No Gossiping in the Halls

"Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends."  - Proverbs 17:9

How many friends have been lost because of a disagreement on an act of unrighteousness?  I have heard so many times - "Loose lips sink ships", or "Snitches get stitches", and what that person gains in their actions.  This verse is "He who covers a transgression seeks love, ...." (KJV), and this makes it even more meaningful.  When your neighbor sins, are you the first to tell your other neighbor or a friend?  Why?  What are you to gain by disclosing the sinful action of one person to another?

Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God."  All means all.  You, me, my co-worker, my children, my parents, and even my Pastor.  We have all sinned in life, despite all of our attempts not to.  This separates us from God; it should not also separate us from each other.  Certainly, there are those "offenses" that bring harm to others, and must be brought to the attention of the authorities, but as Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees, "You, without sin, cast the first stone..." when looking upon the woman caught in the act of adultery. 

We are asked by our Lord and Savior to follow His command - "Love God with all of your heart, soul, and your spirit, and love others as yourself."  This is good advice.  Love them, forgive them, let God work out the judgment part in His due time.  In 1 Peter 4:8, we read, "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."  Become a strong friend to theother by not gossiping, disclosing, sharing, or celebrating their sins.  Stand with your friend and show them love.  We should want all to enter into heaven one day, which means you want to be there to support your friend when their faith is struggling.  You can't do that if you are talking about them behind their back.  

I am not asking you to condone their sin.  Not at all.  We want to be there to help walk them through it, to support them, and help them be accountable.  Help them to see through scripture and prayer the sin of their actions without judging them.  You are not the judge, nor am I, but there is One who will judge in His due time.  Help them to lean into God's grace and forgiveness, with repentance, in love, not in gossiping about it.  You will need their help one day, too.

Count Your Blessings

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”  - 1 John 4:11-12

When he walked into the room, there was a hush and stares.  His clothes were tattered, and his shoes had holes in the toes.  He hadn’t shaved in years, and the small wool hat on his head barely covered his greasy, tangled grey hair.  Missing a front tooth, he smiled as he made his way to the table in the front of the elegant room and began filling his plate with food.  The others gathered at this extravagant ball stared in shock as he proceeded to move down the buffet line and shoved a few rolls into the pocket of his large, oversized coat.  He was wearing one glove, missing the tips on a few of the fingers, and his other hand was covered in dirt and grease, looking weathered from the elements outside.  With a plate in one hand and a styrofoam cup of coffee in the other, he turned to walk back through the silent crowd towards the door.   Murmuring and gasping could be heard around the crowded room as his stench floated about the room.  Many turned away and covered their nose with their diamond-adorned hands and handkerchiefs.  As he neared the door, he stopped and picked up a bulletin/flyer from the small basket, which read, “Wellington Charity Ball for the Homeless - $1,000 donation per plate”.  He looked at the plate in his hand and then set it down.  He turned to the group behind him and said, “I’m sorry, I thought the food was for the homeless.”  With that, he stepped back out into the snow-covered street.

How do we express our love to those in our sphere of influence?  How are we impacting the lives of those around us to demonstrate the love of Christ, which was poured out for them as much as it was for you and I?  We are blessed, despite how unfortunate we might feel at any given time.  Consider that if you own a home, a car, a TV, an iPhone (or Android), and have a computer, your net worth places you in the top 15th percentile of the World’s wealthiest people.  All around us are people suffering from job loss, health issues, tragedy, homelessness, abuse, and so many other things.  We are the body of Christ, and it is our job to reach out to help those who are hungry, hurting, and struggling.  You and I are blessed for the sole purpose to spread His love and to advance His kingdom, not for our own personal gain over the least of these. 

As Jesus stated in Matthew 25:34-40:
““Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

It's a Forever Thing

 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  – Romans 8:38-39

She said she had been saved as a child, but that was many years ago.  She hasn’t prayed or opened her Bible in many years and wasn’t even sure she knew what she believed anymore.  Confusion had set in, and it was clear that she was not feeling the love of the Savior in her life.  Ever since her parent’s divorce, she was angry at her Dad and Mom, and most of all at God.  It was so much easier to find happiness at school or behind the bleachers with a bottle than it was to go home.  Where was the promise of joy, love, happiness and peace that the pastor had talked about the day she was baptized.  Now she is on her own and living wild and free from any rules or responsibility.  She did enough work to pay for the rent and bummed food, smoke and drinks from whomever she was hanging with any particular day.  When she rolled into bed each night though, her heart ached to be loved, to be treasured and not feel like a possession, and to be held in the darkness, completely safe while she drifted off to sleep.

This could be the story of any one of 5 million young women age 16 to 23 around this globe.  There is a mourning at night as heads hit pillows.  A mourning for the lost youth of our world.  The children that long to be cherished and loved so much that they put on an act every day as if they are.  Who are these beautiful young ladies?  Where do they live?  What do they dream about and who do they look up to?  They are everywhere.  You can look to your right or your left and 1 out of every 5 will be suffering quietly, deep within their heart.  Nothing in their life up to that point has been freely given, which makes them skeptical to His gift of grace.  They look at His love as empty promises because of their past, and they challenge “How can God love me when He let these things happen…..”

These are God’s children.  His love for them is so deep, true and accepting that it is hard to comprehend.  The pain is real and it’s so easy to say God isn’t, because His presence is in the Spiritual realm.  It’s so easy to turn away from God, because they believe that He can’t love them, or that He has turned his back on them.  What do you say to this child? 

Our role in these circumstances is to simply be Jesus for them.  Love them, despite where they are in life, what they have done and who they have become.  Just listen and accept them for who God made them to be.  You see, there are times in life when God will put you in the exact right spot at the right moment to hear someone cry out for help, and He expects you to do it.  Love ‘em like Jesus, be His hands and feet, His empathy, compassion and mercy, His eyes and ears and His word.  Just be there for them.  In time, they will see God through you and long for that relationship themselves.  In that opportunity, the time is right to share the word of God the Father with them – “You are His child and He loves you eternally.  His love is immutable and His grace covers All Sins, yes All.  For if it is insufficient for one, it is insufficient for All of them.” 

Still Valid Today

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Thousands of years have come and gone since the time when men put the quill to the parchment and captured the thoughts of God for mankind.  Written mainly in Hebrew (with some Aramaic and Greek), the scriptures have led men and women toward righteousness for generations and generations.  The words of God Almighty were captured by scribes, prophets, and priests over centuries.  The likes of Moses, David, Ezra, the Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others; Peter, Paul, John, Mark, and Luke have captured the inspirations, teachings, and words from God to us.  In a place called Qumran, in the Southeast corner of Israel, there is an ongoing archeological project to uncover the city, homes, and history of the scribes who lived here and spent their days writing.  In the hills just outside of Qumran are the caves, where in the 1950’s, over 900 scrolls were found with references to nearly every book of the Old Testament. Keep in mind that scriptures were numbered and outlined as our modern-day texts are, with books, chapters, and verses.  It was a steady stream of written text copied by a scribe from the mouth of those inspired by God to speak His word.

More copies of the Holy Bible have been printed than any other book in the history of the world.  Certainly, translations from Hebrew and Greek to English and to nearly every other language may have watered down the original; the word of God remains rich and pure to all mankind.  We often question what God wants from us, what our purpose is, why certain things happen, and what His plan is for the future.  The reality is that if we spent time in His word every day, and truly studied it for the richness that comes alive on the pages, we would have a better understanding. 

Most of us live in a “Cliff Notes” world, though, and want the answers without putting in the work of reading, studying, and learning.  Many get lost in the heaviness of the scriptures, and others can’t seem to put it into perspective in their own life.  I have found that spending an hour in the morning reading His word and then taking mental notes of what it means in my life has continually strengthened my outlook on life.  Every time I open the scriptures, I am learning something I didn’t know before.  There is no shortcut.  It takes time, effort, and commitment to grow closer to God, His word, and His purpose.  You have to put in the hard work, and you have to seek Him, for He is not going anywhere.  He is, has always been, and will always be exactly the same. 

The words inscribed on the pages of our Holy Bible are translated from God Almighty and are unchanging.  What He inspired in the heroes of our faith is still just as important today as it was 4000 years ago.  Many will say that the “Old writings” don’t pertain to today’s world.  I say they are very wrong.  The law passed down from God to Moses for mankind has not changed and will not.

1.      Thou shalt have no other gods before me
2.      Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
3.      Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
4.      Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
5.      Honor thy father and thy mother
6.      Thou shalt not kill
7.      Thou shalt not commit adultery
8.      Thou shalt not steal
9.      Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
10.  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's belongings

Why then do we have such a hard time following His word as the truth?  Why are we so inclined to attempt to conform His truth to our way of life, rather than conforming our life to abide by His truth?  If we all took a stand to live by the truth revealed to us through the scriptures, we could solve 90% of the problems in the world today.  In Paul's letter to Timothy he continues in Ch 4 to say, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and turn away from listening to the truth..."  This is happening across the church today.  The Holy Word of God is being morphed from The Truth, to man's version of the truth, based on our own desire and intent.  The real problem we face is that people want the scriptures to support their lifestyle and choices, rather than God's intent.  As long as there is pride, ego, and selfishness in this world, I fear the scriptures will remain a distant record of history rather than a tool for our daily life. 

Do Not be Decieved

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

What are you afraid of?  Is there anything that fills you with complete fear and thereby reverses your action?  Lisa and I were once on a bike ride.  As we peddled down the bike path alongside a small retention pond near a golf course, we came upon a large black coiled up water moccasin in the middle of the bike path. Its body was as round as my forearm; it was hard to determine how long it was based on it’s position. It raised its head, hissed, and that was that.  We turned our bikes away, went to the other side of the road, peddled down the road, and then came back onto the bike path 20 or 30 yards away from the slithery fellow.  There are certain things that strike fear in all of us.

There was a point in time when people feared God.  The scriptures were personal to the children of God in the times leading up to and around Jesus birth and life.  The engagement between the divine presence of God Almighty and mankind was evidenced to those familiar with Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and the other heroes from the Bible.  There is a story in 2 Samuel 6 where Uzzah was struck dead by God Almighty for touching the Ark of the Covenant when it became unsteady as they were transporting it.  This seems radical by our standards, but not by God’s.  There were many laws regarding the Ark of the Covenant throughout the Old Testament.  You see, the Ark of the Covenant represented God’s Holy presence with the Israelites and was to be kept in the temple, sacred and hidden from view behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place.  Approaching the Ark meant to be in God’s presence, His holiness and perfection; intolerable to man’s sinful nature.  Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place and look upon the Ark of the Covenant after considerable cleansing and purification.  God’s actions against Uzzah were clearly defined and known by the scriptures regarding the Ark, yet he chose to defy God’s directions and take action (reaching out to steady the Ark) anyway, rather than grabbing the pole it was being carried on.

The new covenant with God holds just as much authority over mankind.  This new covenant, based on the blood of Jesus Christ, has clearly defined how we are to live our lives.  Yet, many of us take it lightly, interpret it to fit into our lifestyle, and thereby defy the actual word of the Lord.  God has demonstrated that He has little tolerance for mankind to take His word and adjust it to fit our means.  It was written down by those He appointed, with the specific purpose of becoming a living document for all of mankind.  We are held accountable to living by the guidelines established by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, just as Paul, John, and the others were held accountable.  Time has not minimized the relevance or intentions of the Word.  It is still God’s commands to you and me, and we ought not take them lightly. 

The bible tells us clearly there is but one path to righteousness and eternity with God Almighty, and that is through His Son – Jesus Christ.  Others may choose to believe that there are many paths and that all God’s are equal, but they will one day discover that they were deceived.  God tells us in Matthew 7:21-22 that many will come calling “Lord, Lord” but will not enter the kingdom of heaven; and many will claim that they have prophesied or cast out demons in His name, but will hear the Son state, “Away from me you evil doers.”  Trust in His word and the truth that is contained therein.  He has given you the path to righteousness, act on it and live by it, so that one day in the presence of the Lord you will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter into my presence.”

Think about it, Pray about it, Act upon it

Cannot be Shaken

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my (God) unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” 
– Isaiah 54:10

Do you remember the story “The Little Engine That Could”?  A trainload of toys was being taken over the mountain to all the children in Sunshine Valley, but unfortunately, the engine broke down. One by one, different engines came by, but none were willing to take the trainload of toys over the mountain. At last, a small blue switching engine happened by, and all the toys asked if it would please take them to all the boys and girls on the other side of the mountain. The Little Engine had never been out of the switching yard before—let alone to travel over the mountain. You know the story; the little blue engine hooked itself up to the trainload of toys and began the journey over the mountain. As the Little Engine began to pull the toys up the mountain, you could hear it saying “I think I can, I think I can. . . ”  At long last, the Little Engine crested the top of the mountain, and as it started its descent into Sunshine Valley, it could be heard singing, ‘I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could”

Each of us faces a variety of different mountains to cross every day.  Mountains take on the shape of bills due, disrespectful children, loss of a job, relationship issues, tragedies in life, and addictions, amongst other things.  These mountains seem impassible and unconquerable as we stand at the foot of the mountain and look up.  Many times, like the large, powerful train engines, we head off to take on these challenges, only resulting in spinning our wheels and stalling out.  We read, we study, and we try again, and again, and again, without changing the outcome.  Something is missing from your repertoire, though, and that is the strength of the Lord. 

God is a solid foundation that can be trusted upon in all circumstances.  When your life is shaken and you are challenged beyond measure, the Lord provides wisdom, peace, and comfort.  He comes forth with the confidence that you are loved and you can overcome anything the world puts in front of you.  The problem is that we often push Him away rather than embracing Him and allowing Him to guide our footsteps.  The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us and provides the loving confidence of the Father in all things.  The bible calls the Holy Spirit by a few different names: “the Counselor”, “the Helper”, “the Spirit of Truth”, or “the Teacher”.  He lives in you, giving you the wisdom and encouragement to be an overcomer in a world filled with pain and suffering.  When you call upon the Spirit, He will provide for you what is needed in the situation.

God has given you this helper to be a constant reminder of His love for you.  God knows you are easily shaken and will lose faith when struggles arise.  It is at these times that He wants you to come to Him for help.  He can easily overcome the mountains in front of you if you give Him the ability to.  Nothing can stand in the way of your ability to fulfill God’s plan in your life except you.  By not calling upon the love of the Lord, you have chosen to stay in your current state of struggling.  Simply lay it before the Lord in your prayers today and let Him walk you through the answer, by His love.

Here Comes the Bride

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”  – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

As those gathered quiet themselves and find their seats, the Minister looks down over the congregation and then directs his eyes to the front row.  Tears are ever-present on the delicate cheeks of the woman seated right near the center of the aisle as her husband sits next to her and takes her hand in his.  He provides strength and compassion as all eyes focus on the couple at the front of the church.  The Minister opens his bible to 1 Corinthians 13 and begins to recite the all too familiar verse describing the love of the Father.  The soon-to-be married couple hears some of the words, but the butterflies in their stomach and the nervousness that they feel take their attention away from his words.  They are focused more on getting through this service and onto the rest of their life together. 

Many of us have been there, standing in front of the church, all eyes upon us as we recited our vows of love for one another.  The words of Paul the Apostle have become a standard part of most weddings in an attempt to describe the act of loving one another as God has loved us.  This is not a new verse to most of you, but it is a verse that is often overlooked as we build a marriage relationship centered on the heart of God the Father.  These verses capture the keys to a successful marriage: “Love each other as much as God loves the other person, and your marriage will be long and fruitful.”

Love is patient, which is absolutely necessary in a marriage.  The other person will have a different and unique personality from you, and you will have to be patient to accept them for who God made them to be.

Love is kind – it all starts with kindness.  In every situation, the first thing we should focus on is kindness, and in doing so, realize that God is kind to us in all things.  Kindness is highly underrated when it comes to relationships, yet such a strong power for building trust between two people.

Love does not envy, even when you feel cheated out of something.  God has blessed you, and your focus needs to be on being grateful for what you have been given, not what your neighbor may have.

Love is not boastful or proud.  We all struggle with pride from time to time.  It is a tool of the evil one to separate individuals from one another and from God.  It requires that one focus their attention on themselves, lifting their qualities up and, in doing so, pressing down upon others.  We are all created equal and in God’s eyes, there is no hierarchy of importance; therefore, there is no room for boasting or being prideful.

Love does not dishonor another individual.  In a marriage, we should be looking for ways to lift up our spouse and bring honor to them through our words and actions.  So often I see spouses pointing out the shortcomings and problems with each other rather than focusing on the positives.  When God looks at any of us, He sees who He made us to be, not who we have become.  When you look upon your spouse, focus on the fact that they are a child of God, and when you speak about them, you are reflecting an image of the Father to those who are listening.

Love is not self-seeking.  Studies have shown that the number one reason for divorce is selfishness.  People in general want happiness and joy for themselves first.  Putting another’s needs ahead of our own is difficult and counter-cultural.  Society has taught us to look out for number one because nobody else is going to.  God teaches us to serve one another and humble ourselves before His throne.  The contradiction is evident and requires a conscious choice in every situation.  When we place our own needs above the needs of the marriage, we are destined to slide down this slippery slope.  This is an area that requires strict attention and work from both members of a marriage.

Love is not angered easily, regardless of the situation.  Controlling one’s temper is an example of maturity in the Lord.  During the courtship and dating phase of a relationship, it seems so easy to bite your tongue when the other person says or does something wrong.  Something changes, though, when we put the wedding band on the finger, as if all of a sudden the individuals are no longer working together, but are against each other.  My wife has a subtle way of reminding me of this when we have a difference of opinion.  “We are on the same team.”  This little phrase is a quick reminder that the situation is not bigger than the commitment we made to God and to each other.  The “team” consists of the three of us: God, Lisa, and me; and there is no room for fighting amongst the team.

Love keeps no record of wrongdoing.  God forgives and forgets; why then can’t we?  Human nature is generally forgiving, but it is something completely different to forget.  Our memories hold onto those things that cause hurt or pain in our lives as a defense mechanism for the future.  Unfortunately, this hanging on causes the pain to resurface again in the future, long after the actual event has been washed away.  We must learn to let go of the past, for if God has forgotten it, who are we to hold onto it?

These words take all of about 15 seconds to read during the wedding ceremony, but when put to use throughout the marriage, they can help sustain, for a lifetime, what God has brought together.  Focus your attention on how God loves you in these ways, and how you should be loving your spouse likewise.

Mighty to Save

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  – Zephaniah 3:17

One of my favorite Christian songs was Mighty to Save, written by Reuben Morgan in 2006.  It has been sung in churches and choirs all over the world for the last twenty years and continues to be one of the most widely known contemporary Christian songs because it speaks of the deep need of mankind to find compassion.  We are all in need of someone to love us without condemnation, without opinion, and without judgment.  We need to feel that there is someone out there who will accept us as we are and loves us enough to die for us.  People want to believe that God is there and will save them from themselves.  We want to trust that He will love us, despite our choices and mistakes in life. 

God’s justice will one day fall upon the world.  On that day, we will be lifted up and held close to His chest.  Those of us who have fallen upon our knees and proclaimed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God Almighty will be sifted from the rest and brought before the Lord clean, spotless, and redeemed.  On that day, the Lord will judge the nations, and every knee will bow before His great throne.  Those who have denied Him and those who have blasphemed Him will be judged accordingly.  The strongholds of the opposition will be broken, and they will be left helpless against God’s wrath and fierce anger.

God is filled with compassion for those who call upon His name.  We will be forgiven of our wrongdoing and shown mercy and grace.  Eternity is open for the children of God, despite our transgressions, because He has made a way.  He has unlocked the doors to heaven for His children to enter.  Through Jesus Christ, He has provided the redeeming grace. 

The reason this song speaks so strongly to millions of people around the world is that it provides hope in the truth of the Lord.  What we have learned through the scriptures is exemplified through the lyrics of this song and makes a connection with God’s children.  The first time I heard the song at Fellowship of the Woodlands (now known as Woodlands Church), I was brought to tears.  It spoke so deeply to my heart that God loves me enough to move mountains and every other obstacle in my path, until I am left alone with Him.  Jesus Christ conquered the grave and death.  He defeated Satan on that day and will one day return to defeat him in the final battle.  In God, you have hope and a love that’s never ending.

Break Through the Surface

Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm,
for love is strong as death,
jealousy is fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
the very flame of the LORD. – Song of Solomon 8:6

 

What is it that draws two individuals together in love?  Is it the sexual attraction, is it the intelligence, is it the wealth of one of them, is it the similarity of interests, or is it simply a chance meeting?  Every relationship is unique in that there is always an initial meeting.

Lisa and I met at a Christmas dance.  I was a Junior and she was a Freshman.  She came to the dance with my best friend; needless to say, I had a different girl on my arm that night.  The night progressed, and we all went out for fries and shakes after the dance.  Somewhere in the middle of the evening at the Big Boy restaurant, Lisa bumped a Coke glass on the table, and the entire contents flowed onto my brand new powder blue leisure suit.  Amidst embarrassing apologies and laughter, a spark was lit when our eyes locked in a warm, laughing moment.  I accepted her apology and gave her a candy cane from the Christmas tree in the lobby.  Then our paths went separate directions for the next 3 ½ years, until that same best friend reintroduced me to Lisa one sunny afternoon in the summer of 1986.  That was the beginning of what God brought together, as only He could.

Recall a relationship in your life and what drew you together.  Now, what sustained that relationship?  Time together.  The more time you spend with a significant other, the closer you become.  The more you know them, the more they become written upon your heart, and your love is strengthened.  A relationship can be formed on sexual desire and attraction, but it will not be sustained by that.  Sustaining a relationship requires intimacy and depth of understanding.  You cannot remain at a surface-level relationship for a relationship to become strong; it takes time and effort.

So it is with loving God.  You may have become attracted to God through a worship song, a prayer, a scripture at just the right moment, and emotional breakdown.  But, I posit, to strengthen that relationship requires you to invest significant time and effort.  Who is this Jesus?  How well do you know Him?  How are you getting to know Him better?  You want a deeper word from God, then be in His Word more frequently.  Study it, get to know Him deeper.  Write His name upon your heart, just as He has written yours upon His.  God wants more than a surface-level relationship and is not holding back, unless you aren’t seeking more.  Break the surface today, and dive into the deep end with God. He’s ready when you are.

Don't Follow the Lie

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But, I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” 

– Matthew 5:43-45

 

Protesters on both sides of the street.  Shouting obscenities at each other, carrying signs about death, hatred, and anger.  Each side believes they are righteous in their beliefs, but their beliefs are polar opposites, or at least they have been taught that they are.  A stranger walks down the middle of the street as both sides watch closely to see which way he is leaning, to know if he will be or will not be accepted into their group.  His characteristics are generic, no color discrimination, no obvious political affiliation, no environmental or gender cause support or protest is evident, and there is no way to know if he is a citizen or not.  They observe with curiosity as to whether to welcome him or not.

He sits in the middle of the road and pulls out a Bible.  He starts reading quietly to himself.  This alone can’t break their curiosity, because both sides of the street claim the scriptures support their cause based on their interpretation.  Both sides assume he’s a Christian, but that doesn’t help them understand if he’s for or against them.  They want to accept him, but they have to be careful.  If he disagrees with one of their positions, or if he likes a certain political candidate, or if he is pro-gun, or pro-choice, or pro-life, or pro-oil, he must immediately be eliminated from their group and added to the hated list.  

He rises from his seated position in the middle of the street and pulls a rolled-up sign from inside his jean jacket.  Both sides look on and believe this is it, we’ll know if he’s with us or against us.  Finally, we’ll know if we can accept him or if we are to hate him.  As he unrolls the sign, they all look on in quiet anticipation.  He lays the sign facedown on the ground and securely attaches it to a long pole.  He straightens up and instinctively looks around before he grabs the pole and begins to lift it high above any of the signs on either side of the road.

The sign is simple.  A cross in the sunset is depicted on the sign, with a dove sitting upon the top of the cross.  Blood is dripping from each of the two sides of the cross beam, and from the bottom of the vertical post.  Across the beam is one simple word in large letters:

I     L  O  V  E    A  L  L

We have gone too far, my friends.  God’s love is for everyone.  You and I must choose to accept and live in it, or choose to follow the world and live in hate.  Hatred doesn’t come from God; it comes from the evil powers within the world.  This Prince of this world is intent on destroying mankind, and therefore must sow thoughts of division, deceit, anger, self-centeredness, pride, and hatred into our everyday walk.  In doing so, he breaks the Christian body into fragments that all of a sudden are battling each other, rather than their one purpose to lift up God Almighty through loving each other.  

The enemy is winning, and many of us are helping him succeed without even knowing it.  Trust in the Lord, with all of your heart, and follow His commandments, His Word, and His purpose.  Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

His Love Never Changes

“The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness” - Jeremiah 31:3

The act of giving birth was the often considered to be the most painful experience a woman would ever endure, but I posit that it is actually the second most painful thing a mother would ever have to endure.  Do you know what the first was, and still is to this day?  It is not a physical pain, as in the act of labor, but much deeper and long-lasting.  I have watched my wife give birth five times, and I’ve observed that despite the pain experienced during the delivery.  Her love for the newborn child significantly outweighs any of the discomforts leading up to that moment.  A woman’s relationship with her newborn child is stronger than any relationship she has encountered up to that point, including her relationship with her parents, her siblings, and even her spouse.  The act of carrying a child for nine months and then giving birth creates such a strong bond that there is often nothing a mother wouldn’t do for her child.  But still, this pain of childbirth is only the second most painful thing a mother will encounter.  The most painful thing that a mother will encounter is the act of rejection from one of her children.

There is a love in a family that is community-bred.  An invisible tie that binds all the members together in support of one another.  It is stressed from time to time as conflict arises, but it is always present in our awareness of each other.  This love that exists between family members is different than the love that exists between a mother and her child.  The difference can be characterized in something that is learned versus something that is inherent.  The mother and her child share a physical bond formed during the pregnancy that cannot be replicated in any other relationship.  The internal development of a fetus inside a mother’s womb, the sharing of blood, the creation of cells, and feeling the movements is unlike anything else in this world.  Siblings learn to love one another because they are supposed to.  A husband and wife fall in love over a period of months or years during courtship, as they learn about each other and accept each other for who they are.  The mother/child relationship is unique and the closest thing we can draw from to understand the love of God for His children.

God loves you uniquely.  He loves every person on the earth today, in the past, and in the future equally.  There are no degrees of love that differentiate His love for you from His love for your neighbor, because God’s love is immutable, constant, and unchanging.  God does not play favorites, and love one more or less than another.  This means that His love for you is equal to His love for Adam, Eve, King David, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Ruth, Esther, Joshua, Caleb, Jeremiah, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Peter, John the beloved, Mark, and even Jesus Christ.  You must realize that He loves you completely and wholeheartedly.  Every ounce of His love He showed for the Egyptians as they came out of captivity and finally entered into the promised land is there for you as well. 

In Genesis, we read of Noah and the ark.  After the flood subsided, how many people were alive?  According to Genesis 7:13, there were 8.  Eight people entered the ark and stayed there for forty days.  During which, as we read in Genesis 7:21, every living thing on earth perished, including mankind.  If you could imagine being the only person in the world today, God would love you exactly the same as He did Noah and his family upon the ark.  He loves you for all of your uniqueness, your potential and your ability to love Him in return.  He loves you despite your iniquities and transgressions, your faults and propensity to sin.  Despite your age, your weight, your hairline or your handicap – He loves you because you are His child. 

From Adam and Eve, through Noah and his three sons, we are all children of the Almighty God.  He created you for a purpose, and forgetting all of those around you, gives His love uniquely to you.  The responsibility is upon you to accept that love and the grace of salvation that accompanies it.  He cannot love you more than He does, nor less than He does.  God’s love for you is not like that of a family, though; it is not formed through experiences and learning.  It is formed through creation.  He created you and, in doing so, loves you so immensely that it cannot be measured by human standards.  A mother’s love for her child does not change when a child rejects her.  Oh, on the surface, she might be angry and portray otherwise, but deep inside her heart and mind, her love for that child is as deep as the day the child was born.  The thing is, God loves you so much and knows that you cannot love Him equally in return.  The beauty of His grace is that His love for you is not dependent upon your love for Him.  He will not force you to love Him; you have to choose to.

Have We Spoiled Them?

 “So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?”  – 2 Corinthians 12:15

Often is the case that the parent gives everything; time, money, and wisdom to his or her children, only to have that child disrespect and dishonor them.  We see it time and time again, where children seem to have a feeling of entitlement because they have been sheltered and provided for their whole life.  What do we gain by giving everything we have to our children if we are only creating an adult who expects others to give to them unjustly?

I can assure you, having raised 2 and still raising 3 children in our home, it can easily be said that we spoil our children.  As I think back over the years, I ask myself why I give and continue to give to my children.  I think the answer comes down to love.  Wait a minute.  That then implies that love can be bought, and certainly everyone knows that it cannot.  For the gifts will one day be abandoned and left to rust or decay.  Some might say that love is an emotional bond between individuals that is not valued in possessions and gifts but rather in actions, or perhaps it’s in the words shared between two people.

Certainly, if someone does something nice for another or compliments them, there is a feeling of worth associated to the kindness.  I do nice things for people I don’t even know, and I’m sure you do as well.  Does this imply that you love them or that you care for them?  The scriptures tell us that even the evildoers will do good things, but will not be accepted into heaven (Matthew 7:22-23).  Good works are just that good and kind and generous, but in and of themselves do not fully demonstrate the love of the Father.

Just as a parent will give a child financial means, clothing, shelter, food, knowledge, wisdom, and skills throughout their upbringing, only to have the child walk away unappreciative and feeling entitled, it is often that way with God.  Right where you sit at this very moment, look around you and take in all that has been provided to you.  Perhaps you are in your home and protected from the elements.  If you’re reading this, chances are you have electricity, a computer, and an internet connection.  You likely had a pillow under your head last night.  You probably have clothes on your back and food in your pantry.  You may not be rich in possessions, but you are provided for because you have been given talents and opportunities to create an income.  The Lord above gave you everything you have, not in that He purchased these things for you, but in that He created you and, in doing so, created your ability to think, work, and sustain your life, and through His word has taught you right from wrong.

Yet, each day we awake, get dressed, and eat breakfast; all the while taking for granted that God the Father provided these things for us.  If you are wealthy and of substantial means, it is not because of anything you have done.  It is only because you have used the skills, knowledge, and talents that God the Father gave to you.  He has given us everything we have, including the ultimate gift of eternal life.  How many of His children recognize everything He has done for them, yet still turn their back and refuse to accept His love and grace.  Billions, yes billions.  If you take a look around you today, recognize everything He has given to you and realize that indeed you are truly blessed.  His love for you is immutable and never changing; it cannot be more or less than it is at this very moment.  You are loved by the Creator of the universe.

Who's Going to Help them

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  

–  John 13:34-35

A Polar Vortex has descended once again upon the country of America.  From coast to coast, people are experiencing record-setting low temperatures, freezing rain, and ice storms.  As I watch the news, I recall a memory from when we had just moved to Florida, years ago. I had just left the office.  It was late, probably well after 11 PM, but I had put the final touches on the presentation, and the meeting in the morning was going to be a slam-dunk.  I had been working on the project for well over 8 months, and finally, we were ready to reveal it to the executives, and if they approved it, we would get our funding.  As I walked out the door into the parking garage, I noticed it was darker than I expected and much colder.   Having not worn a jacket this day, I was freezing by the time I reached my car.  It was one of those nights when you could see your breath as it seemed to hang just in front of you.  This didn’t change, even when I shut the door and started the engine.  It had been 60 degrees that morning, but a Nordic cold front had moved in the temperature dropped to the 20’s.  Yes, it even gets cold in Florida in the winter months, nothing like we are all experiencing now, but cold nonetheless.

I sat in my car for a few minutes waiting for the temperature to warm up.  Finally, the vents were blowing full blast, and warm air started to ease the shivering.  I proceeded to leave the work campus out onto the service drive next to I-4.  As I drove under the highway, I couldn’t believe my eyes.  Where did all of these people come from?  At least a hundred people were lying close together under the highway with cardboard, plastic bags, and newspapers covering them.  The only protection they had that night from the bitter chill in the air was whatever they could find lying on the ground during the day.  They lay close together so their body warmth would help, but even then, they had to be freezing.  I was frozen just walking 5 minutes to my car; these people had to endure this weather for the next 8 to 10 hours until the sun came up.

Do you ever have one of those moments when you come to realize just how unbelievably blessed you really are?  There are millions of people every day living on the streets around the world.  The homeless population is not going down, but just the opposite, it’s getting worse.  This includes those that are in shelters, but the number of beds in shelters is pretty static, and therefore, the number of people on the streets is increasing dramatically.  Many reasons cause homelessness, including violent and abusive relationships, financial hardship, drug addictions, mental illness, and teenage runaways.  In many cases, the individuals on the streets are not there because they chose it; they are there because of a series of events that left them without financial means and no ability to recover.

Regardless of the reason for their arrival in this situation in life, we have an obligation to love them.  Their status, their lack of home ownership, or their ability to have a job does not differentiate them from you and me in God’s eyes.  His love is indeterminate and immutable.  It has no condition and cannot be changed.  The love that is given to You from God the Father is equally available to the person without a home to lay their head.  Consider the fact that Jesus Christ never owned a home {Matthew 8:20}.  He was taken in by those around Him every night, or slept under the stars, I imagine.  We must be able to look at the homeless living around and amongst us and find ways to bring them comfort, peace, and love.

How do we demonstrate God’s love to those who have no internet, no TV, no bible and are often ignored and forgotten?  We must go to them.  They are not inclined to come to your door and ask for help, and the shelters can only hold so many.  Showing God’s love is the one thing we can do by simply reaching out to them in their environment.  

Here is my recommendation.  If you have the means, put 4 to 5 blankets in your trunk, and a few bags of non-perishable, easy-to-open food items, along with some hygiene products and feminine products.  Keep this supply of items in your car, so that the next time you drive by a homeless person, you can do something to share God’s love.  Hand them the blanket or bag, give them a blessing from God (as simple as “God loves you and wanted me to give this to you”), and then, most importantly, pray for that person.  Then replenish the supply in your car for the next opportunity that comes along.  We can all make a difference in the lives of those around us simply by taking the time to do something.

Love One Another

 “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God” – 1 John 4:7

When the crying had stopped, the little girl managed to tell her father just what had happened.  Apparently, there had been an argument over a toy, and the young boy had gotten somewhat aggressive with the little girl.  Both kids were prone to fighting and arguing from time to time, as all brothers and sisters do.  But this time, the tears in his daughter’s eyes were much more real, and the situation she described was far beyond the average spat between siblings.  The boy had lost his temper and physically hit his sister, who was 2 years older, but still much more fragile.  The father quickly analyzed the situation and had to make a prompt decision.  He could scold the boy, discipline him, and try to enforce their policy of peace rather than violence, but this wasn’t the first time, so obviously it didn’t work before.

The father called the boy into the room.  As he stood by the door, head hung in shame and guilt, the father called him closer.  “Joey, did you hit your sister?” the father asked.  “She pushed me and wouldn’t give me the game,” he replied.  “That is not the answer to the question I asked you, though is it?  Once again, did you hit your sister? Yes or no.”  “Yes”, Joey said with defeat in his voice.  “Joey, tell me the bible story about Jesus beating up the men in Jerusalem who arrested him.  Is that in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John?”  Joey thought a moment and answered that he couldn’t.

“Oh, come on, there must be a story of Jesus beating up someone.  After all, they arrested him, beat him, spit on him, called him names, nailed him to a cross, and killed him.  You mean he never raised a hand against them?” 

“No, sir.” 

“Well, he must have cursed them from the cross, right?” 

“No, sir.” 

“Well, tell me what he did to those men who beat him and spit upon him and nailed him to the cross?”

“He forgave them.”

“Really, just like that, he forgave them?  Wow.  Now tell me, what was it that your sister did to you that made you think you should hit her so hard that her arm is bruised and she had to come to me crying?”

How often do we overreact when someone wrongs us?  It is common for us to seek some sort of revenge when we are taken advantage of or hurt in any way.  God teaches us throughout the scriptures that vengeance is His and that we are to love our neighbor.  Who is our neighbor?  I propose that it is all of those you come in contact with throughout the day.  It is not only those who live on your block, but those who live on the earth.  The need for God’s love to be shared is not limited by the physical address you happen to live at.  If you wander across the railroad tracks to the “other” side of town, your neighborhood just doubled in size.  If you are traveling abroad, your neighborhood just expanded by thousands of miles.  God’s love is for all mankind; who are we to decide who is and is not worthy of receiving it?

The key is to seek the love of others as if God Himself were looking through your eyes.  There may be times when you find yourself beyond control, so look to Him for the strength to forgive and love them.  God has given everything for you and asked that you give everything for Him in return.  Who is it that you need to forgive today?  I think it’s time, take that step, won’t you?

You're Lovable None the Less

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are conquerers through Him who loved us"  Romans 8:34-37

The rose drops petals when left uncut.  The bold redness fades to black, and they wither before they become disjoined from the stem.  Eventually, the stalk is bare and naked of its radiance and beauty.  But is it still a rose?  If not, then what is it?

The child wakes angry at his or her parents for their authority and strictness.  Friends whisper in their ear that they don’t need the parents, or the rules, or judgment.  The child packs a bag, takes a few $20 bills from Dad’s wallet, and walks out the door, hops in a car, and is gone.  No note, Tweet, text, or call – just gone.  Is he or she still the child of those parents?

Tell me then, at what point in our lives can we stop being children of God?  If our spirit dies within us, and the fire is burnt out, has the love of our Father changed?  If we have chosen the wrong path and done unmentionable acts of unrighteousness, is the redemptive act of Christ’s death and resurrection unattainable?  Tell me of the sinful action that you have determined is beyond God’s grace and mercy. 

The Pharisees and Sadducees lived their lives as if they could abide within God’s law.  Even in their education, discipline, and strictness, their hearts and arrogance exposed their unrighteousness.  Jesus Christ came as the new covenant between man and God, not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it with perfection.  His life portrayed the will, the love, and the spirit of God Almighty.  Through His perfection, He introduced us to God’s expectations of His children.  The problem this created, though, is that mankind is incapable of living this life because of our inherent sinful nature.

The fact that we are born of mankind, the blood of Adam runs through us.  The sinful nature over millennia of time has not washed clean and never will.  Jesus Christ was not born of man’s blood, but born of the Holy Spirit, through Mary.  The fact that in His perfection and holiness, He took our sins upon Himself and provided complete redemption for all of our iniquities.  The blood He shed upon the cross was a pure sacrifice from the lamb of God and sufficient for any sin that had been, or would ever be.  His life and His blood are all that He could give, nothing more.  If it is not sufficient to redeem the sin that dwells within you, then it is insufficient for any sin.  God did not send His Son to die for some, but for ALL who believe in Him.  Otherwise, John 3:16 might read something like this: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that some of you who believe in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”  You know that is not what it says, you know this verse by heart, and you know it says “…that whosoever believes …”

You either believe it or you don’t.  If you don’t, then you are stating you don’t believe that God’s word is truthful and authentic.  It indicates that you believe you know more than the Creator about the rules and guidelines for eternal life.  Here is the reality of the situation.  You are dealing with human guilt, pressed down upon you by your own feelings, not from God.  You see, God cannot love you more than He does.  He gave you everything you need to enter eternal life with Him in heaven.  There is no second round of redemption coming; Christ’s death and resurrection are sufficient.  This love of the Father is infinitely greater than anything our human mind can conceive and therefore cannot be increased, nor can it be decreased.  It is unchanging, immutable, and consistent.  Nothing you can do can separate you from His love?  It is strictly your choice whether you want to accept it or not.  Just as your child will always be your child, whether they are happy with you at the moment or not, you were created by Him and for Him, and you can’t undo that.

Nothing, no Nothing

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

 

The morning sun was just peaking over the horizon as he rolled over.   The first thing he noticed was that he was not in his bedroom.  It took a moment or two for him to recall what had happened and how he had ended up in this place.  His vision was very blurred, and breathing was difficult because a tube was coming from his mouth and taped to his cheek.  Despite his attempts to move his body, he couldn’t.  It’s as if his muscles couldn’t react to his brain's commands.  Through his squinting eyes, he saw the IV bag hanging and tubes connected to his arm, wires connected to his forehead, and a myriad of machines with numbers, making beeping sounds.  He noticed that his chest and abdomen were wrapped in white bandages, and there was a large circle of red and black right in the center of the bandages.  Suddenly, his mind began recalling what happened.  As the memories began to fill his mind from the night before, a pain overtook him, and he felt himself drifting back into a state of unconsciousness.

His mind did not stop, though.  He felt as if he were floating above his physical body and looking down upon himself.  He saw the hospital bed, the equipment and monitors, the blood-stained bandages, and his mother in the corner crying.  Then his eyes were captured by the tattoos covering his arms and shoulders.  The naked nymph that he had gotten in Mexico, the skull and crossbones, the knife blade dripping blood, the snake wrapping around the shoulder, the tattoo of the gun and bullet entering through the eye of a child.  The tattoos caused his mind to roll through his life history.  Small glimpses from his youth through today began to fill his vision in his unconscious state.  The life of partying, drugs, and violence; the people he had hurt, the pain he had caused others, all began to be revealed to him.  He saw all the women he had used and abused.  He saw the children now addicted to crack cocaine because he sold them their first joint.  He saw his mother’s tears as he slapped her and slammed his bedroom door in her face when he was just a boy himself.  He saw his dad taking his own life in their bathroom at home.  Then he saw himself as a small boy playing baseball and riding his new bicycle after school.  He saw his best friend, and he was laughing and playing with Hot Wheels and GI Joes.  The sky was blue, the sun was bright, and the grass was green as he saw himself learning how to ride a tricycle.

Suddenly, his eyes moved to the machine in the corner the beeps were slowing and the line had very few bars on the screen.  Something was happening as he looked at his body in that bed.  His chest was barely rising and falling any longer.  A bright flash of light and he was back in his dream like state.  He saw himself as a twelve year old boy walking down the aisle in church.  He recalled the large cross with Jesus hanging at the front of the sanctuary as he made his way down the long aisle toward the minister standing by his dad’s coffin.  As he touched the hard cold wood, he felt a hand on his shoulder.  Looking up it was Jesus Christ looking down into his eyes, with more love than he had ever felt before.  He said four simple words, “I’ll always love you.” 

A blur flashed before the man’s eyes and he was now standing in the same church, except the church was empty, dark and cold.  His eyes lifted to see the cross on the wall, Christ hanging there still.  In his vision, the man began weeping bitterly at the choices he had made in life since the last time he knelt on these steps.  Then a hand was on his shoulder and looking up, Christ stood before him, looking down upon him with incredible love.  “I’ll always love you.”, He whispered.  The man raised his arms showing his tattoos and scars from the needles and from the time he tried to take his life.  “But Jesus you don’t understand the things I’ve done, and people I’ve hurt”, the man cried out.  “I LOVE YOU.”, Jesus replied.  “No.  I raped that girl and I stole that woman’s purse.  I was in prison for shooting that kid in a fight.  I robbed the liquor store and beat that old man.  I haven’t stepped foot in this church in 20 years.”, the man argued back.  “I LOVE YOU.”, Jesus replied, and then raised the man to his feet and embraced him.  The man saw his own arms as Jesus lifted him and they were wiped clean, the tattoos were gone as was the bandages. 

“Nothing you do can separate you from Me and My love for you.”, Jesus said as He placed a kiss upon the man’s forehead.  He was swept away through the blurry darkness back to the hospital room and then total darkness.  His eyes opened once again, blurry looking up at the ceiling and the tubes and wires coming from his body.  Shifting his eyes to the side, he saw the monitors and the line was normal once again.  There were two doctors saying he’s stable now.  He saw his mother standing by his bed.  Her hand touching his face as tears flowed from her eyes, she smiled and said, “Welcome back.  We thought we lost you.”

---------------------------

You may feel that you have done terrible things in your life up to this point.  I want you to know that despite those choices, those actions, God’s love for you has never changed.  He loved you when you were born just as much as He loves you now.  His love is unchanging and just when you think you’re beyond His grace, He will lift you up, clean off the past and carry you forward to a new day.  Perhaps today is that day for you to receive His offering of grace and love.  If so, please pray this prayer with me, and invite Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior today.

Come, Jesus, Come

Revelation 22:7-21

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.  Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.  Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Jesus revelation through John’s vision concludes with the promise that Jesus Christ is coming soon.  He is bringing with him the reward for every person that they deserve.  As the Alpha and the Omega, He is the Creator and the fulfiller of all time and space.  At this conclusion, the end has come upon mankind, and the eternal state has been designed and finalized for each based upon their decisions in life.  But in this eternal space, there is no time, and it will be separate from sin, evil, sorcery, sexual immorality, murderers, idolaters, and those who practice falsehood, lawlessness, and deceit.   

Are you prepared to participate with Jesus in this new kingdom, this new earth, and reside in the new Jerusalem as promised?  If you believe you are, then you must live as if you believe it wholeheartedly.  Those of us who have decided to follow Jesus and His teachings, and call Him Savior and Lord, must wake every day ready for Christ to return.  If we are to claim that we belong in this group, then we must also accept the responsibility that comes along with it.

If we claim we are blessed and worthy to be with God one day in this eternal heaven, we must ask if our walk every day represents the characteristics and truth of Jesus Christ.  None can be perfect, not one can live without sin (other than Christ himself), no, not one is worthy of eternity with God.  We may consider our life to be good, some may even consider it to be great, and righteous, when we compare it to those around us.  But, how does it stand up against the life of Jesus Christ?  He is our bellwether, not your neighbor.  Grace offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the payment for your sins.  His blood is the sacrificial blood to atone for your iniquities and transgressions.  For without His death and resurrection, you are just like those who, throughout Revelation, experience the unstoppable wrath of God, the Father.

All throughout Revelation, John has shared with us the vision that Jesus allowed him to share.  He has instructed that it is not sealed up, but shared and spread to all believers, so that they will know what is required and will obey.  He instructed that it not be changed, nor added to, as some have done over time.  This is a sure way to determine if a prophet is of God or not.  If God tells John that nothing can be added or changed from what has been written, yet some spiritual leaders claim that they have additional scriptures beyond the Bible, we can immediately question their authenticity and discern their truth.  This book in the Bible has given you a full understanding of the end times.  We are told to read, study, understand, and live as if Christ returns tomorrow.

As the bride, we must be dressed in our white garments, full of anticipation for the bridegroom’s return.  If you are living outside of His obedience and righteousness, now is the time to carefully consider your walk and get right, fix it to align with His truth and commandments.  The 10 Commandments were not written for a period of time, but for God’s children for all time.  This should be your guidance, along with the truth’s shared in the book of Revelation to abide and follow His teachings.  It’s not just a fairy tale, it is the true written Word of God and needs to be taken seriously.  We can observe around us that we are nearing the end times, and we must be sincere with those we love to make sure they are aware and prepared as well.  

We need to stand and be able to say “Come, Lord Jesus, Come”

New Jerusalem - Final Home

Revelation 21:9-12,22-27

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”  And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,  having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.  It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed

(22) And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.  And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.  By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,  and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.  They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.  But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The eternal living space for God’s children is the new Jerusalem.  Over 2 million square miles with 200-foot walls, larger than the countries of France or England as we know it.  No sun, no moon, no night.  The Lord’s light will shine eternally, and there will be no reason for a sun or moon to provide light.  God and the Lamb will be dwelling with mankind in this new realm.  We will be in His presence always; there is no need for a Temple, a synagogue, a holy of holies to seek God.  

Recall, if you will, the veil in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem tore from top to bottom when Jesus Christ was crucified.  This veil was the separation from God’s presence in the temple and was restricted to the high priest only.  When the veil was torn, it opened up access to God through Jesus Christ directly.  In this new Jerusalem, there is no temple, no veil, no holy of holies; we are in the presence of God and Jesus at all times.

No evil, no unclean presence, or detestable thing will be in this realm.  God’s perfect presence is protected from all unrighteousness and impurities.  It will be a realm of holiness and righteousness only.  Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be accepted in, filled with goodness and love for each other and God, the Father.  Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians 15:44, that our new resurrected bodies will be “spiritual” and capable of being in God’s presence and perfected glory.  Unlike our current existence, which is filled with original sin and unrighteousness.  We must be resurrected into our heavenly bodies to co-exist in the presence with God and the Lamb.

It is quite conceivable that nations will still exist in the new Jerusalem.  The definition of the design calls out 12 gates, one for each nation, tells us that there will at least be 12 nations in the new realm.  Also, we read in Revelation 12 that the promised Messiah “will rule over the nations”, and in Revelation 22, we will see that God talks about the leaves of the tree of life will heal all the nations.  

Much like the previous story of the Bridegroom going and preparing a place for Himself and the bride to live, Jesus told the disciples, in John 14, “I am going there to prepare a place for you . . . And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  This new Jerusalem is the place which Jesus, the Bridegroom, has prepared for you and me.  He will return, just as He said He would, one day to take us there, where we will live eternally with Him.  Jesus Christ is the Light of the World (John 8:12) and will provide the unquenchable light for all eternity in this new realm.

These are the promises by which we hold onto.  The truth that God has a better plan for us than the world in which we live today.  Read Revelation 21 completely for an in-depth description of this new Jerusalem, and you will be amazed at the beauty and eloquence of detail provided in John’s vision from God.  We are destined to live in luxury eternally with God, the Father.  So when we say “do not store up treasures on earth, but rather in heaven where moth and rust and thieves cannot destroy or steal” (Matthew 6:19-21), this is what we refer to.  Your heavenly realm will be unbelievably beautiful and plentiful with God and the Lamb forever.