Happy Ending…
Don’t you love a good book? Fiction or non-fiction – written well, I can’t get enough. Especially the happy ending ones.
The book of John ends this way: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25 NIV)
John wrote his first hand account of Jesus’ ministry on earth. He wrote down the things the Holy Spirit instructed him to write. But as he reflected on his finished work, there were so many things left unwritten. Enough to fill volumes. Because every single thing Jesus did while here, was a story in itself. A life story.
On this side of the timeline of John’s gospel I can confidently say, that the whole universe would not have room for all the books that could be written – because what Jesus did, did not end.
He’s still working. Still writing the story of you, of me. Countless souls whose lives He has impacted, each with a unique story of the Jesus who saves. John also wrote the last book of the Bible: Revelation. Towards the end of the last chapter Jesus says: “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:12-13 NIV)
Though the books we read here on earth end, Jesus’ story never does. And if you have Him as Lord & Savior, yours doesn’t either. What we have is not a happy ending – we have a glorious beginning that does not reach an end. Because forever, eternity, can’t end.
Time to let Jesus write our stories – let Him add our volume to the countless others. This story may have heartaches, adventures, pitfalls, failures, joys, excitement – but threaded through the story of every Jesus follower is this: HOPE. Because this life is just a beginning and its conclusion here on earth is not the end.
“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (1John 2:17 NIV)
Written…
Easter is a few short days away. It will be the first one (since becoming a Christian) that I have not been in church celebrating all that this remembrance means.
I’m hoping there’s a lot less bunnies and colored eggs this year – and a lot more Bibles open and crosses displayed.
Open Bible…in it is the answer to every question. Many will scoff at that statement. I assure you that without Jesus as Savior you will not find answers. With Jesus, whatever burdens your heart, the promises and the power contained in this Book heal each one. It covers the beginning of earth’s time to the end of its days. “In the beginning God created” to “what must soon take place” (Genesis 1:1a, Revelation 1:1b NIV)
Do you know that each and every day of your life was written by God before you ever took your first breath? “All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16 NIV)
Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one to Covid 19 or fearing for your own life in the face of it, know this truth: there is purpose in each of our days. We can’t waste one. A life lived seeking out and fulfilling God’s purpose on earth is a life that is never cut short. For whether it lasted a few short years or reached the century mark, it is precious.
Decide today who you will live for. Will it be for self – or for Jesus? The answer does indeed have an impact – not just for you but for all who cross your path. To decide there is no God, deny the very one who makes your next breath possible – makes celebrating Easter (Christmas) meaningless. Might as well take a nap. To decide every day is one the Lord has made, I will rejoice in them – makes Easter all the more meaning-full.
There is no celebration like it. For this celebration says: God did make me. God does have plan. I do have a purpose. This world, a mere handful of years, isn’t all there is. The answer to all questions: Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, rose from the dead – and now we can live forever.
That answer is all we need, no matter what we are facing. It is written so that we may know true love. Love that gives such freedom that we can blow it and still find room in forever. Will you accept such a great love today?
Living Now…
Day to day life is a bit different lately. A lot more thought given to running a quick errand, and here in Florida, no more beach trips for the time being – or any fun places for that matter.
But the living is a bit sweeter. Family takes on a whole new meaning. Playing games, doing puzzles, a lot more walks. Bittersweet too – those we love who aren’t right here, we can’t go to (for now).
That’s just it – it’s all for now. For now we weather the Covid19 crisis. Incomes go down or disappear – for now. Travel halts – for now. No more eating out – for now. No more friends over – for now. For now, we wait. Kinda like the waiting for Jesus: “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.” (Philippians 3:20 NLT)
Sometimes the results of the wait seem so far away. I have a grandson I can’t see right now. I may miss another grandson’s graduation because large gatherings may not return for quite some time. I want to see them – and their parents – and the wait is hard.
It’s the trusting that leads to the joy. The trusting that leads to the forever. Where our soul no longer waits in anticipation of what will be. Where we no longer fret over what could have been. “Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of your souls.” (1Peter 1:8b-9 NLT)
So here’s a new focus for us: Instead of focusing on what isn’t on the store shelves or where we can’t go, what about a Jesus focus? Do we think He doesn’t see this, is powerless to change it? No, but our world of instant everything would love for us to doubt. ‘Where is your Jesus now?’ it may ask.
Right where He’s always been. Dwelling in the hearts of those who surrender their ‘now’ to Him so they can have His forever. “In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.“ (1Peter 1:3-6 NIV)
Unsettling…
Normal is no more. Years of normal definitely tell me this isn’t it. Sheltering in place – like during a storm, only the weather isn’t the issue. Covering faces and hands. Avoiding hugging, not getting close. Jobs gone in a matter of days.
Unsettling really doesn’t do much justice to the way many are feeling. Anxiousness has a way of pulling us inward. Then we forget, as we scan nearly empty shelves, that others wandering the same aisles are in search of something to make them feel more secure. And a loaf of bread won’t do it.
But here’s what we need to remember – this isn’t where we’re supposed to settle, to call home, to rest in. “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14 NLT)
Yet to come – promised, sure, everlasting. A home where there is no more Covid-19 (nor anything like it).
Doesn’t it come down to this: laid bare, all our soul really longs for is an end to evil, strife, heartache, pain? This is not to be on earth. It is to be someday. Don’t miss it. Do you know this Jesus who promised? Promised to never leave us, forsake us. Promised to prepare a forever home for us – full of joy, endless wonder.
“When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:3 NLT)
So do not fear a virus. Fear not knowing there truly is more than this world. Be so very sure that even in the unsettled moments, your eyes automatically look up. Up to the One who is not surprised by any storm – weather or disease or lost job or any of the pains common to our world.
He lived them, walked among them – lovingly healed the blind, touched the leper, spoke calmly to the woman about to be stoned. In an instant, love like that, heals all. That love can heal you too – maybe not here, maybe not right now. But in eternity.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)
What Next?
I woke up early (too early) recently and found my mind drifting to insignificant things and becoming irritated easily. Getting up, I sat in the dark – and though it took a while, I figured it out.
Anxiety. Whether it’s corona virus or our children or our finances or whatever, we’re all just a little on edge right now. And what my heart knows and has to send up to my head is this: God knows and He’s in control.
Oh that sounds so trite, so Christian-ese – to the world. But to me, a Jesus follower, Truth has a way of saying: ‘those little things you were fretting over, those things that could hurt a relationship, those things that have no eternal value – let them go’. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
Since sin invaded human hearts there have been plagues, devastation, destruction. Covid-19 isn’t a new thing, it’s one of many of the devolving aspects of this fallen world. Remember Jesus saying, ‘In this world you will have trouble’? He wasn’t kidding. This world is, has been, will be on a downward spiral til He returns. Why?
Because that’s the effect of broken relationship with God. But there is good news, make that great news. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be and someday He will make all things new.
“And the One sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then He said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5 NLT)
So what’s next? When it comes to all the woes of this world we don’t know. But what is next for us is to keep doing next things. Things like Bible study and prayer. Things like training up our children to know God. Things like showing up for work and doing a great job. Things like loving our family well. Things like reaching out to the lost to show them hope.
As the Bible instructs, take life one day at a time. Live in such a way that God is pleased and others see Jesus in us. Seek the Holy Spirit to show us our next step and our next and do today what we can but trust in God for what we can’t. “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV)
Let’s do all our next things – one day at a time – until they add up to a lifetime well-lived.
This is the Life…
It’s different – being older. When my favorite three year old comes over and we come up with ideas of what to do next we both go full speed saying: “Let’s do it!”
I think at three there is only one speed – full throttle. But at grammy age I’m looking for slow motion. Wanting to see the most of the times I’m living right now. A knowing that it passes in a flash and that time isn’t a given.
So I run after one year old wonder and three year old adventure – and climb lighthouses with loved ones who haven’t started aching (yet). This is the life. The one given to us by the One who knew us before time – and who promises time truly is endless with Him. “Those who obey the LORD are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever.” (Psalm 37:18 CEV)
The camera on my phone doesn’t do justice to the joy – glory – wonder of what I’m trying to capture.
Jesus vision is what we need. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) Easter is a few short weeks away. You and I see the cross and the pain and the separation – as if it’s an end. Jesus saw joy. Knowing that though this was a bitter way to prove His love, it was the only way. This was the life, on earth, that He lived for us.
And so I want to live this life well. I want to live it in a way that shouts ‘I love Jesus’. I want the joy set before me, eternity, to be the expression on my face daily. I want the glory of what is to come to be what my little guys remember about me. “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4 NIV)
In wonder let’s wander these days. Speaking with our lives life to those who watch us. For we are always being watched – by those close to us, those at work, in line at the store, and by our Father.
Let’s live knowing, indeed, it is ‘well with our soul’.
Quiet…
Deep in thought lately, needing time before putting it into words. Ever have times like that? Times where you just have to – need to – be a little quiet?
I’m kind of loud sometimes. Life is loud lots of times. But God speaks in the quiet. I love this: “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17 NIV) No righteousness of our own – a righteousness lived out for us, sacrificed for us, once – for all and forever.
And confidence? Forever? Yes, I’ll take that free gift too. Thanking Jesus for the knowledge that if we will trust in the quiet of Him, then in the midst of the loud storms and crazy life turns, we will be confident.
But what can we be confident of? “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26 NIV)
Yes, He is good. Our hope is in Him and we can be confident that eternity is ours. That this day, this life isn’t all there is.
We’re waiting for the return of God’s Son – to bring about all that the Bible tells us from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. From “In the beginning God” to “The grace of the Lord Jesus”.
Grace – a word our world is far from. No overlooking any wrongs, no room for differing opinions, no room for genuine love or forgiveness.
And yet the sure promises of the Lord, penned by the Holy Spirit, remind us of the grace that is true and is ours. “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
So the quiet we need comes from Grace and Righteousness, that of Jesus – a quiet that isn’t about noise level but about a life that is restful, serene because it is lived trusting God and lived pleasing Him. Yes, in quietness I will still my soul. (Psalm 131:2 NIV)
Forever…
Some moments we just wish wouldn’t end. Moments like when a three year old puts his arm around your neck and says: “Grammy I stay with you forever!”
In the midst of laughter and fun come heart-felt words spoken by the innocence of childhood. Forever – just how long is that? Life here on earth is brief. When we’re three it seems like it’s long, but when we’re grammy age we look back and wonder how it can be so very short.
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14 NIV)
Deep in our souls, Christ followers or not, we know this earth life isn’t all there is. But many forfeit eternity – refusing to believe there is any God other than self. So many seizing as much fulfillment here (no matter the cost), because soul deep also is the knowledge that what can be seen – this earthly pursuit – doesn’t last.
“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2Corinthians 4:18 CSB)
What I want my grandchildren to know is this: this isn’t all there is, and where eternity is spent is a decision. The most important choice one will ever make.
Someday either we will all wear out our earthly bodies or be here when Jesus returns. To live life saying there is no God is the most hopeless life there is. Looking forward only to a weary body that will take a final breath is truly depressing. Ignoring it all and just putting one day after another behind you is foolish.
Time to make a choice – find eternal life or forfeit it. Joy, not happiness, but joy is found in knowing God. For in knowing Him there is peace that there is forever – one without sorrow, pain, or death. And it’s where the one who told you at three he would be with you forever, really will be.
“And this is the way to have eternal life – to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth.” (John 17:3 NLT)
Just Ask…
When I was young I was teased a lot about being quiet. I came to truly dislike the ‘cat got your tongue’ phrase. I was a listener.
I prefer the intimacy of relationships. There would be friends and family alike who would be surprised I was ever teased about being at a loss for words. Now, on the other end of the age spectrum, the power of words, spoken and written, never ceases to amaze me. I still blow it with mine at times.
I’m always awed by the authority of God-inspired words, those spoken by Jesus, written by those emboldened by the Holy Spirit. Powerful – life giving – life transforming – the final authority on all things. “For the Word of God is living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12a NIV)
A powerful use of words – often overlooked – is prayer. I’m completing a twelve week study of just what prayer is. About half-way through as I struggled with an issue, I could feel God saying to my heart: ‘Just ask – what do you want?’ No way was God saying He was going to instantly answer or even answer the way I think He should. But the message was: just spill your heart, get it out. No flowery words, no trying to guess what would be best to pray – just looking to my Father and simply saying: ‘This is my heart’s desire.’
So simple, but my prayers have never been the same since. The peace of the simplicity and knowing that He hears every prayer has been amazing. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV)
He knows our heart, He knows our needs, He knows what is best. We are children, His children, He just wants us to come to Him. No pretenses, no promises, no hidden agenda. He knows it all anyway. How sweet the time spent just being child-like and telling God our hearts.
It’s time to stop trying to tell Him how He should work things out. Stop trying to find words that might make it happen our way. Time now to just ask – just trust – just pray. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 BSB)
Walls…
Chalk made train tracks, tricycle raceways, and roads for tiny trucks – my creative abilities have increased. While building tunnels for little boys is an adventure – I’ve recently put up some protective walls that need to be torn down.
This Christian walk is new and challenging every day. Just when I think I’m in that sweet spot, I find myself at odds with decisions I’ve made. When was it ok in my heart and mind to avoid controversy or confrontation because that makes life easier for me. Just when was it that the One I follow ever did that?
Learning lately that there is no encounter that can’t be turned into glory for God. If I will just trust in the victory of the risen Jesus, He will surely bring great things out of all today’s moments. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Corinthians 15:57 NIV)
We discount the power of the Holy Spirit in us and so that power is diminished. We believe miracles are only in Bible stories and so in our lives we miss them. We forget that victory isn’t in the future, Jesus has already triumphed – meaning we always win (even if in our clouded view it may not appear that way).
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1John 4:4 NIV)
So then it’s not okay to shrink back from speaking truth into a loved one’s life – it’s not okay to avoid the ‘Jesus’ conversation with the unbeliever – it’s not okay to leave any circumstance to chance because prayer is always a sure thing.
The key is praying about everything all the time. Sounds so unrealistic. But it boils down to realizing it’s life. Life for us, for those we love, for those we see hurting. A life-line.
Breath is not a guarantee but for a God who holds all life in His hands and grants that next inhale. He calls us to seek Him only – for those who call on His Name will never be abandoned. Let’s tear down walls of protection and invite the One who has all our todays and tomorrows to be our Courage, our Defender, our Life for those we so badly need to reach for Him.
parisrenae 