remember God told Solomon he could have anything he wanted, and Solomon chose wisdom. Because he chose wisely riches beyond measure were added unto Solomon. If you wished you had won the lottery, I say….be careful what you wish for. As for me, if a Genie pops up and gives me one wish---I’m asking for a thousand more wishes. 😊 Just dreaming…. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 7, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius We all like sparkly things. In our world today, we call it bling. But there’s a difference between real and bling. People are like that, some are just bling and others are real. Over the years, I’ve learned the difference between high quality diamonds that sparkle and glitter, and diamonds of lower quality that have no luster about them at all. Maybe that’s why I so enjoy window shopping at a fine jewelry store. If there ever comes a time to buy a diamond, always take it away from the counter and look at it under normal lighting conditions. In the display case there are really bright lights which make even poor diamonds, sparkle. People are a lot like diamonds. Some sparkle and glimmer while others don’t. Those whom you think are of high quality, once outside the display case, lose their appeal. Then there are those who, no matter the light, never shine out. Sometimes though, it’s those who are the least among us, with a little polishing and love, that glow the brightest. On the other hand, all of us want to be around people who are natural shining stars, but often, when not in the limelight, they disappoint. Sometimes the friends we choose are like brilliant diamonds that last forever. At other times, there are friends that are there just for a season, and soon lose their shine. Proverbs 17:17 says this about friends. “A friend loves at all times….” Who is the one friend you can count on at all times? His name is JESUS! I know I need a lot of polishing, but thanks for being my friend!! 😊 Love, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved July 24, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius I’ll admit it. I’m a dreamer. When I was younger, my dreams were imaginative and even sometimes beyond reach. Way back then, I was young and didn’t know some dreams just don’t come true. Though beyond my grasp, my quest for what I dreamed, was not diminished. Could it be my dream will come true, just over the next hilltop? I’ve climbed a lot of hilltops and, when there at the pinnacle, do you know what often comes into view? In the distance, on the horizon, are a thousand more hilltops. Every once in a while, at the top, I find a treasure. Those treasures motivate me to move ever forward, hoping the next impossible dream is realized. Here are some dreams of my youth:
There are dreams yet to be realized. Yes, there are dreams to be had, dreams to be fulfilled, even in old age. That’s God’s promise in Joel 2:28. “…your old men shall dream dreams…” Here are just a few of my dreams of today.
Over the years, my dreams have changed. The dreams of my youth were, for the most part, self-centered. I climbed a thousand hilltops to find treasure here on earth. Now my dreams are centered on that mansion just over the hilltop. What are your dreams? Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved July 17, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius A long time ago, I belonged to an investment club. Once a month, twelve of us would gather, pay dues, have the club pay for our lunch, all the while thinking we were getting a free lunch on the club. Our adopted motto was simple. “Buy high, sell low.” At least, that’s the way it worked sometimes. In the end, I don’t know if I made any real money, what with the club buying my monthly meal, but I made friends and had a good time. Every month, someone was designated to research a stock of their choice and come with a recommendation to buy that particular stock. Here’s the funny thing about the stock we did sometimes sell. If the investment made a profit, the person who recommended that stock always reminded the others, “That was my recommendation.” On the other hand, if a stock incurred a loss, no one stepped up to say, “That one was mine.” Funny how that works. As of late, we’ve all watched our investments go down. It was fun riding the roller coaster up the hill. Not so much fun as we come back down. I am reminded of what Will Rogers from the 1920’s once said. “I am not so concerned about the return on my money, as I am the return of my money.” Wise words to live by. Jesus had a lot to say about money too. Here’s what I’ve learned from Him. You’ll never lose if you invest in Jesus! You can take that to the bank! Lay Up Your Treasures in Heaven, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved July 10, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Recently, I was reminded of Saturday nights as I grew up in the metro complex of Titonka, Iowa. 😊 All the community gathered around to visit and shop. Every Saturday night was like going to the county fair. One of the weekly events, was that the high school band would perform. The street was roped off, chairs were set up, people gathered around to hear music played into the open atmosphere. Now today, every Sunday evening in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the Karl King Municipal Band performs at the iconic Oleson Park Bandshell. No longer is the street roped off, but people do gather around the bandshell to hear the instrumentalists play. Last Sunday, and before each musical arrangement, the announcer introduces each composition by Karl King. Know that Karl King traveled with the circus and composed many scores related to the circus in the early 1900’s. Here was one introduction. “In the circus, the ring master asked Karl King to play whatever music fit the performance happening in the ring. One particular act involved three clowns. So, Karl King wrote a tune called Arabian Nights to fit their act.” I had never pictured that King’s music might fit and concurrently tell a story as an act was performed. Throughout the musical piece, I imagined three clowns doing what clowns do, juggling, spinning plates, making people laugh. When the number was over and the applause had faded away, I asked my friend if he had seen the clowns. Here was his reply. “You’re not quite right.” 😊 Sometimes, I like “not being quite right.” It keeps people laughing and guessing as to what I might say next. Besides, I saw the clowns and my friend did not. So, I ask, “Who got more out of that musical score production?” 😊 When you read the Bible, take time to imagine the sights, the smells, the people gathered around, feel the emotions in the words you read. You might even feel the brush of angel’s wings. Who knows, you might even hear a talking donkey. Check out Numbers 22! Imagine….. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved June 26, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Recently, while talking to one of my favorite friends, a woman of intelligence and grace, she told me that things weren’t going so well for her. I asked, “What’s wrong?” She replied, “The doctor has diagnosed me with…. oh, I can’t remember what it’s called. All I know is that the other day I picked up my clothes and I couldn’t find the washing machine.” She laughed and cried at the same time…. I did too. I was there for her the morning her first husband died. I was there for her the morning her second husband died. Both times, I did not know what to say. So, it was as she told me of her doctor’s diagnosis of dementia. I did not know what to say. What I’ve learned over the years is that when tragedy befalls upon another, sometimes it is better not to say anything. Just be there to provide a shoulder to cry on. Words of advice are often meaningless when someone is in the center of the storm. I learned in the book of Job that after Job’s losses in chapter one, his friends came and sat with him for seven days. All was well during those days. Then the friends began giving advice to Job. That’s when the trouble started. But if you know someone with dementia, be patient, be understanding, know this too. I give this advice from close personal experience of a loved one who suffered from dementia. You, as you walk the walk beside your loved one, watching them grow more distant every day, you actually experience many deaths. First come the mental separations---each day noticing more and more the anxiety and confusion of your loved one. Then, ultimately, the last death---the physical death. If ever I suffer from memory loss, I know this from Isaiah 46:4. This is my confidence that Jesus will see me through. “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He Who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and rescue you.” I might not remember God’s promises. But I know God will not forget His promise to me. Laughing with, but mostly crying, as I tell you of my friend….. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved May 15, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius High rolling, green, picturesque hills look down upon me. Lush meadows lay ever before me. A soft gentle breeze rustles the prairie grass through which I walk ever waving, as if to greet me. Yellow flowers fill the valley that lies ahead of me. Soft, pink, wild roses sprinkle the valley floor with beauty and grace. A ribbon of water threads its path and gently beckons with its soothing ripple. As I pass, the rustling grass, the water’s flow, soothing my soul. I am going home. Birds overhead, the meadowlark sings its morning song. The deer that runs ahead, the fox who just blends in, the pheasant’s call, life in the valley lived to the full. Even the mighty lion, who follows so closely, causes me no fear. In fact, in his care, I am protected. I am going home. Oh, the joy of distant laughter just ahead. Out of sight, but yet I recognize familiar voices so dear, all from long ago. Over the next hilltop and then I will see. What then will my vision be? Loved ones through my life who once were so near? I am going home. My thoughts overwhelm, my heart beats at a faster pace. My palms sweat, anticipation peaks, my feet quicken, there is a new feeling that wells up within. I’m almost there. I am going home. Though I run faster, the grass upon which I tread is not trampled under. I sing a new song as glory begins to fill the atmosphere. The crest of the hill draws ever close to me. I am going home. A light begins to shine over the hilltop. The valley floor illumined brighter still. A few more steps and I’ll be there. Surely, the light before me will make me blind. Yet, I turn not around. I’m almost there. I’m going home. The crest of the hill is upon me, I look, and behold! The majesty before me exceeds the beauty behind. There to greet me, the sounds I heard, are loved ones to escort me. To the light they take me. There I fall on my knees in front of He Who made me. There to hear Him say, “You are home.” Fear not, friends. The best is yet to come….. Pastor Allan ©2022, All Rights Reserved, Allan Redenius April 17, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Have you ever sat back and just wondered about an event in history? If you were there, would you laugh or cry, rejoice or be sad, jump up and down or fall to your knees? In your wonderment, (is that a word?) do you visualize what’s happening all around you? I invite you to wonder with me about the Easter morning Christ stepped out of the tomb. Take a deep breath, clear your mind, smell the air, hear the birds singing—maybe even a new song. Come with me. The morning is quiet and cool. The sun begins to pierce the sky. A low hanging fog rolls in over the dew covered grass. The leaves on the trees give a sound, a soft rustle. The sun, now a little higher, warms your back. Higher in the sky and now you see not through a glass darkly, but clearly you see. With unbelieving eyes, you see the large stone, unmovable by man, rolled aside. What you don’t expect to see comes into focus. The entrance to the tomb is clearly visible. The Roman guards stationed all about lay on the ground frozen with fear—or maybe wonder. Should you approach? The safe thing to do is to hang back. No! Events like this only happen once in a lifetime, once in history. Don’t miss it! Step forward, be bold, live life to the full. Take the first step, lean against the entrance to the tomb, only to see that Jesus’ body is not there. Suddenly, there is a feeling of the presence of someone behind you. Is it an awakened guard, a gardener? Cautiously, you turn around. There He is! Jesus has arisen from the dead. He is alive! Don’t miss out on all that life can be because you see only what is in front of you. The gospels tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Read between the lines. Feel the emotions of those who were there. But wait, even now, there is someone near—closer than a friend. Turn around, turn, see, feel the presence of Jesus on this day---every day! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved April 10, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Aww…the circle of life, even the big dogs one day face their final day. I love Rocky Mountain National Park. I’ve been there enough that now I close my eyes and visually retrace all of my hikes through its’ beauty. The splendor, grandeur, the sheer majesty of what God created here on earth is breathtaking. Every step from Bear Lake to Nymph Lake to Dream Lake and then ultimately to Emerald Lake, I often retrace in my mind. The upward climb in the high elevation takes my breath away. But I don’t give up, even with my heart going BOOM-BOOM-BOOM, along the way. The few moments of discomfort soon pass away when I round the corner and Emerald Lake comes into view. Surely, this is where God camps out. But just as beautiful as the lakes, hidden deep within the mountain, is the valley, especially Moraine Park, a valley as big as the sky. The prairie grass is waist deep and, when the breeze blows, the grass moves like waves on the sea. Through the middle a ribbon of water flows through. It is to here that majestic elk descend from the high country for the fall rut. Over the years, one bull elk has reigned supreme, Kahuna. Big and strong, there was no doubt Kahuna was the king of the valley. Other bulls may have challenged him for the herd, but Kahuna always won. No doubt about it. He was the big dog, big elk of the valley! But this past fall, another rose up for the challenge. Gored and wounded, Kahuna retreated to the trees to recover from his wounds. He did not recover and now he returns to dust. If you are the big dog in life, the Kahuna of the valley, one day you too will be made low. Every king, dictator, leader, every Kahuna, eventually loses their battle to death. But if you know Jesus, that final battle gives way to victory. By the way, all little dogs, little Kahuna’s, end up the same way. Thinking of my final battle---the circle of life. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved April 3, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius If my heart could tell a story. If my life was but a testimony. What would others hear? What would they see? Oh, but that my story and testimony would sing in harmony and tell of God’s glory. The sun shines upon my back. My shoulders are warmed by the glow of God’s love. That yellow, golden globe moves across the sky and runs its daily course. How I am like the sun. My prayer is that my life’s sunset is only half as beautiful as what God paints in the sky every evening. The wind blows and the trees sway back and forth. Most see only the wind. I see God walking in the treetops. The thunder rolls across the hills. Some crouch in fear and tremble at the sound. I hear the power of the Lord as He makes His presence known. The lightning flashes from horizon to horizon across the night sky. While others are blinded by its brilliance, I see only the sparks of God’s own chariot wheel. Clouds whisk by in a thousand formations, a turtle, a dove, an alligator. How marvelous as subtly they change in shape and size. With God’s gentle breath do the clouds move from here to there. The night looms dark. The stars shine out there twinkling presence. The heavens declare the majesty of Christ the King. Look, look at the light they shine forth. It is only then I can look back in time. A light made a thousand years ago finally comes into view—and then gone to soon. You just read my story, heard my testimony. May my life proclaim God’s glory…. I am His, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 13, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius As a kid, I heard this from my parents, “Clean up your plate. Kids in China are starving to death.” By the time I became a parent, the mantra was the same, but with a slight adjustment. “Clean up your plate. Kids in Ethiopia are starving to death.” All my life, I read in the newspaper, saw on the television, and heard on the radio about starving children. Each and every time, my heart hurt for them. But, realistically, what could I do? Cleaning up my plate certainly doesn’t help a hungry boy or girl across the street, let alone halfway around the world. Then one day, I heard this story. As was her custom, a woman in the Congo went to the hospital to minister to the sick. From a darkened room, she heard a baby boy cry. “What’s his story,” she asked? The nurses in charge relayed this account. His mother died giving birth to him. The people in the village believed that because the mother died, the boy was cursed. They all bantered the father enough that he believed it to be true also. So, he took the baby boy to the village cemetery, laid him down, and walked away. A walking trail skirted the cemetery and, as children walked by, they heard the baby cry. Thinking it to be a ghost, they ran away. Then, later in the day, someone ventured into the cemetery to investigate. On the ground, there was the baby. He was taken to the hospital for care. But in the Congo, if the mother is not there to care for and nurse the child, it is left to die. (In the Congo, you can’t just run to the store and pick up some formula.) “What’s his name?” asked the inquiring woman. “Danu,” was the reply. She picked up the baby boy and said, “I’m taking him home to give him life. I’m changing his name from Danu, which means, abandoned, to Precious.” This story made me cry. I decided then and there that I could help through Covenant Kids Congo. Since that time, twelve years ago and with the help of others, we have been supporting forty-six of these starving kids in the Congo. How do I know the story to be true? Several years later, I met the son of the mother who adopted Precious. There are a few things in life I’ve done well…this is one of them. Praise God for allowing me to help, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 6, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius So, I have a theory. Everyone thinks time goes by one second at a time. Tick-tock, tick-tock…and it actually does go one second at a time. Most people see time as a horizontal measure. I see time as a marble spinning down a narrowing funnel, wide at the top, narrow at the bottom. In my illustration, if a marble begins to spin round and round at the top, it travels much faster as it descends toward the bottom. I remember, as a young boy, sitting at my Grandma’s pink with black poka-dots kitchen table. (No wonder, when I pick out my ties, they never match my shirt.) 😊 While eating a sugar cookie, sprinkled with love, I said to her. “I’m bored, time goes by so slow.” Her sage remark was simply, “Just you wait.” Now I do understand. As I grow older, time does fly by faster. As I approach the end of my time, time still goes by tick-tock, tick-tock but things seem to be happening faster and faster. So, it might be with the end of time. In Matthew 24, Jesus gave us the signs of the end of times, false teachers, wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, an increase of wickedness, and other signs and wonders. Some may say, “These things have not yet come. So, there is plenty of time before Jesus returns.” In my thinking, these things are upon us and they are happening at a seemingly much more rapid pace. We are just out of one war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and others, and suddenly stand at the verge of another war in the Ukraine. Since the day George Floyd was murdered, social unrest, violence in the street, and loss of love for one another has exponentially grown. Could the funnel be beginning to narrow? Something to think about, but not fear, the day the Lord returns. The question is this. Whether Jesus comes today, or you die tomorrow, are you saved? Keeping a watchful eye out for the return of Jesus….. Pastor Allan © 2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved |
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