eternity

It is Finished

~ mercyfortheday ~ 2 Comments

I recently learned that someone I know will soon be losing their job. Having been on the receiving end of such news more than once myself, I know the pain they’re feeling. I understand the deep feeling of loss and holy anger at being forced to leave a job I wasn’t quite ready to leave. And when the decision is made without my input, it’s a raw feeling of rejection. Who doesn’t want to be the one deciding when to leave their job? No one wants to be told their time is up at their workplace before they’ve made that decision for themselves.

When you’re told “it is finished” for you, you feel a flood of emotions. And those emotions are valid. No one enjoys being told they’re done before they’re ready to be done. But that’s how it works for many people these days. One day you’re in. The next day you’re out. It doesn’t seem fair, but that’s life. And we have to roll with it.

I’ve always lived with the motto that the best is yet to come. Even in the hardest of times, I held onto that hope. Each time I lost my job, I hoped and prayed that someone would hire me. And someone always did. But the loss of the previous job was tough. It changes you, and you have to decide if you’ll become bitter or better for it. Life isn’t over just because the job is. You never know what lies just around the corner.

The one losing her job is in the last days of employment. She’s wrapping up loose ends and giving final instructions to those she works closely with. She’ll finish well and move on to the next phase of her life. Even though the job loss was not in her plans, she can walk away with her head held high knowing she’s given it her best.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

Jesus had been teaching large crowds of people and healing the sick among them. As the days drew closer for his earthly ministry to end, he began making his way to Jerusalem. He knew that his ministry would be finalized in that city. He knew that he would face persecution and death there, and he didn’t run from it. As he made his way to the city of David, he continued his ministry by teaching and healing people. His work didn’t end because his end of days was just ahead.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

We have just lived through what was the last week of Jesus Christ’s earthly life. Before he was arrested, put on trial and then crucified, he knew his time on earth was coming to an end. The human part of him asked for “this cup” to pass from him, but his Father refused. And he knew there was no need to ask for a reprieve because he had given up his deity and became fully human just to die for the sins of humanity. And the time had come to fulfill the prophecy.

But humanly speaking, he didn’t want a kiss of betrayal on his brow. He didn’t want to be whipped. He didn’t want a trial held under the cloud of darkness. He didn’t want to feel the pain of rejection. The pressure of thorns piercing his skull. The puncturing of his wrists with nails. The slit of his side with a sword. He didn’t want the taste of gall pressed on his lips with a dirty sponge. He didn’t want to breathe his last breath hanging on a wooden cross in a public display of the prophetic holy Scriptures. But he did it anyway. He willingly suffered the pain of death for all humanity. He spoke the words “It is finished” and gave up the ghost and breathed his last. And he died for our sins so you and I don’t have to.

In alignment with the rest of God’s creation project revealed in the biblical story, the new creation is the culmination of the purpose (creation) and provision (redemption) of God. The end of creation is when the perfect capacity for creation reaches complete perfection — when God declares over his creation project what he did at our redemption: “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Edward W. Klink III, The Beginning and End of All Things

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Jesus said it is finished because he was finished with his earthly ministry. He was basically saying that he had successfully completed the work he came to do. These three words weren’t a desperate cry for help. They were a proclamation that he had finished well. He had accomplished the work his Father had laid out for him, and all the prophecies of the Old Testament had now been fulfilled. Although his body was tattered and torn, beaten and bruised, he finished well. He had laid the groundwork for those who call on him to spend eternity with him.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

When Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, his earthly work was finished. In that moment, he laid down his life for us. His ministry lasted three years, but the preparations for it had begun long before he came to earth. He finished his work on earth and is now working to make our eternal home ready for when our time on earth is completed. He’s preparing a place for each of us who know him as Lord and Savior. Have you surrendered your life to him so he can prepare a room for you?

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2-3

Know Your Instructor

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I’ve never been good at what we used to call “new math.” Oh. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. That’s all I need to know for what I do in my life. I don’t need new math. I just need the old, basic arithmetic. But I remember my high school algebra teacher. Well, here’s what I remember. I didn’t learn much, and I’m not sure how I even passed the class. I never took another math class in high school. Then I went to college, and one math class was on the agenda. The instructor was amazing. She made learning math seem easy. I’m not sure that I aced the class, but I learned more than I ever had in high school. But the information didn’t stick with me because I never needed to use it again.

Years later when I went back to school, math was one of the required courses for the degree I was pursuing. But I had to take a placement test to determine my proficiency level. It was maybe a fifteen question quiz. When I took my finished quiz to the proctor, she started grading it. Then she looked at me and said that I must have mixed up the answers to the questions. I said no, I didn’t and walked out. I knew I would have to take the most remedial math class that was offered before I could take the one math class required for the program.

I began the class. The instructor was good. He explained things well. I thought I was catching on, but then I would go home and start on the homework. I wasn’t keeping up with the work. My math knowledge had reached its limits. I quit the class and the school. Years later, I opted for another school and degree that didn’t require math.

From my failed math experiences, I learned that I need a math instructor who keeps things simple and uncomplicated. If I had had that type of instructor in high school, perhaps I would have been able to go further in my “new math” skills. But ever since then, I’ve opted for a life without the requirements of too much math, and I’ve survived just fine. And I’ve decided that if math becomes a requirement in my life, the key for my success is having the right instructor. I need someone who is patient and keeps the instructions clear and simple.

I realize that math proficiency is not related to only the instructor. It lies with me, too. And I realized many years ago that math just isn’t my strong point. And I’m fine with that. But I do need to have math skills in order to be proficient in this life, whether I like it or not. It’s up to me to take the initiative to learn the basics and apply them to the areas of my life where arithmetic is needed. I can’t slough off on it just because it’s not one of my strengths.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalms 25:4-5

Life can teach us hard lessons if we live a hard life. If we always seem to go against the teachings of those in authority, we can end up in tough life lessons. And it’s not really necessary, but we do it to ourselves because we think we know best.

The same can be said for our spiritual lives. We want what we want. And we don’t want God telling us what we can and can’t do. We want to set the rules for how we live our lives. And we let our social influences lead us. Even when they lead us down a dark and winding path that moves us further from God, we seem to follow blindly.

Oh. We may think we’re following God because, after all, we’re Christians. We go to church. We give money to the church. We may even volunteer to work in different ministries in the church. But we may find ourselves following the latest spiritual leaders who aren’t leading us biblically. And we think they are because their teachings sound so easy to follow. They don’t require use to change to do anything uncomfortable or self-sacrificing. But when we don’t read and study God’s word, we can be easily led astray. It’s easy to trust anyone who tells us to do only comfortable things. But when we read the Bible and Jesus teaches us that those who call themselves his followers must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him, then we start squirming in our seats.

Just this week, I saw a conference posted online where speakers and pastors were teaching other pastors unbiblical lessons. And then those pastors will go back to their churches and possibly teach their congregations these same unbiblical lessons. What is going on?

The only instruction that believers can trust is Scripture, which was inspired by God who doesn’t lie. He doesn’t bow to the latest fads. He doesn’t show favoritism. He offers full and complete forgiveness when we confess and repent of our sins. He instructs in the way we should live. He corrects us. He shows love and justice to everyone, regardless of the color of our skin or our birthplace.

Oh sure. We need others to come alongside us to mentor and disciple us. We need pastors who speak solid biblical truths preaching to us from the pulpit every Sunday. And then we must read and study the Word of God and apply it to our lives. There’s no way around this requirement, because it’s the only way we get to know God.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. Matthew 7:15

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 2 Peter 2:1-2

God’s instructions are straightforward, not complex. The ten commandments clearly tell us how to live. The Sermon on the Mount spells out the gospel of holy living in clear and concise words. Jesus didn’t beat around the bush when he preached to the multitudes, and those same simple words of instruction are given to us today to hear and obey. And every word written in that precious Book leads us to God. The story of salvation is not rocket science, and it’s definitely a math assignment. No one needs an advanced degree to understand it. The homework given to us is to obey the message of Jesus and embrace a life of repentance and forgiveness and then walk in obedience.

As Oswald Chambers says, if God speaks to us then we either do what he asks or tell him that we will not obey. We’re more than happy to listen to what other people say about God. We just don’t want to hear from God directly, because then we have a decision to make. And if the decision to obey God may cost us something more than we’re willing to give, we turn in the opposite direction. As a pastor recently said, there is a point of no return, and it’s either at our last breath or at the second coming of Jesus. Let’s not wait too late to make the decision to follow Christ.

It’s Ok

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I recently watched a video of America’s Got Talent from four years ago. A young woman singing under the name of Nightbirde sang an original song titled “It’s Ok.” But things weren’t really ok in her life. She had had cancer for several years and had been given only a two percent change of survival. Yet she lived with a life full of joy and happiness. She said, and I quote, “it’s important that everyone knows that I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.” And when she sang the words of her song, the calmness and confidence in her voice earned her the golden buzzer. She said that you don’t have to wait until your life is perfect in order to be happy.

And she’s right.

There was a look of astonishment on the face of each of the judges as they listened to her story. Those judges who had fame and fortune at their fingertips were very unsure of how to handle someone who was so calmly dealing with a life threatening illness. Little did they know at that audition that this young woman had only months to live. Oh. They gave her high praise, saying her performance was very powerful and authentic. They were touched not only by her voice, but also with her story.

You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy. That’s what she said, and she meant it. She lived through hard times, and yet she was glowing with peace and happiness. Knowing that she had only a two percent change of surviving the cancer that was ravaging her body, she lived well. And she lived forgiven.

This young woman was a child of God. She had laid her fears and faults and sins at the feet of her Savior, and he had forgiven her. She knew that if the ninety-eight percent chance of dying came true, she would spend eternity with Jesus Christ. And that’s where she is today. She’s in eternity. She didn’t let fear of the unknown diminish her joy.

I dare to ask myself. If I had a two percent change of surviving some horrendous disease, how happy and calm would I be? I’m not sure I can answer that today, because I haven’t been dealt that diagnosis. I don’t know how I would respond to a medical death sentence. Would I calmly look death in the face and keep moving forward? Would I fight back? Would I look for alternate treatments? Would I listen to my doctors? Would I stand strong in the face of pain and suffering? Would I shrivel up in the fetal position and not get out of bed? I don’t know.

And the song that she sang. It’s Ok. She believed it was ok that her life was falling apart. That there was a high probability she wouldn’t grow old. That she would lose her life before it ever really began. And she was ok with that? If I were in her shoes, would I be ok? I don’t know.

Her friend said that “Jesus is why Jane believed a painfully tragic life could still be worth living—that life could be beautiful even when the world came crashing down.” Do I believe that to be true? Absolutely, yes, I do.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

We don’t have to be facing a death sentence in order for life to be difficult. We don’t have to be staring the end of life in the eye in order to be weakened by fear and the feeling of defeat. It could be getting up and going to a difficult job each day. Or, it could be facing a brand new situation that puts us way outside of our comfort zone. It could be a spontaneous moment when we are put on the spot and forced to defend our beliefs in a public setting. It could be a forced premature ending of a marriage we thought would survive until death us do part. It could be a financial crisis we’re facing. It could be the consequences of a very poor decision.

What I do know is that God is the God of the ages. He is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Everything that comes our way is ordained and approved by him. Just as he allowed Satan to sift the life of Job down to ashes, he could do the same to us without our consent. Will we still trust him? Will we, at the end of the day, say it’s ok that my life has fallen apart? Will we say that these grim circumstances that we face are worth every moment of suffering as we wait to stand in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

There are many curves in the road of life as our faith is refined, and much of that is out of our control. Oh. We don’t have to sit back and watch life fall apart. We can do our part to pick up the pieces as we place our complete trust in God. As we come to learn through our times of suffering that the sole source of our strength is the Lover of our souls, we can look forward to eternity at the end of our days with calmness and confidence in our Savior.

In the midst of our suffering, can we sing to the God who is with us in our suffering? The song may not be joyful, but the joy of the Lord can remain in us even during those low days. We can have the joy of the Lord within us regardless of our circumstances. During our pain, we can sing songs of lament but we don’t have to wallow in it.

Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. 2 Corinthians 6:10

It Will Be Worth It All

Sometimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear.
We´re tempted to complain,
to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
to catch his bride away!
All tears forever over
in God’s eternal day!

CHORUS:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.

At times the sky seems dark,
with not a ray of light;
We’re tossed and driven on,
no human help in sight.
But there is One in heaven,
Who knows our deepest care;
Let Jesus solve your problems,
just go to him in prayer.

Life’s day will soon be o’re,
all storms forever past;
We’ll cross the great divide
to Glory, safe at last!
We’ll share the joys of heaven:
a harp, a home, a crown;
The tempter will be banished,
We’ll lay our burdens down.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:1-6

Empty House

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We lived in an empty house for a few days last week. I had never done that before, as most people likely haven’t either. The house was bare of furniture. There were boxes packed full of treasured items. And necessities were scattered throughout the house. But there was no soft furniture. No bed. No couch. No chairs. All of it was loaded and shipped to our new home two states away. We slept on an air mattress for a few days. Our dog even roamed the house looking for a soft spot. One day she ventured downstairs to see if she could find a cushy spot to rest. But no. There were none to be found. Even my massage therapist asked me if I had been sitting on a hard surface. You bet I have.

Everything echoes in an empty house. Voices. Footsteps. Every sound echoes.

We let go of some furniture to new owners, because we downsized and not everything could make the trip. One friend told me that the pieces of our furniture in her home made her place feel more like home. Her humble abode felt better with a few gently used pieces from an old friend. That made my heart sing.

Oh. Now that some of my furniture and belongings have arrived at our new house, I’m unpacking boxes and arranging and rearranging furniture.

One of my final tasks before moving was cleaning out not one, but two fridges that hadn’t been cleaned in an obviously long time. Built up spills had hardened. Crusty spots were hidden behind drawers that hadn’t been removed for cleaning. Something green, possibly dried lettuce or kale, was lying under a shelf. Crumbs that had dropped from unknown food were found living safely in the unseen crevices and corners.

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Hebrews 13:14

An empty house is not a home. It’s when the chosen furniture, artwork and cherished family heirlooms are put in place that the house becomes a home. As personal belongings are unboxed and placed in their new home, we see the love and feel of our last home in a new way. Sure. We’ll continue to buy new items over time and discard unneeded items, but we’ll work to fill the home with possessions that warm our hearts and tell our story. We’ll paint walls and hang curtains. We’ll cozy up the house with layers of texture to make it a comfortable resting place. We don’t want to live in a sterile environment. We want our home to reflect the nature of our love for each other and for God. When guests arrive at our new home, we want them to feel welcomed and loved. It doesn’t matter if the furniture matches or is new or is professionally arranged. What matters is that it feels like home.

The empty house gave me pause when I thought about living a Christian life. We repent and confess our sins in order to become children of God, but we can still live empty lives. If we don’t fill our newfound faith with solid biblical teaching and prayer and fellowship with other believers, we’re an empty version of a Christian. We will stagnate and not show maturity. How long will it be before we walk away from our newfound faith if our faith doesn’t have any substance?

Sure. A house without furniture is still a house. But it isn’t a home. It isn’t warm and inviting. It may be appealing and full of potential, but who would willing choose to stay for any length of time? No one.

A soul without Christ is still a soul, but it’s still searching for fulfillment. The searching soul won’t be satisfied until it finds the source of life. When the soul connects with its Creator, it has found its way home. But continual growth and development of the relationship with Christ is essential for a full Christian life. We can’t just visit with him occasionally and think we have a true relationship with him. We must become closer to him than we are to anyone or anything else in our lives. It’s only then that we truly understand that this world is not our final home. We are meant for our eternal dwelling with Christ.

This world we live in offers empty promises and unfulfilled expectations. It doesn’t feel like home. At least, not a home where we want to live forever. We aren’t content here. Oh sure. We may be happy and feel content for a season of life, but ultimately we’ll feel less fulfilled as time goes on. As we draw nearer to our final days, we begin to long for our final resting place. Our bodies and minds are less reliable, and we know that we will soon move on. We can know with confidence that our final home will be with Christ when we repent and confess our sins and live our lives according to God’s will.

When Your Time is Up

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

His morning started rather early. It was still dark outside when he left the house. He hopped on his motorcycle and left to start the day. But somewhere during his ride, a horrible thing happened. A pickup truck rear-ended him and pushed his bike into the SUV ahead of him. He was ejected from the bike and died at the scene.

This man who breathed his last breath along the side of the road had just become a first-time father seven months earlier. A son who bore his name will never know him. His wife who is left to raise the child alone is now planning his funeral. He is in eternity. All his plans for the future have come to a grinding halt. No more work on earth to be done. No more goodbye kisses each morning. No more laughter from his lips. No more funny jokes and pranks to pull. What once was his future will never be.

I’ve recently read of a couple of freak accidents that have taken the lives of unsuspecting victims. Whether it was an act of nature or being in the wrong place at the wrong time no longer matters. The fact is, someone’s life was cut short by a situation that is difficult to fathom. And family members are left in a state of shock and grief that they never expected to experience. But they find themselves standing in front of a casket accepting condolences from friends and neighbors. Never in a million years would they have expected to lose their loved one in such a drastic and horrible situation. But it happens more than we realize.

Can we blame God when untimely death occurs to a loved one? Do we point the finger of blame at him and turn our back on him? Do we accuse him of not playing fair with our family? Why would he think it was ok to take them before they lived a full life to old age?

Someone else watches their elderly parent lose track of dates and names and events. And it could take years before they succumb to old age. And they may wonder why their loved one is allowed to linger when their quality of life is minimal. Others may wonder why their family member is walking through a painful, crippling disease with little comfort. And the suffering continues for years on end. We wonder why.

You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer. Job 14:5

We know that our days are numbered, but we don’t know the number. We take each day as it comes and live life to the fullest. We are living at God’s disposal. Only he knows the length of our life. We don’t control God, and we don’t control life. Oh. We may think we do, but ultimately our life is in God’s hands. Nothing is by chance.

We can’t assume that old age or disease will claim us. It could be a horrible accident. A freak accident. Or, heaven forbid, an act of violence. We don’t know. But what we do know is that we must be ready at any moment to have our number called. We must be on call for the hand of God to sweep us into eternity and stand face to face with him in judgment learning our eternal destination.

We can wonder about the suffering God allows, and we will never know the suffering we’ve escaped. But we do know that God’s hand is moving in our lives throughout the difficult days.

In the book of Matthew, we’re told that God values mankind more than any other of his creation. Humans are the only part of creation that has a soul, a part of us that is kindred with God. We are his prized possession. He cares about every aspect of our lives, and he oversees even the smallest part. So when he sees us suffering, or when he calls us home unexpectedly, he knows the ripple effect that will cause.

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin ? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

How do we know that God values us over every other living thing he created? He sent his Son to die for our sins. Jesus didn’t hang on the cross for the cattle on a thousand hills or for the whole flock of sparrows. They weren’t created with souls, a spiritual nature, that is. They don’t have an eternity. Only man was made in the image of God, and only man has the option to ask forgiveness for their sins and repent. Only man can become a child of God once they receive that same forgiveness. Nothing else with breath can.

So if God chose the human race to be recipients of his plan of salvation, he has his eye on every moment of our lives. He has his hand in every aspect of our days. Even when the days are evil and the circumstances are difficult, God is in them. Through it all, God is sovereign and omniscient.

It’s easy for me to say all this when I wasn’t the one who just lost my spouse. It’s easy for me to say that God is good in the midst of a deep, dark trial when I’m not walking through one. But I have walked through grief. I have lived through difficult moments, and God has proven himself to be all I need in those moments. He is faithful. My prayer is that when my next trial comes, and it will, I stand strong in his love and promise to always be with me.

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalms 139:16

When They Say There Is No God

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King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes that God has put eternity in the hearts of mankind. This means that we all know that we will face eternity, whether we like it or not. Whether we admit it or not. We all will face death at some point. And we all will stand before God to be judged. 

We have a yearning for more than this life can give us. If we accomplish everything we set out to achieve, we will still be found wanting more. The more money we make, the more we want. The more we have, the more we want. We’re never satisfied. There is an unending thirst for something other than what we have. And that longing won’t be satisfied this side of heaven.

Some people search their entire life and never find fulfillment. We need direction in our lives, and it can’t be found by something material. We’re longing for something we can’t quite put our finger on. Our lives do have purpose, but it’s only discovered when we find fulfillment in Christ alone. Everything else. Every other accomplishment will leave us still grasping for thin air.

I once worked with a young woman who didn’t believe in an afterlife. Oh. She joked about it, but she did admit that it terrified her husband to think there is nothing for him after his last breath. I guess there must be something to fear if you think this life is all there is. Because if this life is it, then wouldn’t those who don’t believe in more want to live their best life now? After all, for believers, we know we’re just getting started with living and this life isn’t the best one. Our best life is awaiting us after we’ve breathed our last on this earth. I guess perspective is everything.

He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

But back to this young man who fears the nothing he believes awaits him. Maybe. Just maybe he knows there is more. And since he isn’t living wholeheartedly for God, he knows what his fate is. And that thought would be terrifying if he knew his eternity might be in hell. So why make life on earth hellish by living with the belief that there is nothing more ahead? Why not search for the truth and know for certain what lies ahead? What can it hurt? I bet he would sleep better at night and breathe a little easier during the day. Knowing your future is with God is a huge weight off a life already weighted down by daily burdens.

I wonder why atheists don’t have any confidence in truth. Have they never studied it? What caused them to turn their back on the One True God? I wonder what idols they unknowingly serve? What hardened their hearts? I wonder what spirits are leading them.

I am persuaded that men think there is no God because they wish there were none. They find it hard to believe in God, and to go on in sin, so they try to get an easy conscience by denying his existence.

Charles Spurgeon

During his period of suffering, Job asked many questions of God. He asked why God would allow so much suffering to come to him. But he never questioned God’s existence. He challenged God to answer his questions. But he never lost his trust in God. He held fast to his faith that God was the Almighty. He admitted that God could give and take away at his pleasure. 

Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh? Can marsh grass flourish without water? While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither more quickly than grass. The same happens to all who forget God. The hopes of the godless evaporate. Their confidence hangs by a thread. They are leaning on a spider’s web. Job 8:11-14

Picture someone leaning on a spider’s web. They would fall instantly, and the spider’s web would collapse under the weight. Although the web can hold a spider, it wasn’t built for human weight. When we place our trust in nothing, we will fall. We will have nothing to hold onto when life is unstable. One unstable thing does not have the strength to support another unstable thing. It’s not possible. 

I read that Christians do not just believe that God exists, they actually believe in God. There’s a difference in knowing there is a God and actually knowing him. It’s the same as me knowing my next door neighbor exists, but not knowing them personally. I see them most every day, but if I don’t spend time with them I don’t really know them. They’re just next door.

There’s nothing wrong with having questions about your faith. It’s important to know what you believe and why you believe it. Being able to clearly explain your beliefs and defend them is empowering. That knowledge and clarity can give much needed peace knowing your faith is firmly planted in Jesus Christ. 

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Business As Usual

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. From that moment forward, the Israelites had time to prepare for the coming Messiah. Oh. They believed he would arrive shortly, but they didn’t know when or how. And they literally had centuries to prepare for him. They just didn’t know it. And with each passing decade, the anticipation should have been mounting. The clock was ticking down to his arrival. They still believed the Messiah would arrive, but there wasn’t such a rush to prepare for him. After a while, they lost the sense of urgency. They didn’t realize the upheaval his presence would cause for them. They really didn’t know what to expect, so they lived their lives without preparing to make room for him. They lived as if they didn’t believe God’s promise.

When the Messiah actually arrived, most seemed to be caught off guard. He was a baby. And his so-called parents were ordinary people. How could a Messiah come from such a town as Nazareth? And who in Nazareth and the surrounding area would listen to him? Who would respect his message? They wanted a king. They wanted the whole royal setting with pomp and circumstance. And they got nothing like that. In fact. His coming and his life were in total opposition to the royal way of life. He was born in a space set up for barnyard animals. His family had to flee the country under cover of night because of death threats. He was a carpenter. He worked with his hands. He got dirty. He was poor. And he looked so ordinary.

We, too, have received a promise that the Son of God will take all his children home. He will return, and we should be faithfully preparing for that day. We’re waiting for what is known as the rapture. At a time known only to God, everyone who has surrendered their lives to him will be taken to be with their Lord for eternity. And by eternity, I mean forever. Life on this earth as we know it will be over.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! Mark 13:32-33

But there is a problem. Many will be left behind. Many have not bowed their knee to the Savior of the world. Many are living as if their life is all that matters. They either don’t know, don’t care or don’t understand that their eternity is at stake. And once they’re in eternity, there’s no do over. And if they’re not in heaven, then they’re lost. Forever. Think about it.

We are living as if we have all the time in the world. We are living as if there will always be a tomorrow. We’re living as if there will always be time to make amends. To start doing the right thing. To repent. To become a Christian. But time is short. And the signs are all around us. We just aren’t paying attention. We aren’t looking beyond today, because today seems to be enough. We are too self-sufficient. Too self-reliant. Too selfish to think beyond our wants. We aren’t looking for a Savior. And because of that, many will be left behind to face the growing Satanic assault.

When the rapture happens, many will be caught unaware. People will be surprised and alarmed. Many will realize that they’ve bought into a lie that this day would never happen, and now there will be a price to pay. They will then know that they have squandered so much time. So much wasted time has been spent satisfying themselves rather than obeying God. And their life is about to get much more worse than they could ever imagine.

When God told Noah to build an ark because a flood was coming, Noah got to work immediately. He had no idea when the rains would start. He just knew they would. Others laughed at him. They thought he was crazy. But when the rains began, you can bet they were pounding on that boat hoping to be rescued. It was too late.

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all. “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building— until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day a person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return home. Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour together at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. ” Luke 17:26-35

No one knows the day and hour that this life changing event will happen. But anyone who believes the Bible is true knows this to be a fact. Only God knows the appointed time for this earth shattering event to take place. Our job is to live prepared at all times. Sure. We can go about our business as usual, but our spiritual business must be kept in order. We must be fully surrendered and obedient to God’s call, because we never know when our name will be called. Be on guard! Stay alert! Be ready!

They Think They’re Winning

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

There are those who believe they’re winning. They believe they’re moving the world to globalism. A one world government. They believe they can coerce people of all races and ages to accept anything they say. They believe that raising taxes will bring more stability to a shaky economy. They believe they’re influencing school administrators, counselors and teachers to trick students into accepting questionable ideologies. They believe the parents of those kids don’t need to know about their underhanded manipulation. They believe that women should be able to legally kill their unborn babies on demand. They believe that anyone at any time in their life can change their pronouns and suddenly become the opposite sex. And they think they’re winning.

There are others who believe they’re winning. They believe they’ve seen progress in the fight for their own children’s allegiance. They believe they’re gaining ground in making the family the center of everyday life. They believe they’re making progress in saving the lives of the unborn. They believe they’re making a difference in how schools are teaching their children. They believe they’re starting to reign in activists who would hurt the cause of families and children. They believe their voice is finally being heard as they fight to know what’s being taught in public schools. And they think they’re winning.

They all believe they’re winning the short game. But, in the long term, what’s really going to happen? Are they hiding the truth in plain sight? Shouldn’t we keep our eyes wide open and our ears pealed to hear what’s not being said? Shouldn’t we be diligent when it comes to standing up for our beliefs? Shouldn’t we stay in the fight?

Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. John 16:11

There are always two sides to everything. One side wins. And the other loses. That’s how it seems. Even if it isn’t a fight or a game or a sport. Someone always loses. And someone always wins. Some would say “shhh, don’t tell them they’re not winning”. Because at the end of the day, there’s only one race that matters. Both sides will be losers unless each individual in the race submits their life to Jesus Christ. It doesn’t necessarily matter what we’re fighting for or fighting against. If we’re not fighting for our own eternity in heaven, then we’re all losers. But wait. The message of salvation is open to everyone. Why wouldn’t we want to tell those who are on the losing team how to win in the end?

Sure. It’s up to them to change the way they’re living their lives. It’s their call whether they repent of their sins and ask for God’s forgiveness. It’s on them to choose Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. So why would we keep quiet? Why would we who are Christians keep silent when we know the only way to eternal life? Why wouldn’t we share the Good News with others? Do we want them to rot in hell? Absolutely not.

Oh. We tell ourselves that what comes around goes around. Meaning. We all get our just desserts. One day we’re in the game. The next day we’re out. Some days we’re winning. Other days we’ve flat out lost. Life is unfair. But eternity is forever. Let that sink in.

Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:15

Just the other day, I was driving to a dentist appointment and merged onto the three-lane freeway. It was an easy merge, because no other cars were in my lane. After a few minutes of driving, I looked in my rearview mirror. In one of the lanes, I saw a large box truck driving slowly causing all the cars behind it to slow down. No one was passing the slow truck. They just drove in one long slow line to their destination. I’m sure some of the drivers were very unhappy about driving so slowly, but they made no effort to go around the slow truck. And what they couldn’t or wouldn’t see was that all three lanes in front of the big truck were wide open. This big slow truck was the sole cause of their frustration. Yet they did nothing about it. Who was winning that game?

As I continued to drive, I came upon a big slow utility truck. It dawned on me, as I slowed down, that I could most likely be in the same predicament as all the other vehicles traveling very slowly behind the big box truck. So knowing what I assumed to be true, I moved into the left lane and passed the slow truck. Sure enough. He was the only reason for my slow down. The road ahead was wide open for me to resume speed. If I hadn’t just witnessed the long slow line behind me, I too would have most likely become frustrated by all the slow traffic. It was a simple fix. But I had to see for myself that there was a solution to my predicament. I had to get out of my lane in order to overcome the problem.

Every driver who stays behind the slow truck is the loser. They don’t move out of the slow lane to see that the road ahead is wide open. They have a choice to end their misery, but they do nothing about it. And some people do nothing about their misery, because they don’t know there’s a solution.

It goes without saying that if we listen to only one side of an argument and accept it without question, we only know one way of believing or doing something. But if we turn the page and read the other side of the story, we may find that history paints the picture in a totally different light. There are always two sides to every story. And the side we believe is winning may really be the loser in the long run. But because we’ve always just stayed in the lane where we’re comfortable, we don’t know the other side of the story even exists.

How sad it is to only know some of the information that’s available to us. How sad it is to not test out theories and ideas when we have the means. How sad it is that we don’t engage with those of a different belief to learn what they believe and why. How sad it is that we don’t share our Christian faith, knowing full well that Jesus Christ is the answer to the problems of this world. How sad it is that we don’t do our part to make sure everyone knows they too can be on the winning team.

There’s a far greater battle that’s going on in the spiritual realm. It’s an unseen battle, but it’s very real. And it is the cause of all the battles we’re facing. Satan and his army are fighting the heavenly armies of God Almighty. Oh. Satan may think he’s winning because we can see the headway he’s making in this world. Evil is running rampant. Morals and ethics are at an all-time low, while crime and corruption are at an all-time high. So yes. It appears that Satan is winning.

But he isn’t.

In the long game, Satan and all his followers are the losers. Big time losers. It will be the ultimate failure to be on Satan’s side when eternity calls your name. When your last breath is taken and you’re standing in God’s judgment, you want to be on God’s side of the battle. Because if you are, you’re in eternity with God. If you’re not, you’re in hell for eternity. We all have a choice of where we will spend eternity. Let’s choose wisely while there is still time.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

Too Good for This World

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Some people are just too good to be true. I think we all might know one person who could have that said about them. And perhaps we’re just a little green with envy when we speak those words about that certain someone. Perhaps we would love to hear that phrase used to describe ourselves. But has it ever been said that you’re just too good to be true? And are you? Is anyone?

What exactly does that phrase even mean? Exactly what type of person is too good to be true? After all. We’re human. None of us. Not one of us is perfect. So how is it even possible for those five words to describe any of us? It’s not. And we know it. But we like to pretend.

Some people think they’re too good for others. They think they’re a notch above the crowd and can’t be bothered with the little people. They’re better than anyone else they meet. In their minds. And they’re not afraid to let others know it. Oh. They may not say those words. But their actions say it all. We all know at least one.

Some people believe the walk with God will bring health and wealth. If you’re not healthy and wealthy, then your faith isn’t strong enough. That’s what they say. But others know that the walk with God will more than likely lead to hardship and persecution. Which walk sounds easier? Which one sounds a life you would choose?

Everyone who has walked this earth has come face to face with evil. Sure. There are plenty of people who do evil and aren’t bothered by it. But there are some who recognize it and work to avoid it at all costs. Still others work to remove it. At all costs. Even to the cost of their lives or livelihoods. Their faith has sustained them in even the most trying of times. They have battled elements one could only imagine and some elements unimaginable.

How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
Hebrews 11:32‭-‬40

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:3-7

There are those who didn’t abandon their faith when the world turned against them. When their world was turned upside down. When they faced life threatening circumstances, they stood strong in their faith. In the midst of turmoil and threats, their faith did not waver. They forged ahead with the work laid before them. They did not turn back or recant their faith. They faced the persecution head on and with their heads held high. When they were mistreated, they continued on. They refused to turn from God in order to lessen their persecution. The world was not worthy of them.

Some may think it’s awfully arrogant to say that there are those who are too good for this world.  But when you take a look at what they’ve endured in the name of Jesus Christ, what does this world have to offer them? What peace and contentment can this world give to those who have only eternity in mind? 

God has something far better in mind for those who suffer for him. And there are those in the midst of persecution and suffering who keep their eye on the prize. Regardless of their perspective on life, their faith stands strong.

There are many names mentioned in the Bible who stood strong in the face of persecution. Their faith could move mountains. Today, there are many who are facing insurmountable pressure to cave to the ways of the secular culture. There are those who have not turned their back on their faith even when it has cost them their livelihood. In the midst of the most horrific situations, young girls have stood their ground and not recanted their faith. Even when their future was bleak.

Jack Phillips has withstood multiple attempts to demolish his bakery business because of his stance on biblical issues. Barronelle Stutzman has fought the good fight when others of a different persuasion and belief have come against her business. Lorie Smith is also fighting for her business because of her biblical stand for freedom of speech. As a missionary to Turkey, Andrew Brunson was imprisoned for two years on false charges. Even young Christian girls in Nigeria stood strong in their faith when held captive for three years by a terrorist group.

Christians are under attack today in an attempt to stifle religious freedom and freedom of speech. We must stand together and hold fast to our biblical values. Satan will not stop fighting us. So we must not stop fighting him. Will we be counted among the faithful when our moment comes? Will we be noted on the list of those too good for this world? Oh. We may not feel worthy of heaven. Or of God’s forgiveness and love, but thankfully it’s not our feelings that matter. In the long run, it’s the running of the race that counts. Will we be found faithful?

Strangers In A Foreign Land

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We all come from somewhere. We are natives of one land or another. Our ancestors who came before us came from a distant land. Perhaps some of us are first generation immigrants. But most aren’t. Some can trace their heritage back for many generations. Some have learned interesting facts about some in their genealogy. And some of that information is humorous. Some is sad. But one fact that stands out for all of our ancestors is that they were fighters. They were survivors. They didn’t give up when the going got tough. They kept moving forward.

And here we are today. Whether we like it or not, we’re in this place at this time. And God has a purpose for us. Oh. We may not feel like this is the time for us. We may be wondering, especially with current events, why we were appointed for just this time and place. We must remind ourselves that God knows best. His purpose will be fulfilled. His plan is perfect. Who are we to thwart it? Oh. Some will try. And some will succeed. But God’s ways are higher than our ways. God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Why not trust him?

Now. There were those in biblical times who did trust him. God made promises to these people. But they never saw those promises fulfilled in their lifetime. But they didn’t stop trusting him. They believed every word he spoke, and they stood firm in their trust. Oh. If only we would do the same.

This group of people who never saw God’s promises fulfilled knew something that we need to consider today. Because we’re in the same boat. They knew they were foreigners and nomads on this earth. They knew this earth wasn’t their home. So they lived for their next home. Oh. They had work to do while they were here. Families to raise. Work to do. Debts to pay. And they did all those things. They lived their lives. Just as we are doing today. But their hope was in the future. Their eyes were set on a distant place. These people. Let’s name them. Abel. Enoch. Noah. Abraham. Sarah. They claimed God’s promise as their own. And they held onto that promise.

All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

We are called to do the same. This earth isn’t our home. Oh. Sure. We live here. It’s the only home we’ve known. But it’s not unusual to have a restless feeling come over us. Is it? A longing we can’t quite put our finger on. We find ourselves longing for more. Something sure. Something out of reach. Something final. And this isn’t it. We are called to leave this home. To leave our comforts and interests. To move beyond what we have. To live for more than just this moment. Because more awaits us. Something much bigger than this earth can give.

You see. We are foreigners. We are strangers. We don’t belong here. This isn’t the home we were made for. Our home awaits us. And it’s eternal. In ancient days, it was humiliating to be a foreigner in a country. Foreigners were treated with suspicion and contempt. They were outsiders. Outcasts. They had to pay a tax just to remain a member of their community. On the social scale, they were barely above a slave. They were unwanted and mistreated.

There are those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ and have bowed before him and confessed our sins. We are foreigners in this world. We know this world isn’t what we’re made for. But here we are. And we’re waiting and longing for the day that we cross over into eternity. We’re longing to be in heaven with our Creator, Lord and Savior. Because in this world, we will have trouble. And boy. Are we having trouble.

There will be wars and rumors of wars, but don’t panic. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matthew 24:6-8

We are not settled. We weren’t meant to be settled on this earth. Our eternal home awaits us. And we must prepare, because the day is coming soon for us to go to that long awaited home. While there is still time to choose, choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33