ETERNITY IN HIS KINGDOM. SEEK IT EARNESTLY !
10/16/2020
Every year I get older, things seem to become more and more in focus. Our journey through life and all the things we have encountered and done along the way give thought to many different types of emotions and thoughts. Memories of people so close to me, like my mom and dad and my father in law…all gone, but still very much in my heart and mind. Close friends, and all the great times we have shared together; even some of them are gone also. Way too soon. Looking at all the incredible blessings in my life, like my incredible wife, Julie, and my two wonderful kids. My sister, and my brother in law….so different than me in many ways, and yet so dear to my heart. My wife’s family. An incredible mix of people I love and so enjoy being with. Memories….my life, my path, my faith. The mistakes and stupid things I have done, but so thankful that God always looks at us with love and forgiveness. He picks us up and sets us upright to keep moving. Always easing us back onto the journey forward. The key to it all though is to KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING. To have a true place that you are headed and know for certain in your heart what lies at the end. Some people have that certainty, and some don’t. Some fear death and the unknown, while others rest in true peace, awaiting a NEW BEGINNING. So much of my peace and hope come from the Word Of God. His Word is my compass, my perfect instruction and guidance, and my certain and eagerly awaited future. Hear God speak and see His Truth.
I WRITE THESE THINGS TO YOU WHO BELIEVE IN THE NAME OF THE SON OF GOD SO THAT YOU MAY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. THIS IS THE CONFIDENCE WE HAVE IN APPROACHING GOD: THAT IF WE ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, HE HEARS US. 1 John 5: 13-14
IF SOMEONE DIES, WILL THEY LIVE AGAIN ? ALL THE DAYS OF MY HARD SERVICE I WILL WAIT FOR MY RENEWAL TO COME. YOU WILL CALL AND I WILL ANSWER YOU; YOU WILL LONG FOR THE CREATURE YOUR HANDS HAVE MADE. SURELY THEN YOU WILL COUNT MY STEPS BUT NOT KEEP TRACK OF MY SIN. Job 14: 14-16
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. John 3:16
As I sit here writing, my mind and heart wonder how many people reading this truly believe these scriptures, and why it is that so many non believers and also many Christians either reject it, ignore it, or choose not to focus on it. I have asked the question, and there are a myriad of answers. “ I don’t believe in God”. “ I don’t want to think about death…it scares me”. “ I enjoy my life, and I don’t want it to end”. “ I’m focusing on all the good things God has me doing now.” It strikes me how we are so focused on this world and all that is going on, that it truly takes a concerted effort to FOCUS ON GOD AND SEEK HIM AND HIS WILL ! It takes more than just going through the motions. It takes way more than going to church. IT TAKES COMMITMENT AND A HEART THAT YEARNS FOR HIM. IT TAKES TRULY GIVING UP YOUR SELF FOCUS AND HABITS, AND SEEKING HIM ! Deeply ! Personally ! 24/7 ! The question is, “ When will you start ?” Will it be today, or are you going to wait a while and find a better, or safer, or more convenient time ? I encourage you, THE TIME IS NOW FOR YOU TO SEEK HIM, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. This life, and this world will surely pass away, but as for me, I want to Live Forever In The Kingdom Of God With Jesus. I know what awaits me there. Do You ?
THEN THE KING WILL SAY TO THOSE ON HIS RIGHT, “COME, YOU WHO ARE BLESSED OF MY FATHER, INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARED FOR YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. Matthew 25:34
FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT EATING AND DRINKING, BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. Romans 14:17
THEREFORE, SINCE WE HAVE A KINGDOM WHICH CANNOT BE SHAKEN, LET US SHOW GRATITUDE, BY WHICH WE MAY OFFER GOD AN ACCEPTABLE SERVICE WITH REVERENCE AND AWE. Hebrews 12:28
About two months ago, God put a true purpose in my effort to grow into who and what He wants me to be. I want to share it, because I think it is imperative that we as Christians understand the things we need to be focused upon. It is a simple statement, but OH SO COMPLEX.
FINALLY, BE STRENGTHENED BY THE LORD AND BY HIS VAST STRENGTH. PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD SO THAT YOU CAN STAND AGAINST THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL. Ephesians 6: 10-11
Have you read scripture and do you know what the Armor Of God entails ? Have you looked at the Armor from your own perspective ? What is YOUR Helmet of Salvation ? Are YOU wearing and walking with a Breastplate of Righteousness in your life. Do YOU have a belt of Truth that you understand ? Are YOU walking in purpose to share the Gospel with others ? Is your Shield Of Faith strong enough to stop the attacks and lies of the enemy that the world throws at you and preaches to those who are lost ? Is the Sword of God’s Word powerful enough to thwart and defeat the darkness that is befalling our world and threatens life itself ?
FOR OUR STRUGGLE IS NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST THE RULERS, AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES, AGAINST THE COSMIC POWERS OF THIS DARKNESS, AGAINST EVIL, SPIRITUAL FORCES IN THE HEAVENS. Ephesians 6: 12
What can we do you ask ? How about seeking the face of Christ, mount the horse next to Him, and prepare to defeat the evil we are seeing and facing today. I am awaiting the return of Jesus with Joy and Anticipation. I am ready to serve my King and battle. I have one sure goal….to spend my life with Him, for all of Eternity ! I hope you are ready to do the same. He IS Coming ! Best Be Ready ! The choice is yours :) Be Strong In Jesus/JAA Shalom and Peace. Rod and Staff.