Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"God's Church Continues"

Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” Acts 7:48-49
   

Recently in the news, a tornado in central Florida was clocked having winds of 165 miles per hour, killed more than 20 people, and destroyed hundreds of homes and churches.

Lady Lake Church of God was designed to physically stand against winds of 150 miles-per-hour. Their next-door neighbor reported seeing a green-colored glow over the top of the church before it exploded. God’s house, which had served as a shelter against hurricanes, was physically gone.

The day after the disaster, members of the congregation went through the debris, which was once their church. With reverence, they moved dislocated pews, avoided broken glass, and saved what they could. Many of the spectators were convinced that Lady Lake Church of God was done; it was finished.

They would be partially right in making that statement. While it is true the church building of Lady Lake Church of God is gone, God’s people still remain.

When people think of a church, they often are referring to a place of worship, a focal point where the Lord’s people come together. Such buildings are special to us because they are filled with precious memories of baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals. When long-time members walk through the doors of their church, they say to themselves, “This is the stained-glass window we gave in memory of mother and here’s the pew where our family sat every Sunday when I was growing up.” Memories make it hard for churches to embrace change.

But when change comes, such as the destruction of Lady Lake Church of God, the Lord’s Holy Spirit brings things back into perspective. He reminds us that the Lord lives in our hearts and not in buildings. That is why the Lord considers the redemption of our souls of prime importance and not the value of our buildings.

The pastors of Lady Lake Church of God admitted, “The building is a total loss, we’ll move forward, we’re going to be fine, we’ll pull together.” Lady Lake Church of God had services on Sunday which proved, “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39. And in my opinion, it’s safe to add to the list, “NOR TORNADOS.”

[Soldier4Christ]

"God’s Seal of Approval"

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval. John 6:27
   

I once heard the story of a man who had come upon really hard times. His business was falling apart, his wife was leaving him because of financial problems, and he couldn’t meet the mortgage payments on his home. Understandably, he had a difficult time keeping his mind on what he was doing. One day, as he drove to work, he was involved in a car accident. It was his fault, and soon a policeman was writing out a ticket and an ambulance was coming to pick up the guy in the other car. He looked up to heaven and said, “Lord, why me?” And, according to the story—and I want you to understand it is a made-up story—a big voice came booming from up above and said, “Well, the truth is, there’s something about you that just ticks me off.”

There is nothing about us that deserves God’s approval (Ecclesiastes 7:20). He is perfect; we are not (Leviticus 11:44). He is holy; we are hell-bent (Romans 6:23). No matter how good our performance, no matter how beautifully we live our lives, it’s not enough to earn God’s seal of approval. So that we might receive God’s seal of approval and be forgiven of our sins, Jesus fulfilled all the laws we had broken, took the punishment we had earned, died the death that we deserved. Because of what He has done, all who believe on Him as their Savior, their Substitute, have salvation.

It’s that simple. Martin Luther wrote many wonderful things, but none more clearly than these words, which describe the work of Jesus: “I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death [Why?] that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness.” (From Luther’s Small Catechism.)

So why did Jesus do this for us? So that you and I, forgiven sinners, might have God’s seal of approval. He lived, died, and rose so that we might enjoy a life that is changed in time and in eternity.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Looking for Jesus"

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for Me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” John 6:26-27
   

A few years ago, a woman invested her life savings in a business enterprise elaborately sold to her by a swindler. With her investment gone and her dream shattered, she went to the office of the Better Business Bureau. “Why on earth,” they asked, “didn’t you come to us first? Didn’t you know about the Better Business Bureau?” “Yes,” said the lady most sadly. But I didn’t come because I was afraid you would probably tell me not to give them my money.”

We all feel sorry for her and her loss. Yet she provides us with a good example of how humanity operates in its dealings with the Lord. Most people know that God is out there. They have a general idea that the Lord has some good advice about how they should live their lives. Maybe they even think He knows how they can be saved. In spite of such knowledge, they still want to do things their way.

That was the sin of our original ancestors in the Garden of Eden. The Lord had given them instructions, but they wanted to do things their way. “We know better” is what they told themselves, and they paid the price. After Jesus fed thousands with a few loaves and fishes, the disciples were impressed. But they followed Him as a provider of earthly wants, rather than spiritual necessities. Jesus said very clearly, “Seek first [My] kingdom and [My] righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

But people still think they know better. They want to do things their way, creating God in their image. The Bible tells us, and a look at human nature shows us, that the sin of knowing better than God has been repeated again and again. Some believe that if you say a prayer a certain way God will be compelled to give you wealth and health, riches and rewards beyond your imagining. If getting “the goods” of life is your motivation when you go to Jesus, think again. He who left heaven’s high throne to be one of us, to redeem us, knows what is best for us. Listen to Him; believe on Him. He has the answers that you need for this world and the next.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Blowing in the Wind"

Then we will no longer be ... blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up. Ephesians 4:14-15
   

“So, what do you know?” That’s a pretty broad question. Let me get more specific. Did you know that if you drop a penny off the Empire State Building, by the time it hits the ground it is going fast enough and has enough force to lodge itself into the concrete? Did you know that if you swim within an hour after eating, you will get cramps and cramping greatly increases your chance of drowning? Did you know the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure that can be seen with the naked eye from the moon? Did you know that after a person dies, his hair and nails continue growing for up to six months?

I love knowing things like that. There’s only one thing wrong with knowing the things I just listed—they’re wrong. That’s right; they’re wrong. They’re false, flawed, fictional, fabricated. Once upon a time, somewhere during the course of my life, I and many others, knew these to be completely true. But they’re not. They’re wrong. It was pretty depressing to find out that these things I knew as true, aren’t true.

Of course those questions and answers are pretty inconsequential. But there are other questions that are all-important, and too many people don’t have the answers. Look around—what do you see? I see souls searching, sinners seeking. I see skepticism, suspicion, cynicism, doubt, distrust, and disbelief. I see it reflected in the angry music of the young; I hear it in the hard, harsh jokes of comedians. Too many of us feel there is no such thing as truth; we think there are no right answers. We don’t know what to believe, who to believe, or if we should believe anything at all. These are times when we’re adrift, being blown by the winds of false facts and tentative truths.

If that is an adequate description of your worldview, then you need to hear Jesus. Shortly before He showed Himself to be Master over death, He said to one of His mourning friends, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Did you hear that? He is Truth. Not a truth, not one of many truths. Do you have questions? Jesus is the answer. The Savior has come so you might have the answer for this world’s living, and the next as well.

[Soldier4Christ]

"We’re Broke"

By this time it was late in the day, so His disciples came to Him, “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But He answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to Him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves to you have?” He asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five — and two fish.” Mark 6:35-38
   

Recently I received an invitation to attend my class reunion. I took a look at the class secretary’s plea for addresses. You see, there were two columns filled with names of fellow students whose whereabouts are unknown; seems there are a lot of people, friends from way back when, who have disappeared. That got me to thinking, “I wonder what’s happened to them? I wonder how they’ve done?” As I’ve gotten older, I often have those kinds of thoughts. And not necessarily just about people I know personally. Sometimes I wonder about the whereabouts of complete strangers.

When I look at a silent movie and see a cast of hundreds, I wonder. These people, whose existence was recorded for a few seconds on a piece of now-neglected film, did they reach all the goals they had set for themselves? Where did they go? Did they hope to be discovered? Were these few seconds before the camera their only claim to fame? I wonder what happened to them.

It is one of the sorry marks of this sinful world that people forget. Those people who win an Academy Award this year will, a century from now, be almost entirely forgotten. Political leaders that are acclaimed by thousands will, a few generations from today, become a footnote in the history books. We forget. Even those people who were once important to us, who were our friends and confidants, slowly slip from memory.

In contrast to our short-term memories, we are blessed to have a Savior who never forgets us. Even though there are billions of us on this planet—even though we may be ignored and forgotten by everyone else—Jesus remembers us. That is an inadequate statement—Jesus does more than remember us; Jesus loves us. Do you have sin? He died to forgive it. Do you have pain? He will help you carry it. Do you feel alone? He will never leave you or forsake you. So that you might live and be remembered for all eternity is why Jesus came. Will you not, in your life, remember Him and live each day by giving thanks?

[Soldier4Christ]

"Approaching God"

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12
   

A missionary was returning home after several seasons overseas. As he rode the train, he met a man who asked, “Was anybody there to welcome you when you got off the ship?” The missionary said there hadn’t been. The man laughed and said, “Sir, your life has been wasted.” The missionary could only reply, “I’m not home yet.” Hearing the remark, the unbeliever thought the missionary was implying he would be met at his last stop by bands, speeches, and great crowds of Sunday school children. It was not to be so.

When they arrived at the home station, there was not a soul on the platform to greet the preacher. The unbeliever smirked as he strode away. Standing alone, even the missionary felt a little down. He had done, to the best of his ability, what God had asked him to do. Would it have hurt somebody, anybody, to remember him and come out in welcome? Then as he stood, the Lord talked to his heart and said, “You’re not home yet.”

Those words provided a great deal of comfort to the missionary. He was able to remember what he had been preaching all these years: This world is a temporary home for Christians. It is a place of transition. No one who lives in this world can say that they have truly reached “home.”

Nevertheless, as we live our lives, each passing day takes us closer to that final moment when we will breathe our last. Will that moment be filled with terror and fear? Will we struggle against a “great unknown”? We will not, if Jesus is our Savior. Christ entered this world to bridge the gap created by sin—the gulf that separated us from His heavenly Father. Jesus lived, suffered, died, and rose so that we might approach God with freedom, not fear; with confidence, not cowardice. Now Jesus sends His Holy Spirit so that, with faith, death is no longer a fearful prospect.

By the blood of Jesus Christ, those who in repentance trust Him as their Savior and Lord, are freed. Yes, they will still encounter problems as they travel home. Like the unapplauded missionary, there will still be crosses, pains, and sufferings. But we can find contentment. We know Jesus is with us, watching over us, keeping us safe until the time comes when we eventually reach our heavenly home.

[Soldier4Christ]

"No Problem too Small"

While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler, “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Mark 5:35
   

About two years ago, a family went to Disney World in Orlando. There, the youngest of the crew spotted one of the dressed-up characters, Snow White. If you’ve been to Disney, you know that children simply mob those characters. That was certainly true for this beautiful lady. She was hugged; she was photographed. But the little boy I’m talking about kept his distance. He wanted to get close like everybody else, but he was afraid. Suppose Snow White didn’t like him. Suppose Snow White told him to go away.

So he stayed where he was, and he stared. It could have ended that way, but Snow White saw that little boy and worked her way over to him. Soon she stood by his side, bent down, and gave that little boy the hug he wanted and needed so desperately. After the hug, that boy knew, goodness everyone knew, he was worth loving.

Christians know that because Jesus has taken our place, carried our sins, and died our death, we are restored to harmony with our Father in heaven. Jesus was God moving close to us, indeed becoming one of us, so that we might be saved from our sins and know that God cares.

We, who have been called by the Holy Spirit’s power, know, as the Father’s adopted children, we have been given the opportunity to come to Him in prayer. Even as a good earthly father wants to hear from his children, so our Heavenly Father, wants us to speak to Him. He has invited our requests, our thanks, our worship. Still, there are many folks, like our boy, who stand at the edge of the spiritual crowd, holding back from those close talks with the Lord. Like the crowd in the text above, some say, “My problem is too small and trivial. Why should I bother God?”

There are other reasons you might hang back. You might think you are independent enough to take care of every situation. You may even doubt if God cares about you. If any of these describe how you feel, please know that God wants to hear from you. He, who sent His only-begotten Son into this world to save you, wants to hear about the trivial, the terrible, the touching, the tremendous things in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why Bother?"

While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler, “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Mark 5:35
   

Several years ago, a teacher working in a children’s hospital was asked to visit a boy in the burn unit. His regular teacher had called with the request, “We’re studying nouns and adverbs. I’d be grateful if you could help him with his homework so he doesn’t fall too far behind the others.” The teacher went, but wasn’t prepared for what she found. The boy was bandaged and in pain. She said, as softly as she could, “I’m the hospital teacher. Your teacher at school asked me to help you with your nouns and adverbs.”

The next day a nurse asked, “What did you do to that boy?” Before the teacher could offer her apologies for being uncomfortable and unprepared, the nurse continued, “We were worried about him. But ever since you visited, his entire outlook has changed. For the first time he’s actually fighting. He’s responding. He’s got a new lease on life.”

What had happened? The boy had given up. He had felt hopeless and helpless. But then he realized, “The school wouldn’t waste its time and concern by sending a teacher to work on nouns and adverbs with a dying boy, would they?”

Maybe you, like that boy, have given up. Perhaps your moment of misery came with the death of a person, a dream, a hope, or a vision. Maybe a loved one deceived you or a friend deserted you. Hopelessness or helplessness can come any number of ways. Did you go to God, or did you say: “Why bother God? What can He do? This is my problem.”

There are only two reasons you would feel that way. First, you believe the situation is beyond God’s help; you have concluded your hurt is untouchable. The second reason you might not bother God is you think you’re too small for Him to care. You think since everyone has forgotten you that God has, too. If you hold to either of those opinions, you are wrong. God does care and He can bring about change in your life. He, who gave His Son to die for you, who has already rescued you from sin, death, and devil, can save you from this problem as well. So why bother God? Because He is the only one who can bring you from darkness to light, from pain to peace. Trust Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Cross is Power "

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians. 1:18
   

It seems to me that Nell Hamm must be a real party person. I know Nell was definitely looking forward to celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband, Jim. Nell certainly wasn’t going to let anything or anyone upset their celebration that is scheduled to take place next month.

When I use the word anything, I’m not exaggerating.

Let me explain. Last week Jim and Nell were hiking in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in California. It was the kind of thing the loving couple liked to do together. It was an idyllic day whose perfection was marred only by the mountain lion that stalked them. The Hamm’s tried to make a strategic retreat. The lion countered with a strategic attack and wrestled Jim to the ground.

Nell wasn’t going to let a little thing like a mountain lion ruin her anniversary. She picked up a heavy branch and started to beat the beast. When that didn’t work, she took her husband’s surprisingly calm suggestion to grab his pen and poke the mountain lion in the eye. The pen bent and was discarded. Nell once again picked up her log and began clouting the lion that was chomping down on her husband’s head.

The lion finally let go of Jim and stopped to stare at this little woman who had the audacity to spoil his meal. Nell stared back and the lion left. Maybe it figured out Nell wasn’t about to let him ruin her 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Although I recognize the seriousness of the confrontation, the idea of one of North America’s top predators staring at a lady with a log in her hand makes me smile.

“Foolishness”, that is what the world scornfully says when it sees Jesus using a piece of wood, a cross, to save humanity from certain damnation and death. The world wants to know, ‘How can one Man expect to do anything against Satan the roaring lion of 1 Peter 5:8?’ The world asks, because the world doesn’t understand the intensity of the Savior’s love; nor can it comprehend how much the Savior wants to celebrate the wedding feast that will never end. So we might be saved, Jesus willingly gave His life. So we might be with Him forever, Jesus died upon the cursed tree. (Galatians 3:13) The result is Satan has been defeated. Yes, a wooden cross may seem a foolish weapon to save us, but believers know Saint Paul was right when he said, “But to us who are being saved it (the cross) is the power of God.”

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Mourners "

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
   

Jose Reyes is a fisherman. Let me be clear. Jose is not a pastor who fishes for men from a pulpit he’s a 68 year-old fisherman who lives in Colombia. Two weeks ago, on January 19th, Jose’s day began like any other day. He launched his small canoe into the Pacific Ocean waters off the remote northwestern part of his country.

Jose’s day didn’t stay normal for long. Paddling against rough waves, Jose became confused when fog set in and obscured the shore. Slowly, the ocean current pulled Jose further away from land, his home, and family, drifting alone without food, fresh water, or much hope. Finally, days after becoming swept out to sea, Jose spotted the light of a fishing boat in the distance. Jose paddled toward the light as if his life depended on it, and it did.

On the first night that Jose didn’t return home, his family became afraid for his safety. As the days passed, their fear was replaced with mourning, due to similar losses seen in other fishermen’s families. So, they proceeded to make funeral preparations centered on an empty casket.

Jose returned to his home last Tuesday night and found his loved ones mourning his death. Touched by the poignant scene, Jose began to cry. The family went wild with gladness when confronted by the seeming resurrection of a man whom they thought dead. It was a most blessed and unexpected reunion.

I can understand. During my 28 years as a parish pastor, I have conducted hundreds of funerals. I can truthfully say that none of those funerals were ever interrupted by the unexpected return of the deceased. Indeed, I’m not sure what my reaction would have been if, during the delivery of a funeral homily, I would have looked up and seen the dearly departed silhouetted in the back door of the church.

Because of our loving Savior who says, “Those who mourn will be comforted.” Our gracious God wants the faithful from every generation to know that by the Christ’s resurrection eternal death has been defeated.

The day will come when all of us will either mourn or be mourned, and when that day comes we can join with Paul and say, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Cor. 15:54) Because of Christ, every Christian casket will be empty, and every mourning heart will be comforted.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I Don’t Wanna! Do I Hafta?"

Then He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27-28
   

It was the birthday tradition of a certain family to let the birthday boy or girl pick the main course for the meal and to say the prayer. Just turning six, Rosalyn had selected turkey for dinner and now she began to pray. She thanked mother for preparing the turkey and dad for his job that provided the money to buy the turkey. The family sat patiently as she thanked the clerk for selling the turkey and the store for stocking the turkey. She thanked the trucker that had brought her turkey to the store. She thanked the farmer that had raised the bird, as well as the feed store that provided the tom with “vittles.” At the end of the lengthy litany, she solemnly asked, “Have I forgotten anyone?” Her two-and-a-half-year-older brother, impatient with the delay to the meal, grunted out: “God.” With icy disregard, the birthday girl announced, “I was just about to get to Him.”

Sadly, that’s the way most people live their lives … never quite getting around to worshiping the Lord or giving thanks for all He has done. We should give thanks for Jesus. Why? Because He gave sinful souls salvation. Since the fall, all of humanity had been condemned because of sin. But Jesus, the suffering Savior, set about to make things right. As the sinless Son of God, He did for us what we could not do. All the laws of God that we break, He kept. Perfectly. Purely. Completely. All the temptations we fall for, He avoided without a stumble or a misstep. All of the sins we carry around, Jesus took to Himself. The greed, the envy, the cruelty, the lust, the hatred that are part of all of us, Jesus carried to the cross.

What is your reaction to what Jesus has done? Martin Luther’s was this: “For all of which it is my duty to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him.” I hope you agree. I hope you don’t avoid God because you think your sins are too great. I hope you haven’t been skipping a time of thanksgiving with the Lord because you are afraid of what someone might say. All of these excuses need to be swept away by the Spirit-given faith that says Jesus came to seek and save the lost—people like you and me. Jesus entered this world to bring healing and hope to the hurting, to us. That’s why we offer Him thanks and praise; that’s why we serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Maligned Martha"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.” Luke 10:41-42
   

In the late 1800s, two steamboats left Memphis at about the same time. Traveling together toward New Orleans, sailors from one ship made a few condescending, critical comments about the slow speed of the other vessel. It didn’t take long before a challenge was flung and a race begun. The competition was cutthroat as the two ships spewed smoke and sparks into the sky, steaming south. After a while, one boat began to lag behind. They had laid in enough coal for the trip, but hardly enough to carry on and complete a race.

It was then that a semi-smart sailor discovered the ship’s cargo burned as effectively as did the coal. With eagerness, the crew carried up crate after crate of cargo and chucked it into the fire. They wound up winning the race, but they finished without their cargo.

It is quite possible that you know more than a few people who, like the crew on the steamboat, are putting all their resources into winning an earthly race. It is also possible that you are one of them. Too many people, like Jesus’ friend, Martha, are worried about the wrong race. Too many have forgotten that there is, in this life, only one thing truly needful: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Too many people get joy out of knowing judges, jurists, statesmen, millionaires, billionaires, leaders of labor, and industry's influential; but, without Jesus, they do not know the one person who is needful.

Today the Holy Spirit wants us to believe in Jesus, who cared so much for humanity that neither spit nor the sting of a whip could stop His love. He wants all of us to believe in Jesus who cared so much that He did not seek revenge when a crown of thorns dug deep into His skull. He wants us to believe in Jesus who cared so much that He allowed His bloody, beaten, broken body to be lifted up upon the cross so that our sins might be forgiven, so we might live forever. He wants you to believe in that one person who is needful: the Savior Jesus Christ, who was faithful unto death so that all who believe on Him might have life eternal.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Fitting Into the Family"

…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. Romans 8:14-15
   

At the close of a battle in World War I, a young man lie dying on the battlefield. A fellow soldier stopped to render him assistance. As he moistened his lips and made his head rest easier, the dying man said, “My father is a man of large wealth. If I have the strength I will write him a note and he will repay you for this kindness.” This is what he wrote: “Dear Father, the bearer of this letter made my last moments easier. Receive him and help him for Carl’s sake.”

The war ended and the soldier could not find employment. Eventually, in tattered garments, he sought out Carl’s father. The father, seeing only an unkempt ruffian at his door, refused to see him. Then the soldier said, “I have a note for you in which, I believe, you will be interested, sir.” He handed Carl’s father the little soiled piece of paper. The father quickly recognized his son’s handwriting. His eyes softened as he read the message. He threw his arms around the soldier and held him tight as if he were embracing his own son. The soldier was invited into his home and everything the man had was put at his disposal.

That’s a beautiful story, but it hardly compares with the great story of the heavenly Father’s love for us. So we might be saved, Jesus entered this world for the express purpose of giving His life for us. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the heavenly Father doesn’t just welcome us into heaven, He adopts us into His family of faith as His own dear children. Through Word and Sacrament, your past, filled with apprehension and anxiety, is left behind. Because Jesus took your place and died the death you deserved, you have a new future, a new family. By the power of God’s undeserved grace, you can be moved into your new home of heaven.

Being part of God’s family has its immediate as well as eternal rewards. As an adopted child in the Lord’s household, you need no longer tremble with terror at tomorrow’s uncertainties. You can be sure, as a forgiven and adopted member of God’s family of faith, you have forgiveness for all you have done wrong and help in every situation. And that news, the good news of our adoption, is the best news of all.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Seek the Lord"

They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10-11
   

When the world was a little less pseudo-sophisticated than it is today, groups of teenage boys from Chicago liked to play tricks on the folks who had come from the country, seeing the big city for the first time. If there came a group of these visitors, identified by their dress and general look of confusion, the Chicago boys would stop, tilt their heads back as far as possible, and stare at the top of one of the tall buildings. The visitors would also stop, tilt their heads back as far as possible, and start staring, too.

The visitors didn’t know what everyone was looking at, but they certainly weren’t going to embarrass themselves by asking or admitting that they didn’t see anything. So there everyone stood, looking at nothing in particular. The spell was broken only when some stouthearted individual would throw caution to the wind and ask, “What’s so interesting up there, anyway?”

Wherever and whenever the Gospel has been presented in its truth and purity, the unbelieving world has wanted to know, “What’s so interesting about Jesus and the heaven He has won for all who believe?” For 2,000 years the world has been amazed that those who have Jesus as their Savior do not seem to see the world as they do.

Where are you looking? Do you look down because of a love that is lost, because of wandering children, insecure finances, or unsound health? Do you look down because of shame and a sin you believe can never be forgiven?

These problems, along with many others, can so limit your view that you end up believing the world is filled with darkness. If this describes your outlook, then it is time to lift your eyes to see Jesus. If you are grieving, He has promised a resurrection reunion for all who believe. Are you sick and troubled? See clearly the all-powerful Savior who is your refuge and strength. See Him who is a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Let Him show you the peace you long for which, up to this moment, may have proven so elusive. Look up and see Jesus, your Savior and your Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Into The Father’s Hands"


“I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener.” John 15:1
   

Let me tell you about an old German legend. It begins with a farming community that had been hit year after year by drought and disaster. Rather than undergo this pruning, for which they could see no possible good, the townspeople came together and had a talk with God. They said, “Lord, our crops have been scanty and skimpy and small. If You have no major objections, and we hope You don’t, we’d like to run the show.”

Now, as the story goes, God who knows best and is always caring, usually doesn’t give in to those kinds of requests. But this time, for reasons of His own, He said, “Okay, I’ll let you take control—for a year.” And that’s just what happened. If the villagers wanted rain, they got rain. If they wanted sun, they got sun. That year the crop grew bigger and thicker than it had ever grown before. But there was no harvest that year. None at all.

Once again, the people complained. And God said, “You got what you asked for. But you didn’t ask for what you needed. My children, along with the sun and the rain, you also need the hard winds that come out of the north. Without those winds, the plants do not pollinate and you get no crop.”

Imagine, if you will, you were speaking to God like that German village. What would you ask the Lord to remove from your life? Are you plagued by some sadness, suffering, or struggle? Does it seem that there is no purpose to your problems other than to cause some sort of unexplainable annoyance?

If that is the case, I encourage you to consider these two things: First, learn from the German village. Although we humans think we know what is best for us, our vision into the future is extremely limited. We, with our nearsighted boundaries, are not able to see how all things can work together for good to those who are called to the Lord’s purpose (Romans 8:28).

Second, learn from the Savior. As He knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He carried our sins, as He looked to the cross, Jesus asked if it were possible for His cup of suffering to be taken away. Jesus had no great desire to go through the intense agony that awaited Him. Nevertheless, He was willing to place His life into the Father’s hands. That is what we, who have been saved, need to do— ask the Father to use our lives according to His will, for the greater good.