The INNKEEPER - by E. H. Maze
There is a good side to us
all. Let's call it a light. For
some people that good side (that light) is hidden well below the surface - but it does exist.
That light
is capable of shining through the toughest of times. It is that
deep, hidden light, strangely chased away by the dark shadows,
that mankind needs. Perhaps, after all is said and done, this good light will triumph
over the despair that invades our daily hopes and dreams.
God treats our darkness like a shovel, often placing it in someone else’s hand, and has us dig at each other until the light is uncovered. Up from the ugly darkness of every situation the cloud of God's glory waits to receive its reward as the power of good things shines - hope, faith and forgiveness – and all that is good about everything – will shine. Once the light appears, the darkness can no longer influences life - all that seemed dark for a season will fade away in the light. Then, the darkest of souls will be able to see the light.
And,
when that light is love . . . and
when that darkness, in forced homage, bows . . .
there will be freedom.
Introduction
Before we visit the Apple Valley Inn, let me give you a quick overview of where the rest of our world is these days. It is important to be reminded that God looks down with both a full view of man and a world-wide plan for man, so what is happening on one side of the world has everything to do with what is happening (or not happening) on the other side of the world.
The
middle-east has never known peace for an extended period of time – as far as our understanding of history records.
Perhaps, Solomon was able to maintain some order of peace, but that
was soon discovered as a prelude to attack.
Because of his wisdom and wealth, he made friends with neighboring
and far away nations/kingdoms, but they were only waiting for the
inevitable return of
It
had been that, historically, the farther away from that original peaceful
paradise, the easier it was to find peace. Ironically,
today, even countries like America
live with the thought of impending attack, however undeserving its
citizenry may believe themselves to be. Entities would make threats
and carry out those threats, sometimes with great destruction, but without
real success.
But, all good things must come to an end.
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It
is not unnecessary to be reminded that life is too short to concern
ourselves with most of the things that concern us too frequently and much
too intensely. In fact, we
wary ourselves with those day-to-day dark things and leave our hearts far
from that crucial cry of God who calls us to seek the things that are
above. “Look at that dark
thing that has hurt me,” we cry. “Someone,
feel sorry for me because of how I wallow in this despair,” moans
another. “You hurt me and I
will never be able to trust you again,” bemoans the broken-hearted one.
My God! How we focus on
all that dark smoke. And, how
we nearly suffocate on the self-preservation of clinging to the cold
handrails of a staircase that is spiraling in every direction but toward
the very help available in times of trouble!
Listen
to the voice that stands above the smoke.
It is He!
Listen
to the voice that calls forward from beneath.
It is He!
Listen
to the voice that is beside you, all around you, surrounding you more
prevalent than the darkness itself. It
is He!
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This
is a story about a group of people who are playing out a scenario that
could happen any day now.
Suppose,
if you will, that there really is going to be a second coming of the man
they call Jesus. And suppose
he comes once again to a little Inn like the one in
Or,
suppose he comes simultaneously into every Inn
in the world – or every home, or swimming pool, or, wherever!
You may not embrace the Christian theology of the rapture of the Church - maybe you do. Either way, the story you are about to read should lead you to consider the possibility that such events as Armageddon, the Tribulation and the Apocalypse are not metaphors used by filmmakers for making money on religious dogmas. They will happen . . . to us all . . . to you! Neither is this story about religion or theology. It is about a decision. Maybe a lifestyle, maybe a choice someone else wishes you would make. In the end, and by the end, you will at least know that the darkness of your past days can become a brighter and lighter path for others to follow.
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end of Introduction (click here to go to Dedication)- if link is not active, the chapter is not yet ready. Check back later, please.
Please let me know if you have read (and enjoyed) this chapter by sending me a quick email to: ehylandmaze@aol.com
bless you.....................................Eugene H. Maze
This chapter and all chapters related to this website book entitled "The INNKEEPER" (copyright 1995, 2005) was written and published by Eugene H. Maze. No portion of this book may be copied, sold or distributed either by electronic or other means in any fashion whatsoever without the expressed written permission of the author. Permission for distribution may be obtained by contacting the author at ehylandmaze@aol.com. Links to this and all previous and subsequent pages of this book entitled "The INNKEEPER" may be distributed freely without permission.