Equipped to deal with the Reality of Living in a Broken World

 

Each and every day we have to face the reality of living in a broken world. We were all born into it because of the “Fall” (Original Sin) and now we have to contend with it.

Day in and day out we struggle with a great deal of out of control situations which affect how we want our personal lives and surrounding world to be.

Our struggle even includes our own thoughts which bombard us with the “if only” syndrome, where we normally conclude that if only things just went the way we want them to, this world would certainly be a better place for us and the rest of humanity. 

The truth is, no matter how hard we try to control our world and convince other people to embrace our personal desires and principles, our frustration will grow over the fact that ideological divisions and belief systems make that nearly impossible. For example, most people I know have the desire for personal freedom to think, do and say as they please. Yet, this creates a lot of tension and opposition in others who don’t want them to have that kind of freedom.  And because everyone wants to own the truth, love and respect for one another get thrown out the window.  Today we are faced with a situation where censorship has reared its ugly head in opposition to differing viewpoints. This is a complete disaster in the making because a lot of what is being censored is actually helpful factual information. There are those who want to control the flow of information and use will draconian means to keep other view points and freedom of speech from entering and remaining in the universe of ideas. This kind of gate keeping to the flow of information cannot be good for a free and open society.

Unfortunately, we have come to a point in time where people can no longer agree to disagree about social, cultural and political issues. Many people become emotionally elevated into hating those who don’t share their belief system and same kind of ideology. The ever growing truth about humanity is that it will always remain in a state of disarray and broken relationships because people will never be in agreement about what is good and righteous and what is evil and sinful. Those people who derive their sense of goodness and self-worth from a point of reference that lacks hope can easily get caught up in despair. They may never come to an understanding that there is hope outside of their limited perspective.

Despair and confusion can lead to serious brokenness.  Yet, there is a way for people to be restored and healed from the destruction and desperation of a confused and broken life. This is where God, the only true healer of our soul, and the greatest source of all truth is essential.  God has revealed to us a distinction that defines good and evil and where we can find hope and salvation. Nowhere else but in God Himself can we find this amazing, insightful, and healing source of all truth where we can be made whole again and where we are provided the answers to all of life’s most profound questions. What we learn is that God is the true source of all life, wisdom, goodness, power and love.  And in Christ we can find amazing love, amazing grace and rescue from the consequences of our sin nature.

Some may argue that as humans we can determine what is true and provide the answers to many of life’s important questions. However, because there are so many ideas about what is truth, we are unable to come to any agreement or any one standard of truth. Many people believe there are no absolutes and therefore, when it comes to truth, we can all be right even though we believe something totally different. This kind relativism causes an immense source of conflict in this world. However, there are certain kinds of truth we can all agree upon. Gravity and physical death come to mind as universally accepted principles. Yet, the causality and source of that gravitational force, and the way we came to be a human race, and where we go when we perish, is one of the great subjects of debate even today.  If we want to know about where gravity and the formation of the universe came from and where we go when we die, God has the concrete answers to these very important scientific questions. 

Yet, there are still many who reject God and refuse to include Him in the equation of life. Devoted followers of Jesus, however, know that there is only one standard of truth, and that standard belongs to God. Jesus’ followers live by faith and trust that real truth is what God has proclaimed. They devote themselves to live in accordance with God’s laws and principles each and every day. Some people may argue that God is too demanding and exclusionary when it comes to salvation of the soul. Yet, followers of Jesus know that He died to rescue all of us, and by living in relationship with Him and adhering to His commands, is the best way to show love and appreciation for Him coming to rescue humanity from the consequences of having a sin nature.

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:7-8)

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28)

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. (John 14:23)

 

When it comes to God’s laws and principles, frustration will set in because it is impossible for anyone to live by them perfectly. God has given us the law for the purpose of reminding us that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Yet, some people earnestly try to win God’s favor by trying to live by the law perfectly. Some want to claim that their personal good works can earn them a place in Heaven. The truth is, we are all doomed to fail in trying to earn our salvation. There are also those who reject God’s law because they are OK with some aspects of their sin and reject the idea that they must contend with their sin nature. It truly is hard for people to want to admit they have flaws let alone confess their own sin. Yet, many people find it quite easy to call out and condemn the sins and flaws of others. This is where self-righteousness and pride become our worst enemies and our greatest barriers to being in relationship with God and others. Pride will keep us from admitting our own sin, forgiving others, and from restoring broken relationships. The simple fact is, we want to blame others for the problems we face. We don’t want to admit we are wrong.  We want to suppress humility and hold on to a sense of superiority over others. And we want to do away with self-examination to escape the reality of our own sin.

When we clothe ourselves with pride and self-righteousness we are proclaiming our innocence, and we therefore have become our own judge and jury. But God is the only one who can rightfully judge our heart as well as all our works and deeds. We have to contend with the fact that we are still culpable for the transgressions in our life.  We have to make sure that our transgressions and sins against God have been paid for and forgiven.

According to God we are not able to pay for our own sin. God’s way is through the work of Jesus Christ who paid the price for that sin with His own life. Those who believe and receive that sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for their salvation, will be forgiven of their sin. Only Jesus’ work can pay the price demanded for sin.

 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.  It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ (Luke 24:46-47)

 

The Law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. (Romans 8:3-4)

 

Because of the blood of Christ, we are bought and made free from the punishment of sin. And because of His blood, our sins are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

 

If we want to heal the brokenness in ourselves and in our world, the first step is to confess and repent from our own sin. If we desire reconciliation and peace with God and others then we should do everything we can to make that possible. Each of us has to take responsibility for what we say and do and we must not misinterpret the principles of God’s Word to mislead others into thinking all we have to do is admit we are wrong. Actions combined with words prove we mean what we say. Just like with faith, if we demonstrate our words with actions, we display a transformed life not a hypocritical existence.

 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17)

 

One of the criticisms and attacks on the Church is the hypocrisy of some who claim to be followers of Jesus yet set bad examples with continued sinful behaviors, and causing others to stumble in their faith. They don’t practice what they preach. Yet, because we are all a work in progress we can also witness restoration and forgiveness of those who are struggling with sin through the power of God to repair their broken lives.  

It is God’s desire that we live out our Spirit filled transformed lives. Followers of Jesus are a new creation, far from perfect but aware that they are on a new adventure for the purposes of God. When people walk with God they will experience a lifelong process of spiritual growth and maturity that goes hand in hand with how well they desire to be led by the Holy Spirit. The more they are led by the Spirit, the more they will live in accordance to the Holy Spirit’s will and desire, and the more they will experience the benefits of this Spirit filled life.

 

Evidence of a Spirit filled life include:  

 Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)

 

A Spirit filled and led life does not mean God’s people will never run into trouble, but it does mean that God will be present in all the good and bad circumstances we face. It means God will use even difficult circumstances to perfect our faith and grow our character. It means God will provide everything we need especially wisdom which He will give generously.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. (James 1:2-8)

 

So, the reality of living in a broken world can be God led or we can rely on our own instincts and limited perspective. We can still live within the realm of brokenness and yet not fall prey to deception, worldly fallacies and self-destruction. If we are willing to stay connected to the One who can guide us through the pitfalls of our own sin nature, we will be well led by the wisdom of God who can navigate us through the turbulence of this fallen world.

 

Through experience I know that:

 if I trust God with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, and totally submit myself to His will, then He will be able to lead me and direct me to the straight path He desires me to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 

Also, the Bible tells us that:

 in all things God works for the good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His good purpose. (Romans 8:28).

 

Again we can know that God is working for our good even when things to us look bad. God continues to grow our faith and hope by allowing difficulties to help build our character, produce perseverance, and to live by and through His strength.  

 

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

 

So, if we want to face the reality of living in a broken world with a whole new perspective, we are going to need Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, and Godly counsel from other believers to help us. The truth is, we can be confident that God will provide and equip us to live and serve Him with purpose, and experience the joy of knowing we are loved by Him. When we become eternally secure in Christ we experience His sacrificial love, we have joy and peace regardless of our circumstances, and we have a new reality that moves us from brokenness to restoration. Remember, Jesus paid the price for our sin and we don’t have to earn God’s favor. One can receive His offer of eternal life for free.

 

The Bible tells us:

 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23)

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God – not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

 

Jesus offers us abundant life now and forever:

 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

 

Nothing in this world can compare to Jesus and how He can satisfy our needs and give us the eternal perspective we need to live abundantly in a broken world:

 Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. (John 4:13-14)

 

 

Jesus has prepared a place in Heaven for all who believe in Him:

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would have told you that I am going there to a 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 may also be where I am. You know the place where I am going. (John 14:1-3)

 

Jesus is the only way to everlasting life with God in Heaven:

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)

 

Remember this:

No matter what kind of problems we face in this life, it is comforting to know that Jesus has defeated our worst enemies; sin and death and the consequences that come from spiritual death. Jesus graciously and sacrificially died on the Cross to provide us with real hope, everlasting life and reconciliation back to God. If we receive the free offer of salvation and put Jesus in the rightful place in our lives as our Lord and Savior, we will experience the great blessings that come from living a Christ-centered life. This is good news and equips us with the right kind of eternal perspective to deal with the reality of living in broken world.

 

I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

 

 

Blessings…………….Dave

Nothing To Hide

Because I grew up in a Jewish family, the Passover was a very special celebration. Our family would gather together for two nights for the Seder; a ritual service and ceremonial dinner performed every year that would take place the first two nights of the Passover. Both Seder's included a reading of the Haggadah; a guidebook for the Seder meal that tells the wonderful story of God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. our family would also eat lots of great food, drink wine, listen stories about Moses and the Jewish people, sing, and partake in other family Passover traditions.

Of these traditions, my favorite one, was searching for the hidden Afikomin, a piece of Matzah wrapped in a table napkin that was hidden somewhere in our house during the Seder. This piece of Matzah is actually one part of three pieces wrapped together. During the Passover meal one piece is broken off from the middle piece, removed and placed in a clean, white linen cloth which was then hidden by my grandfather somewhere in our home.  Whoever found it would get a reward, usually a few dollars. The final part of our Seder was when everyone ate a small piece of the Afikomen and the Seder would be declared over. Honestly, aside from me getting to drink a little wine, I couldn’t wait to try to find the Afikomen; however, I was not always successful.

Today, the Afikomen (Matzah) represents the substitute for the Passover sacrifice which ended the Passover meal in ancient times.  This broken piece of Matzah is symbolic of the Messiah to Jewish believers.  Little did I know back then how passionate I was about finding the Jewish Messiah. I can now make the connection between finding the Afikomen and finding the Messiah. Both have a reward, but with Jesus, one will receive the reward of eternal life if they believe His sacrifice paid the price for their sin.

You see, it’s really not hard to find God; you just have to want to. Just ask God to reveal Himself and He will. For me, I asked God to show me that Jesus was the Messiah for the Jews. Graciously, He clearly made Jesus known to me through the prophets and many other passages I read in the Old Testament. Through God’s supernatural revelation, I was able to connect to what I knew and heard about Jesus to the passages I read in the Bible. By the time I finished the Old Testament I believed Jesus was the true Messiah for the Jewish people and I received Him as  my Lord and Savior. Then I read the New Testament and saw how clear the fulfillment of God's plan unfolded. God had sent Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, to rescue His people. 

My point is this; God does not hide Himself from us. We hide ourselves from Him. We hide from God mostly due to our sin and rebellious nature.

The fact is, many push God away so they can remain in control of their desires and plans to live and play by their own rules. Some people claim to know God but are not willing to surrender parts of their lives to Him. Some people choose to ignore His wisdom or perspective when it comes to life and making decisions. Some unfortunately refuse to believe God exists and they prefer to believe there is no Creator even though there is so much evidence to the contrary. Because people reject God, and choose not to see what is clearly revealed, they miss out on the blessings and promises God offers His people. 

So, what can we know about God?

God will not force us into a relationship with Him nor will He force us to love Him. But, if we embrace God's forgiveness and offer of salvation, He will prove time and time again His love for us by giving us the Holy Spirit that will grow our faith, give us an eternal perspective, guide our hearts, and give us a greater understanding of God's Word. He will change our lives so we can live for His purpose and pleasure. He will give us work to do that has meaning and eternal impact. As a result of this work in us, we will be changed from the inside out to become one who reflects the goodness, kindness, graciousness and love of Jesus Christ. 

So, where is God?

God is not hidden from us. His magnificent work is on display for us all to see.

The Bible tells us:

Romans 1:18-20

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

So what do many people do?

Romans 1:22-23

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools  and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

Unfortunately people have always found or created their own gods or idols that they desire to worship instead of the one true God.

It is truly amazing how many people know about Jesus but don’t really care to know Him, receive His forgiveness,  and embrace the free gift of eternal life that He offers. People celebrate Christmas and Easter and know these popular holidays are about Jesus, yet other things become their primary focus. God didn’t create a covert salvation plan to hide what He was up to. Jesus came into this world to make Himself known, prove He was Messiah, and change people’s hearts and minds so they could believe He had the power to save them from sin and spiritual death. It was God’s plan all along to give His one and only Son Jesus, to suffer and die on the cross in order to pay the price for our sin. John the Baptist made it clear that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (from John 1:29). In those days, year after year, a perfect lamb without defect would be sacrificed as a sin offering in the Jewish temple. Jesus was that perfect lamb that was sacrificed for our sin but in this case once and for all. Jesus makes it clear that 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. (John 3:16)

God reveals His plan:

Jesus life and death was witnessed and written down in all the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus’ resurrection was also witnessed by many people three days after His death and recorded in those Gospels as well. So God did not hide Himself from us. He made sure that His story and plan to rescue us was written and passed down from generation to generation so we could know Him too.

So, through God’s creation, through Jesus’ life, through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit and through God’s Word, we can know God because He wants to be known. He has nothing to hide. In fact, it is His greatest desire for us to know Him and love Him.

This I know for sure; if anyone really wants to know God, He will reveal Himself to them as their Lord and Savior.  We all must come to terms with the fact that Jesus is the only way anyone can reconcile with God and receive eternal life. Jesus said it best Himself:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14;6)

As we celebrate this Easter I pray many people will also celebrate their new life in Christ. May God's plan of salvation be revealed powerfully in the hearts and minds of the lost and may they come know and receive God's free gift of eternal life through Jesus’ sacrificial love. 

May you all be filled with God's love and grace.

 

Blessings…………….Dave

The offsetting reality of intergalactic weirdness Part 23

 

The offsetting reality of intergalactic weirdness Part 23

 

 

If you cancel culture what will the Yogurts do?

 

What do you do when you are asked to fall in line? At what point will you be asked to get up?

 

If I am on the wrong side of history, I should be able to keep moving into the future

 

I have 2 cats who require parmesan cheese be sprinkled on their food. They have not asked to drive my car yet.  

 

Opinions are like raw onions on a bologna sandwich

 

Politicians must be in good physical shape because they never stop running!

 

My best friend is named Joe and he lives in a French press

 

He was so hungry He just gobbled that Turkey burger

 

Let us make a salad!

 

I get so thirsty after I eat Desert

 

Dude, this picture on my new phone is like a 1000 pixels!

 

Bad restaurant > dine and whine

 

When you don’t want to take your kids to McDonalds for Ice Cream tell them that eating snow is called the McFlurry

 

Up With People was been renamed in 2020, Now called just > Up,  No People

Reflections 2020

A new year is always a great time for renewal and to contemplate the big questions that relate to human existence. 

• Who am I? 
• Why am I here?  
• Where did here come from? 
• Why is life so messed up? 
• Is there a fix for the mess? 

Yet, this year, what continues to affect me most, are not these big questions, but rather how so many of my family, friends and co-workers differ from me politically, philosophically and spiritually. But even with that fact, what remains most important to me is that I love them and they love me. Love transcends the bounds of the philosophical mind and reveals itself in the heart. The mind says we are different but the heart tells us we are all the same. Here is the truth: we were all created/formed by the same God. A God who reveals Himself to us in a supernatural way and tells us the most important thing is love. This love is ultimately is what connects us all together. God's desire is for us all to love and be connected to Him for all eternity. Unfortunately many will choose to go their own way and live a life apart from God.

If you believe there is life beyond the grave then you may have already considered what that life is going to look like after physical death. If you are not thinking about that now, one day you may ponder it. The Bible tells us that there is Heaven, an eternal place where people exist in an immortal state once they have passed on from this world. In Heaven people are constantly rejoicing in the presence of God. The Bible also tells us there is a Hell, a place where people exist separated from God. Actually, many people believe Hell is on earth right now because of all the evil, disease (COVID), death, turmoil, division and  destruction they see around them. They say, how can there be a loving God that would allow all of this to take place? Many, due to their lack of understanding of who God truly is, rebel against God knowingly and unknowingly. They don't take into consideration God's rescue plan from evil, sin and death. 

God sent Jesus to rescue His people. But people reject that out right cause they find the whole concept of a sacrificial Savior to be a fairy tale bordering on the ridiculous. Funny, I used to think that way too. In fact, I also had a rebellious mind and heart, yet I eventually submitted my life to God because only under His authority and mindset could I experience real truth, incredible love, joy and purpose. Notice, I did not say happiness. Happiness is a temporary state. On the other hand, joy can exist even when our circumstances fall well below our expectations, even to the point of grief and a deep sense of loss. So how can joy and sorrow exist together at the same time? 

Here is the truth in a nut shell:
 
I figured out that joy is a supernatural condition that can only be attained through a relationship with a supernatural God. Jesus tells us that in Him there is real life, sustenance and abundance. The real life He gives is the living water that flows through us. That living water is the Holy Spirit who supernaturally is connected to those who are Jesus’ followers.  The people who have the gift of the Holy Spirit also have the gift eternal life. The existence of the Holy Spirit in one’s life is the assurance they have been rescued from spiritual death. It is Jesus who will satisfy our every need!

The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly  

(John 10:10)

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38)

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

God is the One Who makes our faith and your faith strong in Christ. He has set us apart for Himself. He has put His mark on us to show we belong to Him. His Spirit is in our hearts to prove this.  (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord," (Romans 6:23).

So why would people refuse to enter into a relationship with a supernatural God?

Let’s first define the term Supernatural:

Definition of supernatural

1.     of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; especially of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil

2.     departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature:  attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)

Actually many people believe in the Supernatural. So it surprises me that they have such a difficult time believing that there is a God who created all we know. If they were to examine the world around them they would discover in the laws of nature and in nature itself an incredible design that remains constant yet breaks down over time due to the corruption from the original sin (Adam & Eve > The Fall). This entropy or breaking down that is taking place is based on the 2^nd law of thermodynamics:

The universe is constantly losing usable energy and never gaining. 

Theologically speaking, from the point the universe was created, we see in humanity itself a limit to a physical existence due to the body going through transitional changes that are breaking down also due to the fall of man. But it is interesting that this entropy is physical and does not mean the death of the spiritual part of who we are. The spiritual part, the one that God breathed into us, continues to exist. We are all created/formed by God in a physical as well as spiritual state. The spiritual state does not perish when the physical body can no longer function. So what happens to the spirit when the body dies?  The Spirit according to the Bible will either enter into heaven with God or proceed to the gates of hell without Him.  So we are all faced with a choice when it comes to eternity. God clearly states He does not want anyone to perish.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 (2 Peter 3:9)

In fact, God sent Jesus to rescue us from the bad and destructive choices we make as fallen and sinful human beings. Now that to me suggests that God loves us despite the fact that many hate and reject Him.

Here is the greatest act of love that I know of:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

So if you think that God does not love you due to the fact you are sinful and imperfect you are being deceived. Jesus came to rescue sinners!

You see God created man for a special purpose. He created people for relationship with Him and and to experience the joy and wonder of His amazing love and creation. It is God's desire that we all share in His gift love and personal fellowship for all eternity. Talk about a great gift to give someone. Why wouldn’t we want to have every moment to be filled with that kind of special love from the Creator of all things? Yet, due to the fallen state of man and limited perspective, many are deceived into thinking that God and His principles are evil and that Satan and His schemes are a far better choice for right now. They do not take into account separation from God has eternal implications. That is why so many people have exchanged the good of God for their own sinful desires; they believe that self-satisfaction, self-centered, self-gratifying living is far better than what God offers. But that is just horizontal thinking. Thinking vertically or looking toward God and His revealed wisdom tells us that man’s thinking is futile and limited.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:20-21)

God desires for us all to see that a worldview apart from His reality is actually a deception. God’s truth is 180 degrees from what the world has taught us to believe.

So why am I telling you about all this? What is my motivation? What do I gain? Out of love for my family, friends and co-workers, I want to tell you that a saving relationship with God is the better way. So when you come to that point in life when you are contemplating your eternity and you need to make a choice, my prayer is that you would choose God and the spiritual life He desires for us all to have, and not a life of destruction and spiritual death at the hands of the enemy.

Every time around the New Year many people say they are looking to get a fresh start. But with a relationship with the living God we can get a fresh start every day. In fact, a new life in Christ is a fresh new start that has everlasting implications. Even if it is hard to fathom why a perfect God would love someone who is flawed should know this, God loves His people perfectly and has a perfect purposeful plan for those who love Him. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 4:13)

 

Here is the hope that comes from God's love:

 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5)


For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." 
(Romans 10:13) 

 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)

So this year I continue to be thankful for all my family, friends and co-workers. I continue to be grateful for God's plan to rescue me and His people. I continue to pray for all those hurting, suffering and distressed.

My other prayer for 2021 is that all people would ask God to show them His truth and then receive His free gift of eternal life. The truth is this:  Jesus has the power and authority to pay the price for our sin that will set us free from the bondage of sin and rescue us from spiritual death which is eternal separation from God. My hope is we all can be together in paradise!

I heard a loud shout from the throne saying, “Look, the home of God is now among men, and he will live with them and they will be his people; yes, God himself will be among them. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever.” (Revelations 21:3-4)

 

  He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant [the privilege] to eat [the fruit] from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.’  (Revelations 2:7)

 

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested. “Don’t you even fear God when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done one thing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

Have a Blessed and Happy New Year………………….Dave