Testimony #4

No Man Is Promised Tomorrow

The average life expectancy of a human being varies around the world, 75 years of age is fairly normal?  But many far exceed this expectancy. But to see a life cut short at such a young age… can be devastating-     

During the Raiders stay in Southern California. The Annual Family Day had come to an end. The Raiders Steering Committee had given the Inland Empire, Orange County Boosters, And the Oxnard Police department the responsibility of securing the event. I personally had the opportunity of escorting Stacey Toran #30, Ronnie Lott #42, Eddie Anderson #33 and Lionel Washington #23 to their vehicles. As they were about to leave I said, " Hey Stacey, you're going to be the next Jack Tatum. But for now, stick next to the man. I said to Ronnie! Take him under your wing.  "Hey guys have a great season, Go Raiders!

That night, Stacey made a choice that would ultimately take his life. How much he had to drink. Who knows?  But it impaired his driving. We expected him to live a much longer life. The glory that would of, Certainly taken place. A promising career... the talent to become one of the top defense backs, In the National Football League.

The Lord gives us warnings and instructions. Proverbs 27: 1 " Do not boast about tomorrow. For you do not know what a day may bring forth. Today's world  move's at such a fast pace, at times we don't put much thought on our daily decisions that effect our future. Life is brief and most importantly          unpredictable.

The Lords wisdom Psalms 90: 12 teaches us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  In other words, Lord help us to realize our lives can end on any given day. Give me wisdom to make the right choices. We don't know when our day will come. The good news here? Stacey's death was not in vain. Throughout The Raider Nation, we've experienced the unexpected deaths of our hero's and loved ones. The Passion of the Raider family. The love we have for one another. Over the years many of us have searched for answers.  The silver lining of Gods promise of internal LIFE, Ephesians 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, saved by the blood of his son, Jesus Christ. Stacey Toran knew Jesus as Lord and Savior. a graduate of Notre Dame University-- an institution of Christian lifestyle and alliance for Catholic education. At a young age, Stacey made the right choice- - to receive Gods promise.

As Pastor of Nation Ministry, I ask the Raider family- - have you secured tomorrow for yourself and your family? Is your name written in the book of life? As an observer of the Raider life style, I see Gods word at work among the fans, Jesus, said Love your neighbor as yourself, sadly I see the Raider Nation in critical condition. Not knowing that the great and foremost commandment is Matthew 22:37-39, You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and with Your Soul and with all Your Mind. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  And there's only one way to cure it, Love God like your fellow Raider Fan?

Trust in Jesus! Prepare yourself- - plan your future…make everyday count. Remember, no man is promised tomorrow.

                                                              
Pastor Mando
"Just keeping it Real!