John 14:1-4
Jesus warned the disciples that He was going away. However, the Lord also promised to return and take them to a home He had prepared (John 14:3). This verse confirms that heaven is a real place. According to the Bible, Christians have a citizenship in paradise (Phil. 3:20), our treasure is stored there (Matt. 6:20), and it will be our eternal home (1 Thess. 4:17). God is not describing a celestial dream world. Rather, all believers will be gathered to a tangible dwelling place.
Every believer's spirit enters God's presence immediately after physical death (2 Cor. 5:6). Once the Lord's timing is fulfilled for the world's tribulation and judgment, He will renew all things. First, our bodies will be resurrected as immortal, pain-free, and vigorous sheaths for our spirits (1 Cor. 15:42). Later, earth will be transformed into an uncorrupted paradise, and we will also have access to a heavenly city—the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:10-27).
In these two spheres of heaven, God's children will spend eternity serving and worshipping Him. Despite misconceptions about reclining on clouds and playing harps, we won't be sitting and doing nothing! We will rest, but this holy respite is from all the things that make life on earth so wearying—temptation, trials, heartache, and pain.
Paradise is beyond our imagination, but we do know that the believer's life goes on in heaven. As citizens of that realm, we will take up the work of serving and praising God. Moreover, we will enjoy unlimited energy and perfect harmony between the Lord, ourselves, and other saints.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Conquering Loneliness
Psalm 25:15-22
I know the pain of loneliness. My adult life has been marked by periods of emotional isolation. However, God has never abandoned me to these feelings.
The Lord desires that all people feel connected to Him and to each other. And in fact, we can be quickly comforted when we respond wisely to loneliness.
The first step is to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Believing He exists is not enough. The Lord created mankind for fellowship, which is why a relationship with Him gives people a sense of oneness. The love of Christ squeezes loneliness out of the lives of God's children.
Second, we must admit that we're lonely. Some Christians incorrectly think they shouldn't be susceptible to normal human feelings. But nothing in the Bible says we won't endure emotional isolation. Not only men like David and Paul, but even the Lord Himself knew the ache of feeling deserted (Ps. 25:16, 2 Tim. 4:16; Matt. 26:40; 27:46).
Finally, we ought to develop godly friends. These are the Christian brothers and sisters who will laugh, cry, and empathize with us. Above all, believers need friends who will continually point them to God and pray over them.
We can't deny feelings of loneliness, nor can we run from them. A person who seeks ways to escape those feelings only broadens the gap between the Lord and himself. There is just one way to close the chasm and conquer loneliness—by drawing near to the Lord.
I know the pain of loneliness. My adult life has been marked by periods of emotional isolation. However, God has never abandoned me to these feelings.
The Lord desires that all people feel connected to Him and to each other. And in fact, we can be quickly comforted when we respond wisely to loneliness.
The first step is to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Believing He exists is not enough. The Lord created mankind for fellowship, which is why a relationship with Him gives people a sense of oneness. The love of Christ squeezes loneliness out of the lives of God's children.
Second, we must admit that we're lonely. Some Christians incorrectly think they shouldn't be susceptible to normal human feelings. But nothing in the Bible says we won't endure emotional isolation. Not only men like David and Paul, but even the Lord Himself knew the ache of feeling deserted (Ps. 25:16, 2 Tim. 4:16; Matt. 26:40; 27:46).
Finally, we ought to develop godly friends. These are the Christian brothers and sisters who will laugh, cry, and empathize with us. Above all, believers need friends who will continually point them to God and pray over them.
We can't deny feelings of loneliness, nor can we run from them. A person who seeks ways to escape those feelings only broadens the gap between the Lord and himself. There is just one way to close the chasm and conquer loneliness—by drawing near to the Lord.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
When We Are Lonely
Hebrews 13:1-5
God created humanity for companionship with Himself and each other. He doesn't want people to suffer the emotional turmoil of loneliness. That's why His Word contains pledges of His constant presence as well as instructions to prevent loneliness among church members.
The Lord stressed His constant presence because He knows our need for assurance, especially when we feel deserted or isolated. His vow never to forsake believers is found throughout the Bible: He spoke this comforting word to Joshua, the Israelites, and the disciples who were about to witness Jesus' ascension (Josh. 1:5; Matt. 28:20). Some biblical saints picked up the theme in their writing as well. David often sought God's solace (Ps. 25:16). And Paul preached that nothing compared to drawing close to Christ (Phil. 3:8). God wants every believer to implicitly trust that He is near.
The church is designed to meet our need for person-to-person intimacy. A spiritual body works much like a human body—parts are both independent and interdependent, each needing others in order to function well. We require support from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Knowing this, Paul admonished people to accept one another (Rom. 15:7), bear each other's burdens (Gal. 6:2), and avoid judging (Rom. 14:13).
Loneliness can cripple a person emotionally and spiritually. Human beings are not designed to walk through this world alone. We are made for relationship, which God gladly supplies. Lest we forget that the Lord is near, He gave the Bible this consistent theme: I love you and I am with you always.
God created humanity for companionship with Himself and each other. He doesn't want people to suffer the emotional turmoil of loneliness. That's why His Word contains pledges of His constant presence as well as instructions to prevent loneliness among church members.
The Lord stressed His constant presence because He knows our need for assurance, especially when we feel deserted or isolated. His vow never to forsake believers is found throughout the Bible: He spoke this comforting word to Joshua, the Israelites, and the disciples who were about to witness Jesus' ascension (Josh. 1:5; Matt. 28:20). Some biblical saints picked up the theme in their writing as well. David often sought God's solace (Ps. 25:16). And Paul preached that nothing compared to drawing close to Christ (Phil. 3:8). God wants every believer to implicitly trust that He is near.
The church is designed to meet our need for person-to-person intimacy. A spiritual body works much like a human body—parts are both independent and interdependent, each needing others in order to function well. We require support from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Knowing this, Paul admonished people to accept one another (Rom. 15:7), bear each other's burdens (Gal. 6:2), and avoid judging (Rom. 14:13).
Loneliness can cripple a person emotionally and spiritually. Human beings are not designed to walk through this world alone. We are made for relationship, which God gladly supplies. Lest we forget that the Lord is near, He gave the Bible this consistent theme: I love you and I am with you always.
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Affliction of Paul
It's easy to assume that problems in biblical days looked totally different from those facing us today. So you might wonder what a first-century missionary can teach us about triumphing over adversity.
Though Paul's culture was quite different from ours, some things remain the same—like temptation, hardship, persecution, and sin. Satan never changes either. Therefore, when the apostle wrote of being burdened beyond his strength, he had experience to back up his words.
Paul "despaired of life," but he trusted in a God who raises the dead. In other words, he believed the Lord would sustain him during that season of conflict. How could he be certain? Paul learned to trust the Lord during affliction in the same way that we do, he was thrown into high-pressure situations with impossible odds and yet saw God triumph. We understand divine power when we reach the limits of our own strength and feel God's supernatural energy kick in.
Divine strength is more than adequate to overcome worldly hardships, satanic temptations, and consequences of sin. That isn't to say believers can avoid all sorrow and pain. Rather, we have the promise that God will meet our needs in every heartache and trial (Phil. 4:19). Our faith grows stronger when we trust Him in times of affliction.
God's strength is available to all believers who confess their weakness and inadequacy. Sometimes a troubled soul has only enough stamina left to admit, "Father, I absolutely cannot. If You don't, it is simply not going to happen." In effect, we throw ourselves upon God and wait for Him to keep His promise.
Though Paul's culture was quite different from ours, some things remain the same—like temptation, hardship, persecution, and sin. Satan never changes either. Therefore, when the apostle wrote of being burdened beyond his strength, he had experience to back up his words.
Paul "despaired of life," but he trusted in a God who raises the dead. In other words, he believed the Lord would sustain him during that season of conflict. How could he be certain? Paul learned to trust the Lord during affliction in the same way that we do, he was thrown into high-pressure situations with impossible odds and yet saw God triumph. We understand divine power when we reach the limits of our own strength and feel God's supernatural energy kick in.
Divine strength is more than adequate to overcome worldly hardships, satanic temptations, and consequences of sin. That isn't to say believers can avoid all sorrow and pain. Rather, we have the promise that God will meet our needs in every heartache and trial (Phil. 4:19). Our faith grows stronger when we trust Him in times of affliction.
God's strength is available to all believers who confess their weakness and inadequacy. Sometimes a troubled soul has only enough stamina left to admit, "Father, I absolutely cannot. If You don't, it is simply not going to happen." In effect, we throw ourselves upon God and wait for Him to keep His promise.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The King of Kings
Revelation 19:11-16
In today's passage from Revelation 19, we see Jesus exalted as the King of Kings. He is shown returning to earth to rescue His people, judge the wicked, and set up His kingdom. As heaven opens, Christ rides out on a white horse in power and great glory. This appearance is nothing like His quiet arrival in Bethlehem as a helpless baby. This time, "every eye will see Him" (Rev. 1:7), as He comes to bring inescapable judgment.
The exalted King is not coming alone. The armies of heaven—who are clothed in the white linen of the bride of Christ (vv. 7-8)—are following Him on white horses. If you are a Christian, you will be in this army of saints and angels. This describes the fulfillment of the promise that says believers are going to rule and reign with Him (Rev. 5:10).
One day, Jesus will literally reign on this earth as King. But even before that time, He comes to rule in the heart of every believer. Sometimes Christians try to keep Him in the role of Savior, but salvation is just the beginning of all the blessings that the Lord has in store for us. Only in submission and obedience to Christ's authority will we be transformed into His image and live a life worthy of His rewards (22:12).
In all practicality, who is the king of your life? Who guides your decisions and directs your path? The Creator has a plan and purpose for you, which can be discovered only by living under Christ's authority. May His kingdom come, and His will be done on earth and in your heart.
In today's passage from Revelation 19, we see Jesus exalted as the King of Kings. He is shown returning to earth to rescue His people, judge the wicked, and set up His kingdom. As heaven opens, Christ rides out on a white horse in power and great glory. This appearance is nothing like His quiet arrival in Bethlehem as a helpless baby. This time, "every eye will see Him" (Rev. 1:7), as He comes to bring inescapable judgment.
The exalted King is not coming alone. The armies of heaven—who are clothed in the white linen of the bride of Christ (vv. 7-8)—are following Him on white horses. If you are a Christian, you will be in this army of saints and angels. This describes the fulfillment of the promise that says believers are going to rule and reign with Him (Rev. 5:10).
One day, Jesus will literally reign on this earth as King. But even before that time, He comes to rule in the heart of every believer. Sometimes Christians try to keep Him in the role of Savior, but salvation is just the beginning of all the blessings that the Lord has in store for us. Only in submission and obedience to Christ's authority will we be transformed into His image and live a life worthy of His rewards (22:12).
In all practicality, who is the king of your life? Who guides your decisions and directs your path? The Creator has a plan and purpose for you, which can be discovered only by living under Christ's authority. May His kingdom come, and His will be done on earth and in your heart.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Exalted Lord of the Revelation
Revelation 1:9-20
Revelation may be the most ignored book of the New Testament simply because it can be difficult to understand. But to avoid the treasures found within this book is to miss some of the richest descriptions of our Lord that Scripture offers. We love seeing Him as the baby in the manger, and we recognize the importance of His death and resurrection, but the story doesn't end there.
John was given a dramatic vision of the exalted Lord as He is now in heaven. Even though the apostle had shared an intimate friendship with Christ on earth, the sight of His Lord in this glorified state caused him to pass out in fear (v. 17).
In the heavenly scene, Jesus is portrayed as the Lord of His church, in the midst of the lampstands. He watches over them, preserving, protecting, and admonishing when necessary.
A few chapters later, in Revelation 5:1-14, Jesus is shown to be the Lamb of God, who, as our High Priest, sacrificed Himself on our behalf. His blood purchased redemption for people from every place and time, so that they could become citizens of His kingdom. All heaven erupts into praise and worship when Christ is found to be the only one worthy to end this age and set up His righteous kingdom (v. 13).
If you are a believer in Christ, you are reading about your future. Picture yourself in the scene, seeing Jesus as the exalted Lord and Lamb of God. The praises described in Revelation 5:9-14 are coming from your mouth! Let this glimpse of the future shape your worship and focus this week.
Revelation may be the most ignored book of the New Testament simply because it can be difficult to understand. But to avoid the treasures found within this book is to miss some of the richest descriptions of our Lord that Scripture offers. We love seeing Him as the baby in the manger, and we recognize the importance of His death and resurrection, but the story doesn't end there.
John was given a dramatic vision of the exalted Lord as He is now in heaven. Even though the apostle had shared an intimate friendship with Christ on earth, the sight of His Lord in this glorified state caused him to pass out in fear (v. 17).
In the heavenly scene, Jesus is portrayed as the Lord of His church, in the midst of the lampstands. He watches over them, preserving, protecting, and admonishing when necessary.
A few chapters later, in Revelation 5:1-14, Jesus is shown to be the Lamb of God, who, as our High Priest, sacrificed Himself on our behalf. His blood purchased redemption for people from every place and time, so that they could become citizens of His kingdom. All heaven erupts into praise and worship when Christ is found to be the only one worthy to end this age and set up His righteous kingdom (v. 13).
If you are a believer in Christ, you are reading about your future. Picture yourself in the scene, seeing Jesus as the exalted Lord and Lamb of God. The praises described in Revelation 5:9-14 are coming from your mouth! Let this glimpse of the future shape your worship and focus this week.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Call for a Believer
2 Timothy 2:20-21
Some time ago, God temporarily allowed me to have such physical ailments that I could do nothing but lie in bed. At first, this felt frustrating, but eventually I began to realize His plan for this trial. Life had become too busy for me to hear something the Lord needed to tell me. He certainly managed to get my attention by stilling my physical body!
After leading us to salvation, God still has work to do in our lives. If we listen carefully, we'll be able to hear our Father directing us in three ways.
First, the Lord calls us to sanctification, which means being set apart by Him and for Him. Through His Spirit, He continually reminds us to use His power and resources so we can obey and live righteously.
Second, He calls us to service. God has planned good works for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10); He gives us abilities, time, and resources for that purpose.
Third, He calls us to accountability. Romans 14:12 teaches that one day we all will "give an account" of how we used the resources God placed at our disposal. This report will be based on two factors: the truth we've heard and the opportunities that were available. So we should be sure to listen daily as our heavenly Father reminds us to utilize everything we have for His glory.
Has life become so hectic that God's voice is inaudible? Foster your own ability to listen by spending time in the Word and by waiting for answers when you pray. And teach your children to tune in so they can hear Him too. What a waste it would be to tackle life without guidance from above.
Some time ago, God temporarily allowed me to have such physical ailments that I could do nothing but lie in bed. At first, this felt frustrating, but eventually I began to realize His plan for this trial. Life had become too busy for me to hear something the Lord needed to tell me. He certainly managed to get my attention by stilling my physical body!
After leading us to salvation, God still has work to do in our lives. If we listen carefully, we'll be able to hear our Father directing us in three ways.
First, the Lord calls us to sanctification, which means being set apart by Him and for Him. Through His Spirit, He continually reminds us to use His power and resources so we can obey and live righteously.
Second, He calls us to service. God has planned good works for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10); He gives us abilities, time, and resources for that purpose.
Third, He calls us to accountability. Romans 14:12 teaches that one day we all will "give an account" of how we used the resources God placed at our disposal. This report will be based on two factors: the truth we've heard and the opportunities that were available. So we should be sure to listen daily as our heavenly Father reminds us to utilize everything we have for His glory.
Has life become so hectic that God's voice is inaudible? Foster your own ability to listen by spending time in the Word and by waiting for answers when you pray. And teach your children to tune in so they can hear Him too. What a waste it would be to tackle life without guidance from above.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Call of God
1 Samuel 3:2-18
As a young child, Samuel lived in the temple with his mentor, Eli the priest. One night, the boy heard his name called, so he ran to ask Eli what he wanted. The priest, however, hadn't spoken, so he sent the child back to bed. This happened two more times before Eli realized that the Lord was the one calling the boy. Then he instructed Samuel to respond by asking the Lord what He wanted.
Almighty God still speaks to us today. The first time we "hear" Him is when He calls us to salvation. The Holy Spirit makes us aware that something is missing in our life, and then He points us to Jesus Christ as the answer.
Without the Savior, we are lost and hopeless. Everyone is born with a sinful nature that's "bent" away from God. The Father, who's holy and perfect, cannot be in the presence of unholiness. Therefore, the penalty for sin is death—eternal separation from Him. But God loves us, so to correct that situation, Jesus came to earth, lived the perfect life, and died as a substitute for mankind. He took the penalty for our wrong.
Salvation is the greatest gift. To receive it, all we have to do is trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Then, He abides with us and continues to speak, guiding gently and encouraging us toward righteousness.
Have you felt God speaking to you? If so, don't delay. Ask Him to forgive your sin; then accept Christ's substitutionary sacrifice on your behalf, and choose to follow Him. Share your decision with a pastor or trusted Christian friend so that you can have guidance on this beautiful new journey.
As a young child, Samuel lived in the temple with his mentor, Eli the priest. One night, the boy heard his name called, so he ran to ask Eli what he wanted. The priest, however, hadn't spoken, so he sent the child back to bed. This happened two more times before Eli realized that the Lord was the one calling the boy. Then he instructed Samuel to respond by asking the Lord what He wanted.
Almighty God still speaks to us today. The first time we "hear" Him is when He calls us to salvation. The Holy Spirit makes us aware that something is missing in our life, and then He points us to Jesus Christ as the answer.
Without the Savior, we are lost and hopeless. Everyone is born with a sinful nature that's "bent" away from God. The Father, who's holy and perfect, cannot be in the presence of unholiness. Therefore, the penalty for sin is death—eternal separation from Him. But God loves us, so to correct that situation, Jesus came to earth, lived the perfect life, and died as a substitute for mankind. He took the penalty for our wrong.
Salvation is the greatest gift. To receive it, all we have to do is trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Then, He abides with us and continues to speak, guiding gently and encouraging us toward righteousness.
Have you felt God speaking to you? If so, don't delay. Ask Him to forgive your sin; then accept Christ's substitutionary sacrifice on your behalf, and choose to follow Him. Share your decision with a pastor or trusted Christian friend so that you can have guidance on this beautiful new journey.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Fellowship with Jesus
Luke 10:38-42
Two sisters, Mary and Martha, were busy preparing for Jesus' visit. Upon His arrival, the first sister turned her attention to Him while the second was distracted by the preparations (v. 40). She became agitated that Mary was no longer helping. We may be thinking Martha is right—if there is still work to be done, her sister should not be sitting down. Then we hear Jesus' perspective. Observing that Martha was worried and upset about many things when only one thing was needed, He said Mary had chosen what was better (v. 42).
There are some important lessons to be learned from this story. First, to have fellowship with Jesus, we may have to leave some things undone. Jesus knew how hard the women had been working and how much Martha longed to finish the tasks. But their greatest need was to spend time with Him. Their focus was to be on listening, learning, and interacting with Him.
The second lesson is that our choice to forgo an activity may be misunderstood. Martha certainly didn't comprehend her sister's decision. What's more, if we fail to take time with Him, there may be unpleasant consequences. Martha's distraction led to worry and agitation. Jesus invited her to choose the better way—namely, to be with Him.
Establishing a habit of communing with the Lord is essential to our spiritual health. Connecting with Him regularly will sharpen our focus on what is most important and help us separate what is good from God's best. Even in our daily work, we can learn how to maintain an awareness of Him.
Two sisters, Mary and Martha, were busy preparing for Jesus' visit. Upon His arrival, the first sister turned her attention to Him while the second was distracted by the preparations (v. 40). She became agitated that Mary was no longer helping. We may be thinking Martha is right—if there is still work to be done, her sister should not be sitting down. Then we hear Jesus' perspective. Observing that Martha was worried and upset about many things when only one thing was needed, He said Mary had chosen what was better (v. 42).
There are some important lessons to be learned from this story. First, to have fellowship with Jesus, we may have to leave some things undone. Jesus knew how hard the women had been working and how much Martha longed to finish the tasks. But their greatest need was to spend time with Him. Their focus was to be on listening, learning, and interacting with Him.
The second lesson is that our choice to forgo an activity may be misunderstood. Martha certainly didn't comprehend her sister's decision. What's more, if we fail to take time with Him, there may be unpleasant consequences. Martha's distraction led to worry and agitation. Jesus invited her to choose the better way—namely, to be with Him.
Establishing a habit of communing with the Lord is essential to our spiritual health. Connecting with Him regularly will sharpen our focus on what is most important and help us separate what is good from God's best. Even in our daily work, we can learn how to maintain an awareness of Him.
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