Not Misplaced By God (Part 2)

A week ago, I took my family to a baseball game, specifically to watch the firework show at the end of the game.  The game had everything you could image, including a grand-slam, but it also had a lot of sun.  Three out of the four hours we spent staring at the sun, making our experience a little warm to say the least.  Throughout the game I kept hearing my five year old daughter make the following statement, "It's too hot.  This was not a good day to come to the game."  What my daughter was saying was not that she did not like the game, but rather the location of our seats and the blazing sun made the game less enjoyable.  The prophet Daniel could have made the same observation as he was being dragged from his homeland of Judea, to the foreign city of Babylon (Daniel 1).  Of all places that God would chose to send His children, why Babylon?  This city was the most modern city of it's time, but it was also a pagan, idolatress, immoral, and very wicked city.  Before Las Vegas, Babylon's motto was "What happens in Babylon stays in Babylon!" 

So Daniel had to decide quickly whether God had control of every event taking place in his life.  If he was going to survive spiritually in such a wicked environment as Babylon, he must hold tightly to the truth that Jehovah God is sovereign, and no matter how dire the location, this God would never misplaced any of His children.  This truth even applies when we find ourselves in places and locations where we don't want to be.  Have you been there?  (hospital, funeral home, unemployment line, new school or city, or even alone on the streets)  As a Christian, you will never survive the worry and stress that comes from ending up in unwanted locations until you begin to realize that the key to a victorious mindset begins when I trust God conpletely with my life, my future, and with those unwanted locations.  Just like Daniel, Nehemiah, Esther, Moses, and may other servants, God always uses those unlikely places to help us grow and depend on Him, as well us He plants us in unwanted locations to be His light to those living in darkness.  Well, until next time, keep walking close with Christ.   

Not Misplaced by God

Have you ever misplaced something that was a great worth and value to you?  Of course we all have!  How stressful and how anxious be become as the deadline draws near and we have yet to find our wallet, purse, keys, concert tickets, or even our child.  It is no different with humanity.  As billions of people roam throughout this earth, most live with a constant feeling of being lost, misplaced, or not even cared for on this giant rock we call earth.  Even for Christians, there will be times in our lives in which we feel misplaced on this earth by God.  It was no different for Daniel, a young teenager ripped from his home land of Judea, forced to live as a slave, and dropped into an alien environment in Babylon.  Here was a young man who loved God, and now is all alone in a hostile and pagan environment, forced to surround himself by the very things that he was taught to be sin.  Yet, it is in this situation that Daniel learns about living each day with conviction that God is completely sovereign.

In Daniel 1:1-7, Daniel showed his confidence in God's sovereignty by living his life on the truth that God had not misplaced him; God knew exactly where he was - even during the uncontrollable circumstances in his life (1:1-2).  Daniel did not have a vote or a choice whether king Nebuchadnezzar would attack and destroy his city of Jerusalem.  He had no control whether or not to go as a captive to Babylon.  But even as this young man's world crumbled around him, he could see the hand of God when he wrote, "The LORD gave Jehoiakim to Nebuchadnezzar" (1:2).  Daniel learned an important lesson about life, even though he was not able to control the outward circumstances of life, he could always trust in the God who controls everything.  And if you and I live with such a mindset, our life will be less stressful when our world is turned inside out.  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.    

Back to the Future (Part 23)

In the last chapter of Revelation were hear three voices encourage and instruct the readers of this precious book: an angel, the Lamb, and finally the apostle John.  John, the recipient of this letter, pens the epilogue in the form of three points of encouragement and warning.  First, there is always a blessing upon those who are redeemed (14-15).  This is a reoccurring theme in the whole Bible, which goes contrary to the world's teaching.  Those who flee sin and have a hatred toward those actions that displease God, will aways be approved by God; while those who practice sin will never be able to inherit heaven.  Second, John gives us the prayer of the Holy Spirit and the Church.  This one word prayer is always on the lips of the Holy Spirit, and should be on the lips of each blood-bought Christian - "COME!"  This prayer has two purposes: first, to invite the lost to the Living Water.  Second, it is a prayer that invites God's Kingdom to come even now. 

The final word of instruction from John includes a curse that must be understood in light of Deut. 29:19-20.  When a covenant was entered into by two parties, the consequences for not keeping the document and agreement were usually listed at the end of the document.  God has placed a curse upon all those who have disguised themselves as wolves in sheep's clothing in the church.  Any false teacher who adds or takes away from this book and from God's Word will find themselves under God's curse of eternal judgment and separated from His eternal presence.  This warning is directed to anyone who thinks they are bigger than God and choose to deliberately tamper with Scripture and teach false doctrine.  No true believer would ever deliberately tamper with Scripture.  We may mistakenly teach or interpret God's Word, but to knowingly change what God has said into a lie is worthy of God's death penalty.  Never forget, at the beginning of this book we are given a wonderful blessing each time we read and obey it (1:3).  If we daily remember who is in control of our lives and who has the whole world in His hands, then our lives will be less stressful.  Until next time, keep walking close with Christ Jesus.    

Back to the Future (Part 22)

We have been looking at the last chapter of the Bible, written by the apostle John, to Christians around the world.  The final words are words of encouragement to those who are going through great persecution for being a follower of Christ.  Many who read this book are discouraged, hurting, and looking for any sign of hope for the return of Christ.  So it should not surprise us that the last chapter is filled with words of encouragement, from three different sources, to Christian readers living in various stressful times.  The first words came from the lips of an angel in the form of three commands:  Believe in God's true word!  Worship God alone!  Continue living holy lives was you wait for Christ's return! 

The second person to speak and encourage the Christian reader come from the lips of the Lamb, Christ Jesus.  Notice what Jesus has to say to the believer as they live expecting and waiting for God's kingdom to be completed on this earth as it is in heaven.  First, Jesus states that He will always bless the obedient (22:7).  Those who "heed" are those who obey, protect, and guard God's Word in their lives.  If we choose to obey all of God's written word, then there is a continual blessing on those believers.  Second, Jesus emphasises that He is coming quickly (22:7,12-13,20).  The word "quickly" does not mean in a few minutes, but rather implies that the clock has been started, and it cannot be stopped by man or event.  Jesus Christ is coming soon and everything is on course for that event.  Third, Jesus encourages the reader to always remember that He is the author of the book (22:16).  Human nature has a demonic tendency to put the Bible on the same level of any other religious book or secular book written by men.  The Bible has it's origins from the very lips of God, and it is a miracle that He used sinful men, led under the power of the Holy Spirit, to pen the words that He spoke.  If we believe that He wrote this book, then everything in it's pages is complete and true, just like God's own character.  And we have this assurance that if we completely believe and obey Jesus' final instruction to us, then you and I will live out a victorious Christian life and will have less stress as we wait for His return.  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.       

Back to the Future (Part 21)

When we come to the final chapter in the book of Revelation, we hear three distinct voices giving the Apostle John, as well as it's readers, final instruction about our activities, as we wait for Christ's return.  John does not hear instructions to pursue, wealth, health, prosperity, and happiness.  The final instruction for all believers is to pursue holiness as we wait for the return of our Lord and Savior.  If we live our lives as the world preaches, to pursue the advancement of self interest, I can guarantee a life filled with unwanted stress and misery.  But if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and pursue after a life of obedience and holiness in accordance to God's Holy Word, then and only then will we begin to understand our true purpose of life and be less worried about tomorrow as we seek to live each day for God's glory. 

In Revelation 22:6,8-9,10-11, we hear the voice of God's angel giving John three important directives.  First, Believe in This Book for it is True (6).  I read a teenager's comments the other day that stated since the world is changing and becoming more understanding, the Bible needs to be updated to 21st century times.  How foolish to say that you believe in a perfect God and yet in the next breathe state that the Bible has errors and needs to be modernized.  God's Word is unique in that it stands the test of time for any civilization.  The Word speaks to every human need without compromise: the problem of sin and humanities need for a Savior.  Second, John is instructed to Worship God Alone (8-9).  That command needs no explanation other than the fact as you continue reading, Jesus Christ is that God worthy of worship.  Third, the angel instructions John to Continue Living Holy Lives (10-11).   Those who are bent toward sin will continue to sin without repentance, yet the true believer will hate sin and seek to live a life as Christ lived, holy and righteous before God.  If you and I hear and live out these three commands, not only is God pleased with us, but you will have a less stressful time understanding God's purpose for you life.  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.   

Back to the Future (Part 20)

The key subject for this blog is the word "stress".  I have talked about how it affects all humans, some key causes to stress, and how we can alleviate most of our stress in this life.  When we talk about "heaven" is it safe to say that it will be a place where there will be no "stress" as we know it today?  The subject of afterlife must be answered by all religions and worldviews.  A few religions have no clear answer about afterlife, thus creating more stress for their followers.  Most religions try to answer the question about afterlife by describing a world beyond this one that is quite different than the one we are experiencing now.  A place usually described as free from pain, death, sadness, and stress.  Most religions teach of an afterlife  called "heaven" or "nirvana".  Well, the concept of heaven is described in greater detail in Revelation 21.  It would seem that after the earth has been cleansed by fire, God will bring heaven and earth together, and this will be the new heaven and earth described in Scripture.  God Himself, the Lamb of God will personally sit and rule over all the earth from His throne in Jerusalem.  All those who have accept and declared Jesus to be Lord and Savior will rule and reign with Him on this new earth/heaven.  For you see, the Scriptural description of heaven is not a place out in the middle of the universe, but it is the place where Jesus is. 

In this new heaven and earth, several new realities will be experienced that will remove the stresses that we face living in a sinful world.  First, God's presence will be realized in all it's fullness (3).  God will be with His people.  Second, God's comfort will be personally experienced in it's fullness (4).  No more tears, sorrow, pain, or death will be a part of heaven's residents.  Third, all of God's promises will be lived out and fulfilled.  Fourth, all the blessings of God will be experienced and lived under for all of eternity.  There will be no more curses, but we will live in the constant healing that flows from the throne of God.  The residents of heaven will bask forever in the light of God's glory, and it will be the source of power that draws the nations of the world to God's very throne to worship and adore Him forever .  God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ will be the center of the universe in this new heaven and earth, and forever more we will serve, worship, and enjoy the most meaningful of all lives, without the stresses that distract us from a perfect work.  With our eyes fixed forward heaven, we can look forward to a less stressed life.  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.  

Back to the Future (Part 19)

Everyone can think a place that they would rather not go; places that cause the heart to beat a little faster in fear, and moisten the palms of our hands with perspiration.  For me, just the thought of going to get a shot causes me anxiety, even though I know most shots don't really hurt.  The idea of talking or visiting with someone from the IRS causes some stress even when I know all the paperwork is in working order.  And as a pastor, it takes some prompting of my self-conscience to go to the home of someone I know may be upset with me.  Yet as a Christian (a person who has given their heart to Jesus Christ and is committed to follow Him where-ever He leads), there is one destination of the most stressful kind, that we will never have to visit, and that is hell.  In Revelation chapter 20, the apostle John gives us a glimpse into hell and the lake of fire, two places that were made for the devil and his angels; yet a place that all people will go who choose to reject Christ as Savior and Lord, and try to get to heaven on their own terms.   

God is perfect, holy, and righteous.  Sin is not conforming to God's law and standard of living.  So by the very definition, sin and God can never mix, ever.  So while heaven is the place where God dwells, it makes perfect sense that hell would be the place that sin demands.  The Bible states that all humanity who have rejected Christ Jesus will stand before the Righteous Judge at the Great White Throne Judgement (20:11-15), not to defend themselves but to hear their sentence.  All the lost will be judged from several books, including the Bible and the Lamb's Book of Life, and their final sentence will be eternal death in the lake of fire.  There will be no second chances, no do-overs, no mercy.  The punishment for a sinful, rebellious attitude toward God's Word will manifest itself in this awful place called the Lake of Fire.  As Christians, we are quick to warn people about a bad restaurant, but why in God's name are we timid to warn people about a places Jesus mentioned more times than heaven, hell.  If we are truly walking close to Christ, then we will have the passion to tell more people about the realities of hell, a place that should bring fear to our heart anytime we hear the word.