Heaven, our true home

      I've heard it said that everyone has a God-shaped hole in their heart and only He can fill that spot. There is a reason for this and I've been meditating on the possible reason. 

     During my devotional time a few weeks ago, I asked myself this question, "Does God ever get lonely?" He is the creator and ruler over the entire universe and there is no one like Him. He has no equal. He has no one to share His most intimate thoughts and dreams with. We are made in His image and each one of us has a desire to communicate with one another. He made us to be in community and since the recent pandemic many of us have discovered how important it is to have that contact with others. It only stands to reason that He wants the same thing. I'm sure that is why He created humans and why His Spirit inspired men to write the Scriptures. He has a desire to be in fellowship with His wonderful creation. With the fall of man, we lost the intimate relationship with Him but Jesus has restored that relationship so that we can speak directly to God through prayer.

     God speaks to us also through His word and to our hearts through His Spirit. Each believer has become an important part of Christ's church and we all have a part to play in becoming the beautiful bride of Christ. This bride will one day become God's companion for all eternity. I'm positive that He is eager to show us all that He has done, all that He has created and reveal His glory to His bride. There will be so much to see that He will give us eternity to take it all in. As amazing and mysterious as all this sounds, the Bible has given us glimpses of His plan for us. 

     Paul explained our relationship with Jesus this way, "For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church, and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:23-27)

     The book of Revelation tells of a marriage to take place in heaven in the future. "And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, 'Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His wife has made herself ready.' And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, 'Write Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' And he said to me, 'These are the true sayings of God.'" (Revelation 19:6-9)

     The church is being prepared for this wedding and as such, we are looking forward to going to our true home which is in heaven with our loving God. The trials and tribulations of this world are making us stronger and giving us a desire to be with God forever. When we get home, He will greet us with outstretched arms and welcome us into His eternal family.

     "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:16-17)

Declaring God's Power

 "O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come." Psalm 71:17-18

    As believers, we have an obligation to fulfill. The Lord blessed me with faithfilled parents and grandparents and the training I received in my youth has endowed me with a responsibility to my children and grandchildren to teach them about the Lord Jesus. 

    As I sit here today, I have several old pictures to remind me of just how far my grandchildren have come. They were babies in these photos and today they are young adults trying to make their way in the world. It's a difficult and different world compared to the one in the photo. So many changes in morality within our society today and they have to cope with these changes in ways far removed from the society that I had to deal with at their age. 

    How can I, as a parent and grandparent declare God's power to them in a way that they will understand? I have been told by my son that I can be "preachy" at times and I know that to be true. But the Lord Jesus has been faithful to me all the years of my life and it's important that I share His faithfulness with them. One thing I know for sure, God hasn't changed, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Since He has protected me and His Spirit has guided me through my 71 years, I can depend on Him to continue guiding me.

    I look for opportunities with my children and grandchildren to declare God's faithfulness. Whenever I can find an opening in our conversations to share my testimony, I do so. It's like sowing seeds, not knowing if they will ever grow and mature, but sowing none-the-less. After all, it's up to God's Spirit to draw them closer to Him. 

    Now that I am old and grayheaded, I often remember the things my parents shared with me about His faithfulness to them. The way He provided for them financially when times were particularly hard, the way He comforted them when death took loved ones from them, the way He led them into family situations which were stressful and turned those situations around for their good. At the time they shared these things, I didn't understand completely, but looking back, I can appreciate what they were trying to teach me. 

    That is what I can pray for my children and grandchildren, that the seeds I plant today will grow to fruition in the future. Since God is faithful and He longs for everyone to know Him, I'm sure He will hear my prayers and draw my loved ones with His lovingkindness into His eternal kingdom. 

You are the Light of the World

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.    Matthew 5:14-16

Have you ever experienced darkness so dark that you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face? Years ago we took a family vacation to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. During our tour to the bottom of the cave, our guide warned us that he was going to extinguish all the lights so we could experience total darkness. It was a blackness that could be felt. We dared not move because we had lost all sense of direction. It was frightening and unpleasant even though it lasted just a few moments and we were all thankful and relieved when he turned the lights on again.

Those who will be separated from God for eternity will experience a similar feeling. Jesus told us in Matthew 8:12 that those who do not choose to follow Him will be cast into outer darkness. This darkness will last for eternity because the light of God doesn’t shine there. Can you imagine spending eternity in complete darkness?

As followers of Christ, we have the light of God within us. In reality, we are only reflecting His light. Wherever we go our light illuminates the dark places of the world and Jesus has entrusted us to share His light with all those around us. What an awesome privilege and responsibility He has given us! So let’s go light up the world!

I hope you enjoy this song, Send the Light

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytwRySXlrAc

Storing up treasures in Heaven

      Jesus told His followers: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and were thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

     What do earthly treasures look like? Our homes, our cars, our bank accounts, our clothing and possessions. How many of these things could withstand a fire, or rust or decay? Over time, the newness wears off, the roof may start to leak, the tires get worn out, fashion trends change, the stock market crashes, appliances quit working, or our treasures get stolen. In short, they don't last and we can't take any of them with us when we pass from this life.

     Jesus knows that we need the basics of life to survive, we all need food, clothing and shelter. We need enough money to support and take care of our families, but are we viewing these necessities from an eternal standpoint? Are we spending more time and money in maintaining an outward appearance than we are in maintaining a relationship with God?

    We are to store up treasures in heaven because they are eternal, they will never break down, wear out or lose their value. So, what do heavenly treasures look like? They look like the faces of those we have ministered to and loved while we have lived on earth. But how have we ministered to others? By the kind words we've spoken, the prayers lifted in their behalf, by sharing our food, clothing, and resources with them. The ways we have shown compassion through a healing touch or gentle instruction. The money we have given to missionaries so they can minister in other lands. When we give a hug, share our talents or give of our time to help others, we are storing up treasures in heaven.

     Whenever we sacrifice for the good of others we are adding to our treasury. All of these things can never be destroyed, burned up or stolen. And an amazing thing about these treasures is that they aren't for us, they all belong to our Father God. If we give God first place in our hearts then we already have a treasure that can never be taken from us. 

     We are God's treasured possession, He loves us and has redeemed us. (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) That is a treasure in itself and a fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. (Isaiah 33:6) If we are in Christ, we can be assured that in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. (Colossians 2:3) What do these scriptures say about treasures? We, as God's children are treasures to Him, a fear or reverence for the Him is key to becoming one of His treasures and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge can be ours when we give Christ first place in our hearts.

     So how do we go about storing up these treasures? What can we do? If we are followers of Christ, we have the Spirit of God living in us and that Spirit can give us very clear direction. Spend some time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to show you ways that you can be a blessing to others. It may be as simple as sending a card to someone, calling those you know who need a friend or donating your time to a soup kitchen or food pantry. God often blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. Let His Spirit direct you and then be obedient. 

The great I AM

      All things have a beginning and an ending. Before we are born into this world, we have to be conceived; before an invention becomes a reality, it is first a thought in the mind of an inventor; before we can reach a destination, we must take the first step. As for endings, our earthly life always ends in our death; an invention will become a useful tool until it becomes outdated and is replaced with the newest model and as we reach our destination, our journey is finished.

     But the God who created all things has declared Himself as the great I AM. He has no beginning or ending. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Before He created the world and everything in it, He was. He always has been and always will be.

     It is impossible for us to understand this concept and He knew it would be, so He, speaking through His Spirit to the people who wrote the Bible, repeated it over and over again. 

Psalm 102:25-27

25 

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,

    and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26 

They will perish, but you remain;

    they will all wear out like a garment.

Like clothing you will change them

    and they will be discarded.

27 

But you remain the same,

    and your years will never end.

Hebrews 1:10-12

10 He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,

    and the heavens are the work of your hands.

11 

They will perish, but you remain;

    they will all wear out like a garment.

12 

You will roll them up like a robe;

    like a garment they will be changed.

But you remain the same,

    and your years will never end.”

     He knew that Moses would have to have an answer for the Jewish people who would want to know who sent him, so He told Moses His name, I AM.

Exodus 3:14

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

     He also knew that one day He would have to reveal Himself to the world He created. So He planned from the very beginning of creation to send His Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus, the Spirit and the Father were one when the world was created, they worked together as eternal beings to bring the world into being. Jesus knew He was part of something bigger than His life on earth.

John 8:58

58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

Hebrews 13:8

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

     He was well aware of His mission on earth and who it was that He was going to answer to. He was an obedient Son and wanted the world to know that He was following orders.

John 14:10

10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.

     He also pointed everyone who listened to Him to the Father, knowing full well that those who believed in Him would inherit a place in the heavenly kingdom.

John 6:51

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

     When Jesus willingly went to the cross, He knew what His death would accomplish and He also knew that He would be one with His Father again. He had no doubt about overcoming death.

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

     God wants people to see Him in His glory and He stops at nothing to give everyone a chance for eternal life. 

John 15

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

     When we accept Jesus into our hearts, we receive the Spirit of God and our lives are transformed into the very likeness of Jesus. We can hear what He asks us to do because of His Spirit. It may not be audible, but His voice is very clear to us.

John 10:14

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

     We also have the assurance that whatever we may encounter in this life, He is with us and will help us whenever we call out to Him. 

Matthew 28:20

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

     If you want to experience God’s eternal glory, which will be far beyond anything we may experience here on earth, all you have to do is believe that Jesus died for your sins, that He rose up from the grave and that He loves you enough to die for you. Invite Jesus into your heart, be attentive and obedient to the Spirit’s leading and you will inherit eternal life.

Seek the truth

        How can we know what is true when we live in a world with fake news, corruption among our government leaders and many of those entrusted with preaching God's word have skewed the truth so that no one is offended. Where can we find the truth? Who can we believe?

     Before Jesus was sentenced to death, He had a conversation with Pontius Pilate who asked him point blank if He was the king of the Jews. "Jesus answered, 'You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.' 'What is truth?' Pilate asked." (John 18:37)

     Those who have no fear of God or the judgement to come have been suppressing the truth to their own downfall. They have exchanged the truth of God for a lie and have worshiped and served created things rather than the creator. (Romans 1:25) The saddest part is that those who refuse to acknowledge God as the maker and sustainer of all things believe their own lies. They have tried to replace the love of God with a love of themselves and will never be satisfied because no one can love us the way our creator loves us. 

     The Bible warns us that there will be terrible times in the last days. "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:2-5) Doesn't this sound like what we are experiencing in the world today? There is a spirit of deception working in the hearts of so many people convincing them that wrong is right and right is wrong. The devil is a lying spirit who knows that his time is short and he's doing all he can to draw people away from God with his deception. The Bible warns us that those who practice "sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy; fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness and orgies" (Galatians 5:19-21) will not inherit the kingdom of God. So Satan is doing all he can to steal our inheritance from us.

     Before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them and that He would come back and take them with Him. He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Eternal life, that is the inheritance that awaits those who belong to Christ Jesus. That is the truth and you can bet your eternal life on that truth. 

     "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:7)

     Want to know the truth? Then open your Bible, invite the Spirit of God to speak to you and ask God to answer your questions. "For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does." (Psalm 33:4) God loves to hear from His children and He will always, always tell you the truth. 

     

God loves YOU!

     Do you ever wonder how the God who created the universe and everything in it could possibly love and care about you? I've wondered that myself, especially since I've done so many things in my life that I'm ashamed of, I've spoken so many hurtful things that I can't take back, I've failed to serve God faithfully and I've failed as a disciple of Jesus. After all these things, how could God possibly love me? But I'm sure that He does because He is my heavenly Father.

      God wants each one of us to share in His glory for eternity because He loves us so much. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:16-17)

      When we acknowledge what Jesus did on the cross for us and we repent (turn from our sins), we are guaranteed a place in God's eternal kingdom and all our sins, past, present and future are erased from His memory. Yes, God loves each one of us and He has good plans for us that we cannot fathom. When God created mankind, He made us in His image and desired our companionship. His Word says that "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

     After we accept what Jesus did for us, He sends the precious Holy Spirit to live in us. This is the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead and that Spirit empowers us to live out our lives in oneness with God. The Holy Spirit will convict us when we mess up, and we will mess up because we are still living in this world. And God will forgive us as we repent, time and time again. I have found that when I fail to do something that God wants me to do, the Spirit will give me reminders. And when I've hurt someone, the Spirit won't let me rest until I have asked that person to forgive me. God's Spirit, living in believers, always obeys the Father and He (the Holy Spirit) will always point us in the direction God wants us to take.

     Jesus showed us the way to keep in touch with our heavenly Father when He spent time in prayer. Oh how God loves to hear from His children. Just as we, as parents and children, love to hear from our loved ones. We enjoy hearing how their days are going, we love to celebrate their successes with them and we also want to share in their sorrows and disappointments. Remember, God created us to fellowship with Him and the way we do that is through prayer and reading His Word. It's simple to pray to God, just talk to Him as you would a dear friend. He already knows the trials and problems you are facing, but He really wants you to verbalize those issues and ask Him for help. He's available 24/7, 365 days a year and He's waiting to hear from you because He Loves YOU!

     The Bible is God's love letter to us and He speaks to us through His Word, but it's up to us to open the Bible and seek God. If you don't know where to start, begin with the gospel of John. The love of God is evident throughout John's writing. And when you open your Bible, always ask God's Spirit to teach you. The Holy Spirit will encourage you, He will plant God's ideas in your mind, He will convict you of sin and He will bring to mind people you need to lift in prayer.

     God does love YOU, just open your heart to receive His amazing love.