I was in Las Vegas a few weeks ago and it sure lives up to all its hype. That being a city that is pretty much the sin capital of extravagance, superficial motives and excess. If you had to pick a city where there is an abundance of worldly pursuits; Las Vegas quickly comes to mind. The strip with all its gaudy arcades and casinos are a testament to it its allure. All the high rise hotels from Trump Towers to the giant pyramid at the Luxor stand as glaring monuments to all the hordes of people who have contributed to its worldly success. Amazing how whole families flock to the confines of its city limits and disembark from their cars, SUV's and vans like giddy schoolchildren who were just let out for summer recess... 

Alone in this morass of jaded decadence as one drives from the North end of the city to the South on Hwy 15 is a lone billboard that just has two words. The two words probably seem innocuous to most as they whiz by every day or night on their way to their next encounter wherever that may be. Two words that really don't have the glamorous star appeal or the enticing youthful grandeur of a sensuous model or the familiar face of a famous comedian or singer at some plush hotel. Just two words really set against a backdrop of blue clouds. 

And what are words really except for the random vehicles of expression to a world set adrift. Words that get lost in the fray of everyday life. Components really of a bartered existence that are leveraged against the substance of a person’s life measured in influence, position or wealth.  Words that either give life or take it away. Sometimes a little at a time. 

It’s so sad to see how words can set people apart. Or, they can bring them together. They can be used for agendas either for or against. Or just to speak the truth. Across miles or face to face. Funny how the intent behind a person's motives that drives their words are used for future use, in that positions and alliances are forged in certain ways. No wonder we have disagreements, wars, and strife. No wonder Jesus said in his Word that this world may pass away, but my words (Jesus' words) will never pass away... Even if we have the acrimonious disagreement, it’s good to know that in the word of God, that his words remain true. And the spirit of his words speak across time and miles and are advertised on the billboards of our heart which makes us an advertisement for his love. 

Very strange how things happen in life. Just today I visited a fellow believer who is actually the father of another brother who lives in Taiwan. Small world how people meet. Almost like it’s meant to be. Anyway, Frank who is the father of Harvey, I met today at a special place called the Green Oak Ranch in Southern California which is home to a drug and alcohol recovery center. Frank is somewhat of a traveling preacher of sorts who has set up many home churches and spoke at a service there today. After praying with and meeting many of the residents who have a heart for the Lord, I actually got to meet another brother by the name of James. 

Something that needs to be pointed out is that at this location is none of the high speed high gloss veneer of a Las Vegas, nor the 5-star billing of luxury rooms or a star studded cast, but the dusty paths of worn out trails to some rather ordinary buildings that house and are home to some dear souls who are willing to get real with themselves and God. Needless to say I was quite blessed with some of the honesty and candor that came from James as I talked to him about his struggles, battles, pain and faith. It was also a rare joy to look around me in this beautiful area of trees, foliage and scenery that I could sense the handiwork of God at work in people’s lives. James said something profoundly intriguing to me today that I'll never forget. He stated that no matter what happens in life and no matter what happened prior in a person's life before; that the future that lays ahead - it's all a decision that we all have to make either for good or bad, life or death... 

Now that I think about it, those are some good words coming from someone who is just 27 years old. And they are words of life. 

Oh, and those two words that were on that billboard in Las Vegas that I saw - all it said were "HOLY SPIRIT". 

All I can say is that today - I got a good dose of the Holy Spirit. 

How about you?

Scott Sepanek

TheRaptureCult.com

Shibboleth144@yahoo.com 

Pls pass this message on to others and have them do the same. No matter where you are or who you are, God cares about you and died for your sins so that you can have life with Him starting now. Eternal life. Ask Christ Jesus to come into your heart and ask his comforter the Holy Spirit to speak to you which is that small still voice. As the world throttles toward destruction and emptiness, God stands ready at the door to your heart asking to come in and make his home. You don't need to join a formal Church because where two or three are gathered there he is also. This is between you and God. May you be fruitful and multiply for the Kingdom. I hope to meet you soon as well. There is no distance where God is concerned. You and I as believers are just a conversation away and posted on the billboard of your soul. 

The decision is yours...

Again, pls send out this message to everyone you know - it's bound to reach someone who needs to see it (and let your billboard shine).