Can It Get Worse?

WARNING! Watching the news on Christmas Day could be hazardous to your outlook on life if you are not careful.

Headlines told us 43 people were killed waiting for food at a relief center in Pakistan and U.N. experts tell us to expect a rise in violence in Afghanistan.

The Cholera epidemic in Haiti caused so much distress that 45 people were lynched as paranoia grips the tiny nation. Experts say to watch for a major tsunami to hit the Pacific at a massive earthquake and the possibility of war on the Korean peninsula is almost a sure deal.

Iraq certainly figures into the overall scheme of world issues as the new incoming government is requesting U.S. Troops to stay past the scheduled 2011 departure.

Even with an increase in Christmas spending there is guarded optimism, even skepticism that the ailing U.S. economy reports are not as good as we are being told. But hold on, the reality of this decaying world should not be compared against our human view but rather against the backdrop of God’s sovereignty and His faithfulness.

If you are expecting the news to get better, don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t, but if you are looking for God to come through again, then you will not be disappointed.

So, what else can I say but “Happy New Year!”

What A View

As the international Space Station orbits high above the earth, its crew experiences something we the earthbound cannot. Every day the crew of this space vehicle gets the chance to see sixteen sunrises in all of the splendor and glory. The rays of sunlight piercing the darkness, the clouds blending into the view and the shimmering bodies of water all come alive during this brief but spectacular experience.

Should the crew choose to photograph the awe inspiring view they have but just a few minutes to do so as the orbit of the earth coupled with the speed of travel of the spaceship makes these panoramas short as the next one is literally just over the horizon.

Knowing that, do you wonder if Jesus will come back in the morning, afternoon or night? It is a realistic question. This moment we long and wait for but the possibilities are endless, Phoenix, New York, London, to Moscow, New Delhi, instantaneous and yet universal!

After watching the power point presentation about this phenomenon, I couldn’t help but reflect on a Bible passage I heard and read all my life, Matthew 24:27 – “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

Many people did see Him the first time but the second time all will see and then things will be made right, this is our hope and our joy.

Hey man, there’s hope!

The plight of the 33 Chilean miners held the world in their hands for 69 days and now these brave souls have endeared themselves to the world as they emerged living and breathing. Reality of their situation set in not long after their world literally collapsed around them and it was hope of coming redemption that kept them believing until the very end.

As a Christian what happens when your world comes crashing down around you and darkness seems to hide every attribute of God? Do we look back in retrospect and realize God has never failed us in the past and He won’t now regardless of how bad things look. Can we look at the aspect of where we are at knowing these dark times never last forever even though they seem like they do? Is the prospect of the future as bright as the promises of God’s word and faithfulness enough of a reality to keep us hold on until help arrives?

It has been said that the hardest part of faith is the last half hour and I am sure those miners had to feel that way. God’s word lets us know that we are a work in progress with an expected end – Philippians 1:6 – “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” N.K.J.

So, when things are at their worst, when it seems the darkest and there is no way out, remember the saying, “Hey man there’s hope,” and remember help is on the way.

It Will Happen

There is a new insurance commercial being played on TV that portrays a very serene scenario. It shows fury little creatures coasting in the river on the back of a crocodile, one of nature’s most vicious predators. Even more unique are the lions seen frolicking with zebras and leopards ever so playful with the ostrich. The concept is feeling safe because of good insurance coverage.

Most would look at the commercial and muse at the possibility, some would sneer with pessimism while other would still long for a world that could be at such rest. The reality is not to be mused or sneered at but it certainly brings hope to those who trust in the Messiahship of Jesus when He comes to rule and reign on the earth.

God’s word is full of scriptures defining a time of not just peace but a time where people won’t even learn of war, as well as a time where even the animal kingdom will cease from its turmoil.

The insurance commercial might not have meant to promote a biblical concept such as the millennium but the reality is undeniable! Wars, rumors of wars, oil spills, famine, pestilence, and every type of natural disaster, corrupt leaders and terrorists all must submit to the righteous reign of Jesus in the millennium. Rest assured in spite of all that is going on.  He will come and only He will reign. Rejoice my friends, it will happen.