Light

"God said,

'Let there be light.'

And there was light!

God saw that the light was good,

so God separated the light from the darkness."

Genesis 1:3-4 NET

I opened my eyes but nothing happened.  The inky blackness behind my closed eyelids matched the darkness found in my tent pitched deep in the forest.  I waited, giving my young eyes a chance to adjust.  Still, not a bit of darkness could be detected.  As I lay in my sleeping bag, unable to discern my surroundings, the night seemed to press in around me, giving me a feeling of claustrophobia.   I lay there in a wide-eyed state of alertness until finally, my fatigue overcame my sense of anxiety and I fell into a state of slumber.

The next time I opened my eyes on that memorable trip of my youth to the back-country of Yellowstone park, however, everything was different.  Light flooded the tent and what felt like a tomb a few hours before, now was my peaceful home away from home:  The introduction of light had changed everything.

In the beginning, God made the light and called it "good." (Genesis 1:4)  Darkness always existed, but once the light came, everything changed.  (v 2)  God's creation of light provides many reminders of the Truth as I negotiate my walk with Christ.

Separated

The shirt draped over a chair becomes an intruder hunched in the corner.  A painting of a smiling woman is transformed into a grimacing fiend.  The friendly figurine of a frolicking feline looks more like a menacing monster.  Darkness has a way of hiding the goodness and providing fertile ground for an active imagination.

In a similar way, the darkness of this world and my sinful nature both have a way of twisting what is good into something evil.  Marriage is morphed from the bedrock of our society where children are nurtured and men and women find meaning in their God-given roles to a meaningless institution devoid of purposeful underpinning.

In the hands of this darkness, God is removed as the Giver of the standard for living and in His place man's corrupt conscience serves as the establisher of the benchmark.  It is also apparent that the once thriving, hospitable, loving home where education and commerce of all kinds took place is now simply a haven from the world and a place to find refuge from others.

When God separated the light from the darkness, He set in place a reminder of my calling to set myself aside for His use.  Instead of merging into the ways of the world that are so comfortable to my sinful nature, I hold God's ways as more valuable.  In this way I will exist in the world as salt and light without risk of looking just like unbelievers who have no hope. (Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 6:31-32)

Just as light is divided from darkness, so is God's purpose far different from the world's.

Jesus

No matter what time of year you may visit Yuma, Arizona, you will probably find a sunny day.  It is known as the sunniest city in the U.S. with an average of 328 days of sun per year.  For those who prefer cheery, sunlit days, this is the place to dwell.  To find 100% chance of walking in the light, however, I need look no further than Jesus!  You see, wherever Jesus is, I will find light because He is the Light of the world.  (John 8:12)

Following the Holy Spirit, then, is the one sure way to walk in the Light, for He would never lead me into darkness.  (Galatians 5:16-18)  When I am tempted to follow my natural inclinations and let my selfish desires lead the way, I find myself looking out for myself, promoting my plans, and meeting my needs.  When I let God's Spirit guide me, however, I will discover a new-found selflessness as I desire to help others, glorify God by supporting His plan, and looking for ways to meet the needs of those around me.

As a follower of Christ, I am not bound to the darkness of my sin nature, but neither am I a resident of this world.  When I stick by His side, I will find the God-offending thinking so common in this day and age to be as foreign to my mind. (Romans 12:2)  It will also become clear that His love will flow freely from me as I am transformed from a judgmental, harsh critic to a merciful dispenser of grace.  In the Light, the homeless beggar becomes someone's father or brother who needs a kind touch instead of a pitiful excuse of a man who has given up on life.  The Light has a way of altering my perspective to line up more with His rather than the world's.

Just as light is at odds from darkness, so will following Jesus place me on a narrow path that drastically differs from the wide, well-traveled path of the world.  

Unquenchable

No matter how many times he blew, the birthday boy could not extinguish the candle.  His mother had carefully hidden the trick candle in the center of the cluster of 8 flaming symbols of his age, knowing how much her son loved practical jokes.  Finally, they dipped the still-flaming candle into some water to douse the fire so they could cut the cake.

While these trick birthday candles can be a fun edition to any party, it can also remind us of Jesus.  His Light is unable to be extinguished by anything found in all of creation.  No matter how dark the world seems, it is never so bad that it will overcome the Light.  (John 1:5)

Applying this truth to my life, I will discover that there is no hurt that cannot be healed by the touch of Jesus.  No matter how hopeless a situation seems, it is not so difficult that a touch of His cloak will not overcome it.  (Luke 8:44)

There are times when it seems evil is winning, but the Truth tells me that the One who resides in my heart is greater than the Evil One who prowls the earth looking for someone to devour.  (1 John 4:4, 1 Peter 5:8)  I can also remember when I feel like my sin is always winning out that Jesus has finished His redemptive work on the cross that provides me an endless supply of forgiveness and the power to overcome.  (1 John 1:7-9, Galatians 5:24-25)

Just as light cannot be extinguished by darkness, so is the Light of Jesus unable to be quenched by evil.

When God made light, He called it good and opened up a precedence for living in relation to Him.  I am to live fully in His Light, separate from the ways of the world and my sinful nature.  I also am called to walk beside Jesus as He leads me through the darkness, knowing that His Light cannot be extinguished.  These are the lessons of the light I can take with me throughout my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the significance of light.

When am I drawn to the darkness like a moth to the flame?

How am I living a defeated life instead of remembering the victory I have in Jesus? 

Fall of Babylon

"After all this I saw another angel come down

from heaven with great authority,

and the earth grew bright with his splendor.

He gave a mighty shout:

'Babylon is fallen--that great city is fallen!

She has become a home for demons.

She is a hideout for every foul spirit,

a hideout for every foul vulture

and every foul and dreadful animal.

For all the nations have fallen 

because of the wine of her passionate immorality.

The kings of the world

have committed adultery with her.

Because of her desires for extravagant luxury,

the merchants of the world have grown rich.'

Then I heard another voice calling from heaven,

'Come away from her, my people.

Do not take part in her sins,

or you will be punished with her.'"

Revelation 18:1-4 NLT

I wanted my precious children far away from them.  Even though the new family in our neighborhood was friendly and accommodating, their influences were not good.  There were all sorts of things going on in their home that I had purposefully kept from our elementary-aged daughters.  Horror movies flashed openly on television screens for tender hearts to witness; violent video games were offered up as entertainment; vulgar music videos played non-stop in the living room; salty language flowed freely from the mouths of all.  In short, this family was not a good influence on our young ones.

As much as I treasure my children, my Father in heaven loves His own even more.  He desires for us to live holy lives: set apart for His use and not corrupted by the world.  One day this dark world will fall.  Therefore, what business have I as a child of Light to join in with her evil? (Ephesians 5:6-8)

Separate

I grabbed the egg and carefully tapped it on the side of the bowl, making a crack around the center of the shell.  Applying gentle pressure on either side of the opening, the egg broke apart.  Holding the contents in one side of the shell, I transferred the white and the yolk back and forth between each side until the white part of the egg slid gracefully into the bowl.  All that was left within the ivory encasing was the golden middle.

It is amazing how a chicken egg holds two distinct parts within it's shell.  While both the white and the yolk are an integral part of the whole, they are distinctly separate.  In a similar way, I am in this world but not of it; I simply don't belong here!  (John 15:19)

As a result, my life should look differently as His holy child than the lives of those who are lost all around me.  From my dress, to the music to which I listen, to the words that come out of my mouth, to the way I react to the circumstances of life, I should stand out.  There should be as distinct a difference between myself and my unsaved neighbors as there is between the yolk and the white of an egg.

This difference, however, does not come with my effort.  Instead, it is a transformative change that occurs as I place myself in the hands of the Master Potter. (Romans 12:2, Isaiah 45:9, 2 Corinthians 3:18) 

As a child of light, it is to the glory of God that I live a life that is separate from the world as I love those who are caught up in it.

Protected

I applied the sunscreen liberally to the exposed parts of my skin, imagining an invisible barrier forming between this protective membrane and the sun.  As long as I use sunblock, I am protected from burning as I work out in the yard or play in the sunshine.  If, however, I forget to apply this defense, I will suffer the consequences.

While sunscreen's protection is not 100% effective, God's is.  Because of what the blood of Jesus has done in covering all my sins, I won't receive the wrath of God my transgressions have earned me.  Instead, Jesus bore that punishment upon Himself when He suffered and died on the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

As a result, I can live as a child of the King who can boldly approach His throne of grace.  (Hebrews 4:16)  I need not live in shame, letting the guilt of my failures, mess-ups and falls keep me from my Father who loves me.  The blood of Jesus allows God to freely and continually offer forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22)  

All it takes is for me to accept His mercy and live as one who has been set free from the heavy burden of self-reproach.  Instead of beating myself up over my sin, then, I can walk forward toward the Light as one who rightfully belongs to Him.  

I sometimes can get caught up in sin, thinking I don't deserve any better than to live in it's filth.  The truth found in the Gospel, however, tells me that the blood of Jesus makes me righteous before a holy God, giving me a reason to step away from the sin that so easily entangles.

As a child of Light, I am protected from the wrath of God my sins deserve and can therefore live as His precious daughter.

Forgotten

I like to joke that the good thing about getting older is I can read a book a second or third time and not remember how it turns out!  While I know that I enjoyed the story of a certain novel, I have most likely forgotten the details of the narrative.

God has a similar trait.  While He does not suffer from memory loss, He has completely forgotten my sins.  This means that He has not only forgiven my transgressions, not holding them against me, but He has also removed them from me as far "as the east is from the west." (Psalm 103:12)

Therefore, when my Father looks upon me, He sees nothing but the cleansing blood of Jesus.  He does not think of me as the woman with anger issues, or the one who struggles with doubt and insecurities.  Instead, He views me as His precious daughter, seeing me clearly as the woman He created me to be.  Can I see myself similarly?

As a child of Light, my sins are forgotten by God and not forever linked to my identity.

God loved me enough to send His Son in order to reconcile my sinful self to Him.  As a result, I must live as one who is dearly loved, keeping myself separate from the world while still allowing His perfect love to flow out to the lost.  I can also remember my position in His family protects me from His wrath, freeing me up to live as a precious child.  Finally, my character is no longer marred by sin so I can be transformed into who God intended for me to be.  This is what inspires me to live a life apart from the evils of this world.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will remember that I was created for greater things than this world can offer.

When do I get caught up in the offerings of this world, forgetting the plan God has for me?

How am I weighed down with the sin that has already been forgiven?

Our Deeds Will Follow Us

"And (the angel) said in a loud voice,

'Fear God and give him glory,

because the hour of his judgment has come,

and worship him who made heaven and earth,

the sea and the springs of water.'

. . .And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever,

and they have no rest, day or night,

these worshipers of the beast and its image,

and whoever receives the mark of its name.'

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints,

those who keep the commandments of God 

and their faith in Jesus.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying,

'Write this: 

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'

'Blessed indeed,' says the Spirit,

'that they may rest from their labors,

for their deeds follow them!'"

Revelation 14:7,11-13 ESV

He spent his high school years having fun, focusing on friends more than academics, choosing partying in the place of studying, and favoring pleasure over discipline.  As a result, when the time came to submit college applications, he didn't have much of substance to include on his resume and failed to gain entry into any institute of higher learning.  The choices made in his earlier years followed this young man into the future.

In a similar way, the way I live my life doesn't just impact this temporary life.  Even though the time of judgment is not yet here, it is coming.  Therefore, I would be prudent to pay attention to the warnings of what is to come.  The decisions I make now will stay with me for eternity.

Patiently Endure

I felt like someone was watching me from the treeline.  My stalker's eyes followed my every move as he stayed on the lookout, biding his time until he saw his opportunity to attack.  When my defenses were down and I least expected it, the lion pounced on his prey.

While I've never really been assaulted by the king of the jungle, I have endured many attacks from the Evil One.  Satan has been compared to a prowling lion who is constantly on the lookout for someone to devour.  (1 Peter 5:8)  As a result, I must be aware of his schemes, remembering that the Spirit of God is greater than he. (1 John 4:4)

My willingness to patiently endure the temptations placed in my path by the Enemy of my soul will have eternal consequences.  Therefore, when things don't go my way and I am tempted to blame God for my hard times, I can instead resist the urge and accept my present circumstances as a tool the Master is using to mold me into the image of Christ.  (James 4:7)

Or when I feel the urge to give into anger and take my frustrations out on the ones I love the most, I can instead keep my eyes on the One who holds all things in His hand and will not let me fall.  Even when I am attracted to fleshly desires that will harm my walk with Christ, I can instead choose to stand firmly on solid ground by following the lead of His Spirit. (Galatians 5:16) 

Choosing to patiently endure the temptation to give in to Satan's alluring advances is a decision that will stay with me for eternity.

Obey God

"If it feels good, do it."

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

"Live for yourself, not others."

These are common beliefs found in the consciousness of today's self-gratifying generation.  While these sentiments may appeal to my sin nature, they contradict the precepts I learn from God's Word.

When I only focus on doing what feels good to me, I will not take one foot down the path God has laid out for me.  Instead of holding my emotions up as a compass, I can desire to please God and go only where He leads me, even if it feels scary, uncomfortable or downright difficult. (Jeremiah 17:9, Jeremiah 29:11)  

When my life's goal is to accomplish everything on my own personal "bucket list," then I miss out on all the eternal blessings that will come from fulfilling God's plan for my life.  If my own opinion is the only one that matters in the end, then I will end up making decisions that make myself happy instead of desiring to please God above all things.

Choosing to purposefully prefer God's ways over the fleshly appeal of the world is a decision that will stay with me for eternity.

Remain Faithful

He never took his eyes off his master, even when the alluring duck flew in front of his face, tempting the Labrador Retriever to chase as was natural to his instincts.  The canine's devotion to his master, however, gave him a self-control that amazed even the most hardened skeptic.  Staying true to his beloved leader mattered more to this dog than did following his desire to chase and retrieve.

In a similar way, my devotion to Jesus will take me places I never thought possible for me to visit.  Instead of working hard in service to prove my allegiance to the Lord, I can sit at His feet and only move when He rises to lead me.  While I sometimes think it necessary to join in with what man is doing for God, I will never find Jesus there in the midst of them.  I will only find Him when I stop working and sit quietly, seeking His face above my desire to improve my reputation as a good Christian. (Psalm 46:10)

Oswald Chambers explained it this way.  He wrote, "We count as service what we do in the way of Christian work; Jesus Christ calls service what we are to Him, not what we do for Him.  Discipleship is based on devotion to Jesus Christ, not an adherence to a belief or a creed." 

When I hold my relationship with my Savior as most important, all the questions as to what acts of service I should do or not do will fade away.  All that will matter, then, is who I am to Him.  Am I paying attention to His promptings to love those around me?  Do I care when He points out a sin that is getting in the way of my connection to Him?  Is His opinion of me more important than that of the people around me?

Choosing to love Jesus more each day is a decision that will stay with me for eternity.

In the same way that the decisions I made as an adolescent influenced my life as an adult, so the way I choose to live my life here on earth will stay with me for eternity.  Therefore, I would be prudent to resist the devil's schemes designed to plunge me into sinful living, obey God above all other powers that be and remain faithful to Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life.  (John 14:6)  Since my deeds will follow me to eternity, I would be wise to do that which will prove lasting.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the eternal consequences for my actions.

Even though I am saved by faith, the way I live my life matters.  How can I change in order to live a more eternally-focused life?

When am I more in tune with the here-and-now than with eternity? 

Witnesses

"'And I will appoint my two witnesses,

and they will prophesy for 1,260 days,

clothed in sackcloth.'

They are 'the two olive trees'

and the two lampstands,

and 'they stand before the Lord of the earth.'

. . .Now when they have finished their testimony,

the beast that comes up from the Abyss 

will attack them, and overpower and kill them.

Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city--

which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt--

where also their Lord was crucified.

For three and a half days some from every people,

tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies

and refuse them burial.

The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them

and will celebrate by sending each other gifts,

because these two prophets

had tormented those who live on the earth."

Revelation 11:3-4,7-10

There was nothing special about them, not a thing that would draw people to them.  In fact, what made these two stand out was their obvious negligence regarding appearance.  Not only did their garments of humble sackcloth irritate the average person who strove to create a good first impression, but the words that constantly flowed from their mouths set their teeth on edge.  Who did these bums think they were?

In the end times, God will send two witnesses who will testify before a defiant world.  The response of the people to their death is what sends me a warning:  How does the world react to the Truth, and how must I protect myself from joining in with their worldview?

Agree

He came not as a unite-er, but a divider. (Matthew 10:34)  His message is one of sacrifice and service, denial of self and glorification of His Father, humility and dependence.  Not many wanted to accept the words that cut so deep, dividing flesh and bone.  Many fell away, unwilling to follow such a difficult teaching. (John 6:66)

I live in a world where unity is revered.  Every effort is made to get along with each other despite our differences.  This desire is so strong in our culture that people are willing to compromise the Truth in the name of peace and harmony.  Jesus, however, made it clear that reconciliation between people was not His goal.  Instead, He came to draw a line in the sand, inviting those who His Father had given to Him to join Him. 

I must be careful in such a culture of unity to avoid diluting the teachings of Christ with the hope of bringing people together.  While I am called to live at peace with one another, this is not at the cost of the Truth. (Romans 12:18) When all belief systems agree, I must watch out.

It is easy to turn my back on Jesus in the face of such pressure to conform.  To help me stand strong with Jesus, I must remember His warning, "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.  But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33 NLT)

In order to protect myself from thinking like a unifier and thus stand against the Truth, I must accept the fact that the world will not agree with my beliefs.

Demonize

"Homophobe"

"Misogynist"

"Bigot"

These are all words that have been used to describe me.  Let's face it, standing for the teachings of Jesus in this day and age is not popular.  In the eyes of the world, to speak out in defense of marriage as a God-created union between a man and a women means I hate homosexuals.  In reality, I love God and revere His ways.

Speaking up for the unborn multitudes who are slaughtered on a daily basis means I hate women and don't support their reproductive rights.  In reality, I love God and value the life that He has created.

Sharing the Gospel with those who are lost means I am trying to force my opinions of others who don't want to conform to my way of thinking.  In reality, I love God and don't want to see anyone lost.

In order to protect myself from caving into the efforts of those who turn the truth into an object of ridicule, I must realize how God uses the foolish to shame the wise. (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Celebration

Their voices rose as one as church bells pealed in support.  Tears streamed down the faces of those who had fought so hard for this milestone.  Prayers of thanksgiving went up as heads bowed in gratitude.  People from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the Supreme Court's invalidation of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, opening the way for gays to enter into marriage relationships.

This is a world that likes to cloak the lie as a truth, and nowhere is this more evident than in the fight for gay marriage.  While most people are in support of fairness and equality, this is not an issue of rights, but a matter of defining marriage.  Since God is the One who first instituted marriage when He gave Eve to Adam as a helpmate, describing their union as 'becoming one in flesh," (Genesis 2:24) it is his description that should be used.

Church leaders all over the country are using this landmark decision as a time to celebrate.  Instead of revering God, they are bowing to the pressures of the world and exchanging God's ways for their own understanding of what is good and right.  In this way, Jesus Christ is no longer the head but human reasoning leads the way.

I am reminded in 1 Corinthians 13:6 that love does not rejoice in wrongdoing but in the truth.  When the Word of God wins out, those are the times I can take to celebrate.

In order to protect myself from joining in with the commemoration of a lie, I must realize that, no matter how things look, the darkness has not overcome the Light. (John 1:5)

God is warning His people that the world will never accept His Word.  Living in such a place where unity is revered, Truth is ridiculed and deceit is celebrated is dangerous.  Therefore, it is important that I protect myself from joining in with the world's ways and adopting their views as my own.  I must heed the warning God is sending through His two witnesses.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on Jesus to avoid getting sucked into a worldly point of view.

How do I blend God's ways with the world's?

When do I depend on my own common sense instead of God's Word to show me the way?

Sweet and Sour

"So I went to the angel 

and asked him to give me the little scroll.

He said to me,

'Take it and eat it.

It will turn your stomach sour,

but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'

I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it.

It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth,

but when I had eaten it,

my stomach turned sour."

The blue blooms popped out from the landscape as soon as I turned the corner into our cul-de-sac.  Deep indigo mixed with striking cobalt on the hydrangea in front of my house.  Walking around to the side of my garage, however, I was intrigued by the same exact variety exhibiting pinkish hues.  The color of a hydrangea varies depending upon the pH of the soil.

In a similar way, where I stand in relation to God determines how I view His Word.  If I am reconciled in my relationship with Him through the blood of Jesus, then his Word is sweet and nourishing.  If, however, I am at odds with Him because of my sin, I will find it sour and offensive.  The Word of God stands as a divider and serves as a double edge sword, exposing my thoughts and desires, revealing where I stand with God. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Sin

More than anything else found in all of creation, sin wreaks the most havoc.  It causes pain and suffering, results in broken relationships and hearts, and only leads to death and destruction.  The introduction of sin into the world through Adam ruined God's perfect world.  As soon as it was birthed, things started to go downhill.

For those who are covered by the blood of Jesus through faith in Him, however, sin does not hamper our relationship with God.  In fact, the stain of my sin has been cleansed, making it appear as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18)  Just like my favorite blouse can be ruined by a dribble of spaghetti sauce, staining it forever, so sin works in my life.  It taints me with the stench of death. 

Thankfully, God made a way to remove the permanent tarnish of sin by the sacrifice of His own Son on the cross.  When He took the punishment for my transgressions, He also gave me the ability to live free from it's bondage.  When I accept this free gift He so lovingly offers, my sins are washed away.  

For those outside of this covering of righteousness, however, sin is a problem.  It binds men to itself, holding them in bondage to it's fleshly pull.  It soils the heart, making relationships with God and humans impossible.  It twists the truth, making a lie seem like the best path to choose.

When the Word of God points out my sin, what I have done with Jesus determines whether I am condemned to eternal death or convicted to let it go.

Judgment

She stood before the judge alone, shouldering the weight of her offense.  "How do you plead?"  the judge asked.

"Guilty,"  my friend responded.

Because of her admission of guilt, this woman had to bear the full brunt of her crime, paying the price of punishment required by the county courts for her misdeed.

While it wasn't easy for my friend to pay those fines, it was what she earned by making the wrong choices.  In the same way, my transgressions against a holy God earns me eternal death.  If I am outside Jesus' flock, I must shoulder the responsibility for my own sins.  When I stand before God, then, He will hand down a verdict of "guilty" and I will be sent to the death chambers.  In contrast to what I see of death in this world, however, the kind of death my sins earn me translates into eternal suffering as I endure separation from God.

If I belong to Jesus through simple faith, however, His lordship over my life extends to my sin.  Instead of me bearing the burden of my own sins then, I am saved from eternal suffering by the One who withstood God's wrath in my place.  Jesus shielded me from God's judgment with His own sacrifice.  

No sin ever committed goes unpunished.  Either it's judgment will be born by the sinner, or the punishment has already been handled by Jesus.  In this way, God's just nature is satisfied. (Hebrews 9:22, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)

When the Word of God reveals the judgment of God, I will either find myself standing before Him on my own or with Jesus acting as my defense attorney.

Eternity

Some people like to think Hell is a place where people get to freely indulge in sin.  It is sometimes portrayed in movies as a destination of pleasure where inhabitants will sit around and play poker all day, indulging in all kinds of sinful activities without the curse of guilt.

In reality, Hell is a place of eternal suffering where God's righteous wrath is continuously poured out on it's inhabitants.  It is not a destination where one would enjoy living, but rather is a place of unending torture.  (Luke 16:23-24)  

For those outside of the redemptive power found in Jesus Christ, God's Word condemns me to this place of torment.  (Romans 6:23)  On the other hand, those who are covered by the blood of Jesus and read of eternity in His Word discover a much different experience.  

To followers of Christ, eternity is a place of great joy and fulfillment.  While He was with His disciples here on earth, Jesus told of a place that He is preparing for those who walk with Him on earth.  (John 14:2)  It is a place where there are no more tears, where the Lord Himself is our light and healing will be complete. (Revelation 22:1-4, Revelation 21:4) Eternity for those in Christ is a place in which to look forward, but a place to dread for those outside the protective covering of Jesus' blood.

When the Word of God speaks of eternity, whether or not I accept Jesus as Lord determines whether my heart will leap with joy or if I'll gnash my teeth in dread.

God's Word does not change, but it's effect on my life is different depending upon where I stand.  If I'm firmly planted on the solid rock of Jesus, then I will find my sins are forgiven, the judgment meant for me has already been handled, and eternity is a place to anticipate with great joy.  If I reject Jesus as my Lord and Savior, however, the holy scriptures elicit a much different response:  Sin binds me and soils me, judgment is in my future, and eternity is a place that sets my teeth on edge.  I would much rather taste the sweetness of God's Word through faith in Jesus than to experience the sourness it's bold Truth proclaims as I stand on my own.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will place my life completely in Jesus' hands.

How do I respond when scripture convicts me of my sin?

If my sin is already covered, why do I sometimes let it stay like an old friend?  

Overpowering Plan

"The sixth angel sounded his trumpet,

and I heard a voice coming from the four

horns of the golden altar that is before God.

It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet,

'Release the four angels 

who are bound at the great river Euphrates.'

And the four angels who had been kept ready 

for this very hour and day and month and year

were released to kill a third of mankind.

The number of the mounted troops was twice

 ten thousand times ten thousand.

I heard their number."

Revelation 9:13-16

The date was established: July 24th, 2013.  From the beginning of time, this day has been set aside by God as the appointed time for my neighbor to receive a new kidney.  After suffering for a few years with poor health, he was finally diagnosed with kidney failure and began dialysis.  While this three-times-a-week routine cleaned his blood, it also brought much pain.  It seemed he would never again experience a healthy body that performed as it was designed to function.  He began to lose hope.

Then the news came: someone who had volunteered to donate a kidney passed all the tests with flying colors but also was found to be a perfect match.  The transplant team scheduled the surgery and God's plan was set into motion.

No one can stand against the mighty hand of God.  He has a plan for each of our lives so that I will seek Him out wholeheartedly.  (Jeremiah 29:11-13)  Not only does He have a personal plan for me, but His plan for all of mankind cannot be stopped.  This plan includes punishment for the sin that has tarnished His perfect creation.  If I find myself on the wrong side of His wrath at the end of time, I will not have a leg on which to stand.

Instead of waiting, therefore, I would be wise to heed the warning of the woes planned for those whose minds are set on destruction.

Now

"There is no time like the present," my grandmother used to be fond of saying.  She came from the generation who weathered the Great Depression in the 1930's and knew a little something about getting through hard times.  I was often amazed at her thrifty nature, common sense approach, and sense of contentment.  It was obvious my grandmother understood the importance of living in the here and now since tomorrow might never come.

While I tend to assume I'll have more time to finish what I've been sent to accomplish, the truth is that my next minute on this earth is never promised.  Even though I'd love to stick around with my family and friends for many more years, I don't know God's timetable.  For this reason it is important that I take advantage of opportunities when they are presented before me.

It's easy to wait, thinking I'm not ready to tackle a particular challenge.  If I put things off, however, I may end up missing my one chance to impact the world for Christ.  Later may just be too late.

So when God moves my heart to share the gospel with an acquaintance who asks me how I can carry on in the face of such an evil world, it is time for me to strike while the iron is hot, taking advantage of the opening God has provided.  Or when I'm checking out at the grocery store and the cashier mentions how hard her day has been, it is time for me to take the chance God has given to share the hope she has in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15)  Or when I'm the target of an attack by someone who doesn't like me, I can use the occasion to show the love of God that is patient and kind, keeping no record of wrongs but letting go of hurts. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Since God's overpowering plan is to punish sin, now is the time to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ because tomorrow may be too late.

Death

It is said that the only two things I can count on in life is death and taxes.  While neither seem very pleasant, they are indeed inevitable.  Every living thing ever created, with the possible exceptions of Elijah (2 Kings 2:1) and Enoch (Genesis 5:24), has died or will face death.  The only question that remains is, "Where will I spend eternity?"

While it is common to believe that those who live a decent, respectful life will gain an eternal reward, God says that my ever-present sin earns me eternal punishment. (Romans 3:23, 6:23)  Even more disturbing is the understanding that the end times will bring great suffering for those who are not protected by the seal of God upon their forehead.  (Revelation 9:4)  So not only do I have an eternity of separation from God and with Him all that is good in my future, but if I'm caught alive during the tribulation I will directly suffer His wrath.  How can I avoid such torment?

Jesus is the only way to gain eternal life by accepting the gift of salvation He offers as a result of His death on the cross (John 14:6), and faith in Christ is also the only way God's stamp of ownership will be marked upon my forehead.

While the first death everyone experiences here on earth is inevitable, the second death that leads to eternal suffering is not.  The only way to escape the wrath of God my sins deserve and suffer eternally in the lake of fire is to become reconciled with a holy God through the covering of the blood of Jesus. (Revelation 20:14-15, Revelation 13:8, Romans 10:13)

Since God's overpowering plan is to punish sin, I would be wise to accept the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ so I won't find myself on the wrong side of eternity.

Irresistible Power

The men were bent on speaking.  No matter what the leaders did to dissuade them, despite all the threats of arrest and beatings that were given, these followers of Jesus would not be quiet.  You see, they understood how important it was to be found on the side of God when a line was drawn in the sand.  They said, "We must obey God rather than human beings!" (Acts 5:29)

Despite the determination of Peter and the other apostles to stay strong in the Lord, many opposed their efforts.  Surprisingly, support came from a most unlikely place; a member of the party of the Pharisees who constantly opposed the apostles stood up and said, "Leave these men alone!  Let them go!  For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." (Acts 5:38-39)

These men were on to something!  While I may not be standing before a crowd including the Sanhedrin spreading the Gospel to many influential people, I do have a platform from which to speak.  Maybe it's my neighbors, coworkers, colleagues or fellow students.  Perhaps those seated next to me in the waiting room, or the server at my favorite restaurant, or the clerks in the store I frequent need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Whoever my audience is, if I choose to follow God's lead and speak the words He supplies, no one will be able to stand against me.

In the same way, knowing that God's plan will go forth regardless of my efforts or lack thereof, on whose side do I want to find myself on when time has run out?  There are only two possibilities: for God or against Him.

Since God's overwhelming plan is to punish sin, I would be wise to place myself on His side so I won't find myself fighting against God.

Going through the process of kidney donation has taught me that God's plan cannot be stopped.  Seeing how He has prepared me for this experience from the beginning confirms the fact that God's plan is inevitable.  The only question left to answer is this:  On which side of His plan will I find myself?

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will be sensitive to God's leading so I can join in with what He is already doing.

When do I resist God's plan out of fear, insecurity or feelings of low self-worth?

How am I placing myself in opposition to God without realizing it?