Two Sides to Everything… Including Us

Posted by admin in Leadership on April 7, 2010

The Economy
Yesterday I received a fundraising letter from the director of Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission in Pinellas Park, Florida. In his letter he mentioned two sides of our “economic recovery” — the one portrayed by the media, and the one he actually sees everyday:

“Today, the ever-smiling news person excitedly gushed that the ailing economy of the Great Recession is recovering marvelously, and in substantiation of that fact, he declared that the Dow Jones average was about to hit a new high and break through 11,000 points… May I say as an ex-stockbroker that the Dow Jones average is no longer relevant to any earthly reality… The real world for the vast majority of us lives in stark contrast.… Forget the Dow Jones. Day-labor businesses are an in-your-face bottom-line measure of the economy. When there is lots of day-labor activity, the economy is flourishing, and when there is little day-labor activity, the economy is floundering. [Suncoast prepares bag lunches for 11 day-labor businesses in Pinellas County, and their requests for bag lunches is down  by almost 70 percent.] …Several of the day-labor businesses have either closed, down-sized, or merged. We don’t need a rocket scientist around to tell us that there is no business activity… We can SEE that there is no business. As you ride down the street, how many closed stores do you see? And the rest are floundering. Consequently, 50% of the homes in the Tampa Bay area are ‘underwater,’ and their either poorly employed or unemployed innocent families… have become thousands of new patron candidates for our Rescue Mission. So while our poor-hungry population continues to steadily increase… the smiling newspersons and their political guests… keep on quite-convincingly telling us things are getting better and better.”

Political Leaders
Then, this morning I read Frank Rich’s NY Times column describing the many sides of President Obama:

“Depending on where you stand — or the given day — he is either an overintellectual, professorial wuss or a ruthless Chicago machine pol rivaling the original Boss Daley. He is either a socialist redistributing wealth to the undeserving poor or a tool of Wall Street’s Goldman Sachs elite. He is a terrorist-coddling, ACLU-tilting lawyer or a closet Cheneyite upholding the worst excesses of the Bush administration’s end run on the Constitution. He is a lightweight celebrity who’s clueless without a teleprompter or a Machiavellian mastermind who has ingeniously forged his Hawaiian birth certificate, covered up his ties to Islamic radicals and bamboozled the entire mainstream press. He is the reincarnation of JFK, LBJ, FDR, Reagan, Hitler, Stalin, Adlai Stevenson or Nelson Mandela.
…The speed with which Obama navigates out of the recession, as measured by new jobs and serious financial reform, remains by far the most determinative factor in how he, his party and, most of all, the country will fare in the fractious year 2010. If he succeeds in that all-important challenge — or for that matter if he fails… It will be the moment of clarity that allows us to judge him, as we should all presidents, on what he’s actually done, rather than on who we imagine he is.”

Two Sides of Us
The president is not the only person who will be judged on the basis of what he has done. Each of us struggles with sin. And our family members, friends, co-workers, customers — and God — judge us by what we’ve done, not what we say. Our best efforts to manage our image will not cover up wrong decisions, character flaws, and sin. No matter how we try to promote ourselves the truth will find us out.

Even after we have decided to follow Jesus with our whole hearts, there’s still a war going on for our souls — a battle raging in each of us — between the desires of our flesh and the Holy Spirit. St. Paul was right when he told us “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” (Gal. 5:7) And Jesus said, “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41) He instructed us to pray “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matt. 6:13)

Of course, we cannot expect God to prevent us from sinning if we are determined to. He will always provide a way for us to avoid sin, but He will never force us to do what He wants. We still must choose. Free will is a gift from God that allows us to love Him and others, as well as sin. This gift of choice puts the responsibility where it belongs — on us. As a result, we can never say ‘God lead me into sin’ or ‘the devil made me do it.’ We choose right or wrong. And as a result, the guilt of our sins is ours alone.

Run Baby Run
There are two primary instruments God gives us to avoid sin: our minds and our feet.

1) Our Minds: What we see and think about — what we dwell on — can quickly lead us into sin. St. Paul told us that “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Rom. 8:5).

2) Our Feet: When we see trouble — temptation to sin — we are instructed over and over to flee from it. Not linger over it or think long and hard about it. God tells us to run from it:

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. (I Cor. 6:18) Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. (I Cor. 10:14) People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. …But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (I Tim. 6:9,11) Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (II Tim. 2:22)

In the end, it’s not just about the image we try to project or promote. Over the long haul, our image will only be as good as our character — what we actually do. That’s why King Solomon said ”A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1) He wasn’t talking about a reputation created with a public relations campaign, media blitz, press conference, or advertising promotion. He was referring to doing the right thing — making right choices over profiting personally. That’s what will give us the kind of reputation — and a legacy — that we really want.

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. (I Peter 2:1) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Then we won’t succumb to temptation. Instead, we will be delivered from evil. And our best side will shine… the side we really want others to see.

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When It Seems Things Could Not Get Worse…

Posted by admin in Forgiveness, Guidance on March 31, 2010

I don’t remember a more discouraging Easter time in our nation. We are in the midst of war overseas. Thousands of husbands, wives, fathers and mothers are risking their lives on the front lines, separated from their loved ones. At home many millions are out of work. Many of those who are still working live in fear they will soon lose their jobs. Employers wonder if they’ll make it through the year. State and federal government leaders talk about “change,” while creating a socialist society destined to fail, bankrupting our economy, and creating a financial burden that our children and grandchildren cannot bear.

No matter who you lead — employees, soldiers, students, or your children — this is an Easter when we need some good news. Some supernatural encouragement. Not pie in the sky. We need real hope. So let’s remember a few very important things and share them with others:

First, the Creator of the universe loves us so much that He sent His very own Son to suffer on our behalf and pay the ultimate price for our sins. Jesus earned the right for us to spend eternity with Him in heaven.

And even when He was suffering terribly on the cross for our sakes, Jesus demonstrated His love — and the Father’s love — for us by saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

Finally, after living a perfect, sinless life and dying a terribly painful death for our sins, He rose again. And He promised to send His Spirit to reside in us. He promised to strengthen and empower us. Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Nothing is out of His reach or control. And nothing is impossible with Him.

Be Encouraged.
One of the stories I like most in all the Bible occurred after Jesus was resurrected. It’s recorded in the 21st chapter of the gospel of John, verses 3-12:

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. (From the RSV Bible)

So when it seems things couldn’t get any worse — and you’ve been working ”all night” just to eat — be encouraged. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will show up — often when you don’t expect Him and in ways you won’t recognize Him — to show you where to cast your net. He will not leave you or forsake you. He will watch over you, protect you, provide for you, and bless you. And if He doesn’t do what you want or expect, He’ll do something better.

Best of all, if you believe in Him and follow Him, He will eventually take you home to be with Himself — eternally — in paradise.

Happy Easter! Glory to God in the highest!

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Labor Pains and Signs of the Times…

Posted by admin in Purpose on March 26, 2010

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren, not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.  – II Thessalonians 2:1-4

Is Obama Nation the ‘Abomination’?
There are many so-called “prophetic” statements on the web about President Obama. Some claim he is the Anti-Christ. Some even say the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ in book of Daniel and that Jesus described, refers to a communist United States — the “Obama nation.”

Only time will tell whether the Democrats’ push for socialism — rationing healthcare and redistributing wealth — will lead to communism and population control. But one thing is clear. There has never been such uncontrolled, massive borrowing and spending in our nation’s history. Even the disastrous economy following the Jimmy Carter administration may be minor when compared to the future economic collapse. Some economists predict the new laws and taxes imposed by our Democrat-controlled government could create an economic disaster the likes of which we have never seen.

A worldwide economic disaster could usher in the Anti-Christ — whoever he may be. And a total economic collapse could easily “justify” giving control to one leader and/or the creation of a one-world government. But even without a one-world government, there could be a “need” for a one-world monetary system like the one described in Revelation 13: “He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark….”

St. John said that when this happens, it “calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” (Rev. 14:12)

Labor Pains
Jesus told us what to look for at the end: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” (Matt. 24:7-9)

I realize that millions of Christians have been martyred in the past, and many still suffer today. But when Jesus said that in the end times we will be hated by all nations because of Him, He was talking about something worse than we have seen so far: “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.” (Matt. 24:21)

I doubt that Christians will be hated by all nations simply because we’re fretting over a new government controlled healthcare system or some other socialistic program. Many governments have changed from one form to another, often from good to bad, and from bad to worse. Just because it may happen here in the U.S., doesn’t necessarily mean Christians will be persecuted and killed, or that the end is near.

Maybe Satan’s all-out effort — and the hatred of Christians by all nations — will come when the Church reflects the Israelites’ departure from Egypt. Like Pharaoh’s anger and jealousy of the Israelites, many unbelievers could be jealous of the Church — the bride of Christ.

The Israelite slaves were protected in Goshen while the Egyptians suffered the wrath of God. And when Pharaoh finally let them go, the Egyptians lavished silver and gold on the Israelites. In essence, without even being asked, they gave away their wealth to the Israelites. Pharaoh watched his slaves plunder his nation and walk away, without suffering any of the pain and devastation that he had encountered.

Bride and Groom
Now that the “labor pains” have begun, it appears the ultimate drama is underway. This is the time for the Church to demonstrate extraordinary compassion and endurance. We’ll need some extra “oil for our lamps” so we’ll shine in the dark days ahead. As we see the earthquakes and famines, we’ll need to demonstrate the love of God like never before — to both our friends and our foes. This will be a time to “comfort all who mourn.” We must “provide for those who grieve” and demonstrate “the oil of gladness, instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” And as a result, we “will be called oaks of righteousness, and planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” (Isaiah 61:2-4)

In the last days, Christians will “feed on the wealth of the nations, and in their riches. …Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.” (Isaiah 61:6,9-10)

Despite their hardships and tribulations, Christians will say, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” (Isaiah 61:10-11)

Then Christians will be hated by all nations, because like Pharaoh, unbelievers will be jealous and angry.

Don’t Fret or Envy
As the birth pains increase, don’t fret. (When you fret, you feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, agitation, torment, irritation, or vexation.) Instead, rise above your situation and set an example for others.  Do what you can to help those who are suffering from financial problems, wars, famines and earthquakes.

Be like the people David described in Psalm 37. Don’t “fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

And even “in times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.” Nations will say that “the little that the righteous have [is better] than the wealth of many wicked.” In their jealousy “the wicked [will] draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.”

Remember “the salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.”

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Look Up. Your Redemption Is Drawing Near.

Posted by admin in Life & Death on March 20, 2010

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  – Luke 21:28

Back in the mid-seventies Hal Lindsay’s book, The Late Great Planet Earth sold millions of copies. Hal is a big proponent of a “pre-tribulation-rapture” whereby Christians will suddenly vanish to meet Jesus in the air and avoid the great tribulation described in Revelation and the Gospels.

However, on that night long ago when I was on a flight to Los Angeles and reading the book of Revelation, I didn’t find much about “rapture.” Instead, I was surprised by the repeated references to Christian suffering, persecution, endurance, and death.

The book of Revelation describes “what soon must take place” and tells us we’ll be blessed if we “hear it and take to heart what is written in it.”

Written by St. John, our “brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus,” he repeatedly warns us to stand fast in the perilous days ahead. He quotes Jesus, who tells the Church to “be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Since that business trip decades ago, I have seen many, many reports of Christian persecution around the world. Recently, these reports have come primarily from Muslim nations and Communist countries where Christians are constantly harassed, tortured, and killed. Sadly, these tragic stories are ignored by mainstream media. Thankfully, Compass Direct still provides daily news reports about them.

Again this week, Compass Direct reported another horrible incident: over 500 Christians were killed March 7th in a massive attack in Nigeria. Then, in a second wave of violence, Muslim Fulani herdsmen unleashed more violence on two villages in Plateau state, killing 13 more Christians, including a pregnant woman and children. In a level of violence characteristic of jihadist method and motive, men in military camouflage and others in customary clothing also burned 20 houses. Christian leaders suspect Islamic extremists are encouraging the attacks.

Photo - Pam Ayuba

Photo - Pam Ayuba

The sobbing women above are grieving over the loss of their loved ones at the Byei massacre in Nigeria – murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ. Obviously, they were not “raptured” without suffering persecution.

What does scripture say about Rapture and the Great Tribulation? Jesus warned the apostles to “watch out that no one deceives you…”

“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…” (Matt. 24:6-7)

There have been many wars since Jesus spoke those words, especially during the past century. Like the fiery red horse in Revelation 6, Communism was “given power to take peace from the earth.” Estimates include 20-30 million killed in battles, famines and diseases in Russia as a direct result of the Communist movement. In addition, more than 40 million were killed during the 1900s under Communism in China. Millions more were killed in World War I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, Peru, Indonesia, Africa, etc.

And yet Jesus said…
“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” (Matt. 24:8-9)

“For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” (Matt. 24:21-22)

Be Sure You Understand
There is an interesting comment in scripture following Jesus’ warning about the “Abomination of Desolation” in Matthew 24. It says “let the reader understand.” Then He warns us to “flee to the mountains….” And again in Mark 13 following His “Abomination of Desolation” warning, Jesus tells us to “pray that your flight may not be in winter because those days will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now — and never to be equaled again.”

He concludes his warning about the end times with: “So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.” (Mark 13:23) He warns us to watch for certain events and to be ready for them — he doesn’t imply that we will avoid them.

Jesus also encouraged His listeners about Christian persecution:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt. 5:10,12)

He tells us to avoid persecution if possible:
“When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” (Matt. 10:23)

And He tells us to expect persecution:
“Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” (John 15:20)

St. Paul and St. Peter warned and encouraged their readers on the subject of suffering for the cause of Christ, and I believe their words will be especially important in the coming days:

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (II Tim. 3:12)

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Rom. 8:17-18)

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (I Pet. 4:12-13)

Be encouraged again with Jesus’ words:
“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  – Luke 21:28

I’ll discuss “these things” Jesus is talking about — the “signs of the times” — in my next blog.

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Be Vigilant. Don’t Bury Your Head In The Sand.

Posted by admin in Guidance on March 18, 2010

He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”  – Luke 21:29-31

Some people aren’t at all concerned about current events or the “signs of the times.” Others are more cynical, reminding me that Christians have been talking about the “eminent return” of Jesus for 2,000 years. They sound like a fulfillment of St. Peter’s prophesy:

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”  – II Peter 3:3-4

So, is it really important that we know and understand the times? And if it is, why?

I believe it’s important because Jesus was emphatic about it on several occasions. He made some very serious comments, warning us about the end times. He wanted us to be prepared for it — to be on watch — and to pray that we could escape the worst of it:

“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”  – Luke 21:36

It’s true of course that no one knows the day or hour. Not even Jesus. He said only our Father in heaven knows the exact time. But Jesus did say, in no uncertain terms, to watch diligently for the final days — and He told us why  we need to be on the lookout: Some of us simply won’t make it.

At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.  – Matthew 24:10-13

I don’t want to be one of those who turns away from the faith. I’ll bet you don’t either.

Once, when I was reading about the end times in Revelation, I had an interesting experience. It was night time in the mid 1970s and I was on a plane trip from Washington, DC, to Los Angeles.

I knew the five-hour flight was coming to an end, and I hadn’t finished studying. I had a couple of chapters to go when the captain told us to fasten our seatbelts for the final approach into the Los Angeles airport. I asked the Lord to let me finish reading Revelation, and a moment later the pilot turned the plane toward the Pacific Ocean. He announced over the loudspeaker that there was thick fog at the airport so we needed to circle in a holding pattern until it lifted. We landed about an hour later, just after I read the final chapter.

I gained a new perspective on the end times that night. And I’ve never forgotten it. In my next blog I’ll tell you why I believe we’re entering the final chapter here on earth…

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted by admin in Prayer on March 16, 2010

Having a hectic day? Take a break. Force yourself to pause and look at some beautiful photos and listen to a sweet blessing from a pretty Irish lady. A friend sent this link to me today, so I’m sharing it with you. Click on the photo below, relax, and enjoy…

Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day! …don’t forget to wear some green, pinch those who don’t, and avoid green liquids at all cost.

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Something’s Coming. It’s Up To Us What It Will Be.

Posted by admin in Purpose on March 12, 2010

     “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
     “Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.”  – Hebrews 6:4-8

Hard Words
That is a stern warning from St. Paul. I don’t like to think about being “in danger of being cursed.” I usually read verses like those quickly and hope I don’t fall into the “thorns and thistles” or “worthless” category. I look for scriptures and promises in God’s word that are more positive and inspiring. But those verses follow St. Paul’s admonition to “go on to maturity.”

So let’s deal with them. What do these hard words mean for our nation and for us individually?

Our Nation
It appears there is no stopping the direction for our country. The United States is so politically divided that it doesn’t seem likely that we’ll turn things around. Despite the blessings we have received as a nation, we no longer have a moral or ethical base.

It’s easy to see the lack of ethics in our government. Bribery, deceit, greed, and ignorance at all levels of state and federal government seem obvious to everyone except our leaders.

Media news outlets — print, broadcast, and Internet — are in a race for larger audiences and ad revenue, and they don’t recognize the damage they’re doing to our nation with their bias and lack of objectivity.

Many educators — even at some Christian schools — teach things that totally contradict the word of God. Hopefully, most do it out of ignorance, but the affect is the same. Truth is perverted, and young people are not fully prepared for life. They learn how to make a living, but not how to live for God.

Doctors build huge business enterprises while they invest less and less in real patient care. They merge practices and build large “partnerships” that diminish competition. They often control or at least have a financial interest in the labs, x-rays, hospitals and every other area of the medical profession, while they ignore the obvious conflict of interest.

Many attorneys learn how to win cases, rather than seek justice. Many work on commissions so their payments are not based on what they have actually earned or deserve. And some of the most successful — and most unethical — go on to become judges and politicians (think John Edwards).

Even some churches build empires around themselves, rather than focusing on the needs of their communities. They “tickle the ears” of their parishioners in order to grow. Attendance goes up, but they have little impact on their community. They expand their “campus” with beautiful buildings that have occasional use each week, but they don’t open hospitals, schools, or community outreach centers.

Could our nation be what St. Paul referred to as being ”…in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned”?

Individually
Following his stern warning, St. Paul offered some powerful encouragement for those who live for Christ:

“Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case — things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”  – Hebrews 6:9-12

What can we do? How can we make a difference in a world that has been turned upside down with injustice, greed, and a terrible perversion of truth?

St. Paul told us to “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (I Cor. 11:1). In the NIV it’s translated, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” In other words, do what I do, and what Jesus did: Bless others and love them, one person at a time.

This morning I saw a great example of someone who started by loving one person at a time. CNN Heroes featured Dan Wallrath, who builds homes — free of charge — for wounded military veterans. His organization is called Operation Finally Home. Helping one young man has turned into a 50-state ministry.

When I saw the CNN special there was no mention of his faith. But I had a hunch this was a ‘God thing’ so I tracked him down and called to find out. Sure enough, he told me, “God slapped me upside the head,” and “I really know this is something God has called me to do.” (He also said he’s a Southern Baptist who’s ”been saved since I was 17.”)

When Dan went to the National Home Builders Association convention in Las Vegas, someone asked him to speak at the opening ceremony to 12,000 builders. As a result, he’s currently working with contractors on 50 homes for wounded war veterans.

Real Long Term Results
Dan may not be directly changing our government, the media, educational institutions, the legal profession, or the medical community,  but I’m pretty sure he’ll be one of those St. Paul referred to when he said, “God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

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Leave The Elementary And Go On To Maturity

Posted by admin in Growth, Purpose on March 9, 2010

“Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.” (Heb. 6:1-3)

Since Feb. 22nd I’ve been writing about the basics — the “elementary teachings” that St. Paul talked about in Hebrews 6. So let’s move on. What does Christian maturity look like? I asked my wife and her response was “fruitful.” As mature Christians, we should “bear fruit.” (I guess it doesn’t look like retired men playing golf in a gated community?)

Does that mean we’re supposed to be a fruit tree, standing around, doing nothing but letting fruit hang from us? Sounds pretty boring. Rain or shine, going through an annual cycle: Spring flowers turn into fruit; the fruit grows and matures until it’s harvested in the fall; pruning in the winter; and then the process starts all over again.

That’s not what I want my life to look like. And based on the drama throughout the Bible, God didn’t intend for us to live a boring life as a tree. Don’t get me wrong. I know He’s serious about our producing fruit. But I believe His intentions are for us to be farmers who produce much more than what one tree could… In the Garden of Eden He told Adam to be fruitful and multiply — to take dominion over His creation. So what does a mature, fruit-bearing Christian farmer look like?

Bountiful Harvest
The life of a Christian farmer will produce various kinds of fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”  (Gal. 5:22-26)

When we kill our sinful habits and live by the Spirit, we become winsome, like Christ, and attract others to the Father. When we’re filled with peace and joy, and demonstrate kindness, goodness and patience toward others, we’re loving them. When we’re faithful, gentle, forgiving, and exercising self control, we’re loving others. This is how mature Christians “keep in step” with the Holy Spirit.

In addition, those who are successful in ministry should not be conceited. And those who are not as effective as they would like to be, should not put down or envy those who have a thriving ministry. Here’s what Timothy heard from his mentor:

Teach and Endure
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs — he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”  (II Tim. 2:1-7)

The purpose for all this fruit-bearing is to bless others — those who need love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and mercy. This includes believers and non-believers. As Christian farmers, we need to be sure we prune ourselves and those we mentor so that the fruit is low-hanging and accessible. When we do, others will flock to us like they did Jesus.

Farm Equipment
Farmers need seed, of course, to produce fruit-bearing plants. Our seed is the Word of God. Without the Word, we will not produce spiritual fruit. And just as a farmer needs a tractor, fertilizer, insecticide, and harvesters, we need spiritual tools to produce an abundant harvest. Thankfully, God provides our tools as gifts when we ask for and seek them:

“And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tonguesF3? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.” (I Cor. 12:28-31)

Miracle Grow
Our miracle fertilizer is love, empowered by God. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” (I Cor. 13:1-3)

“Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. … Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. … Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (I Cor. 14:1,5,20,39-40)

Mature Mentors
As we walk in the Spirit, fully equipped and winsome, He showers His gifts and talents on us so we can impart them to others to help them mature. As St. Paul said, “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:11-13)

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You Act Differently When You Have Hope

Posted by admin in Forgiveness, Growth, Life & Death on March 8, 2010

This morning my sweetheart said, “You act so different when you have hope.” With just those few words she said so much. And as usual, she was so right.

When I’m excited about what’s happening — or going to happen — I am upbeat and happy. Like when we’re leaving for vacation and I’m full of anticipation and joy. But when our vacation is coming to an end, I don’t always hide my disappointment. (Don’t believe her if she tells you I pouted like a spoiled brat years ago on the final day of our Caribbean cruise. I was just having a particularly bad day – dispite the fact that everything had been just like the weather for seven days straight – perfect!)

I should be happy all the time. I am an amazingly blessed man in this life here on earth.  And knowing that I will someday spend eternity with Him, I should be filled with hope and joy every minute of every day. But how quickly I forget … and whine. (My wife actually has a sign in our kitchen that says ‘Thou Shalt Not Whine.’)

How sad. And scary.
If we are happy, joyful and excited only when things are going well, how are we any different than those who don’t believe in Jesus? We aren’t. And that’s the point Paul was making with the “elementary truths” in Hebrews 6. We can’t move on to maturity until the basics are automatically part of our everyday lives.

What we do with the first five “elementary truths” that I’ve written about for the past few days will determine what happens with the sixth “elementary truth” — eternal judgment.

On the one hand this should be terrific news. We get to determine how and where we spend eternity — blessed beyond our wildest dreams, based on how we love and obey Him (What no eye has seen … God has prepared for those who love Him. – I Cor. 2:9), or cursed (God ‘Will render to each person according to his deeds:’ to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. – Rom. 2:6-8).

On the other hand, knowing we will all face eternal judgment can be terrifying news if we know that we didn’t make the right decision regarding the basics of our Christian faith. We don’t want to face God at judgment if we did not: 1) Repent (turn from our sins to Him) and love Him with all our hearts and minds; 2) walk with Him daily in faith; 3) get baptized in water to demonstrate our faith and get immersed in His Spirit; 4) receive and use the power that is available to us through the laying on of hands; or 5) understand and share the fact that Jesus was resurrected from the dead — and we will be, too.

Are You Ready?
If you haven’t chosen to join the ranks of Christianity and gone through boot camp — the basics of the Christian faith — do it now. It’s not too late. Tell Him you want to know Him better. Turn from your selfishness — 180 degrees — and obey Him. Ask Him to empower you to be different, and believe that He will do it. Find a group of strong believers who can help you grow in your faith. If you do, you’ll face Him with confidence on the day of eternal judgment. And here on earth you’ll have hope. And you’ll act differently.

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in him. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world.  – I John 4:11-17

Here are some more scripture verses on eternal judgment…

Jesus is Judge
“For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. “For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.  – John 5:21-29

We Are Not
Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “Will render to each person according to his deeds:” to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.  – Romans 2:1-16

But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this — not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.  – Romans 14:10-13

Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.  – I Corinthians 4:5

Each Of Us Will Face Him
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.  – II Corinthians 5:10

The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.  – I Timothy 5:24-25

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.  – Hebrews 9:27-28

Not Everyone Will Reach Heaven
For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and “The fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.”   – Hebrews 10:26-27

Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter….  – II Peter 2:2-6

For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.  – Jude 4:-7

Final Judgment
Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.  – II Peter 3:3-7

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth — men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. – I Timothy 2:1-9

Paul’s Charge to Timothy — And Us
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings — what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  – I Timothy 3:10-17

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Hope to Get Through Terrible Times Ahead

Posted by admin in Growth, Life & Death on March 4, 2010

When He appears, we will be like Him … this perishable must put on the imperishable.
                           - I John 3:2, I Corinthians 15:54

This life is not all there is. Everyone will all be raised to life after we die. Christians will spend eternity in paradise with God, while those who reject Jesus Christ will spend eternity in hell, separated from Him. This is the fifth “elementary truth” that Paul mentions in Hebrews 6 — the resurrection.

The first and most important resurrection followed Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. His death and resurrection made it possible for us to spend eternity with Him after we die and are resurrected.

Our Great Hope
Resurrection gives Christians a unique perspective on life here on earth. When trials, tribulations and persecutions arise, our belief — our greatest hope — in the resurrection gives us the faith and strength to persevere and “endure to the end.”

If you believe in Jesus Christ and have chosen to follow Him as His disciple, you will see Him when you die. Your body will be permanently changed. Your attitudes and spirit will be permanently changed. You will be like Him. On the other hand, if you have rejected Him and don’t want to spend your life with Him, you will get what you want — separation from Him, eternally.

You could say you don’t believe in heaven or hell. But that won’t affect their existence anymore than not believing in gravity will keep you from hitting the ground if you jump out of an airplane. The resurrection is a fact that Jesus demonstrated and proved. Many of the most intelligent people who have lived — even those who at first didn’t believe — have been convinced of this fact after examining the evidence. Only our rebellion keeps us from accepting it.

It is crucial that we have a thorough understanding, belief and hope in the resurrection so we will endure in the coming days. God’s word promises the greatest trials are yet to come — trials so great that if He had not shortened the days, even the elect might fall (Matt. 24:22). We need to be convinced of our belief in eternity — and that we will spend it in paradise with Jesus Christ. We must know and believe that we have the same power that brought Jesus Christ back to life – His resurrection power — living within us (Phil. 3:10), in order to get through the days ahead.

Here are a few scriptures about the resurrection and eternal life to help you know what lies ahead…

What Jesus said about it.
“…for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” – Luke 20:36

“…and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” – John 5:29

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26

What the apostles — most of whom died for their faith — said about it.
“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” – Acts 24:14-15

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. – Romans 6:5-10

Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. – I Corinthians 6:14

Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. – I Corinthians 15:12-14

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep [died]. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. – I Corinthians 15:20-22

But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body do they come?” You fool! That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies; and that which you sow, you do not sow the body which is to be, but a bare grain, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body just as He wished, and to each of the seeds a body of its own. All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another flesh of birds, and another of fish. There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. – I Corinthians 15:35-44

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – I Corinthians 15:51-57

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I Believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. – II Corinthians 4:13-14

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:7-15

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep [die], or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. – I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. – I John 3:2

Believe it!

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