We are in an awful mess, and it is not just the US.

The mess is so bad we cannot fix it We can work on it around the edges, and, perhaps, made a little improvement, but we cannot solve the underlying issues.

What do we do?

We keep on keeping on, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and striving to live godly lives, pleasing God.

And, like Habakkuk, we determine right now, no matter what, no matter how bad it gets, that we will praise God. No matter what.

Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Press on!

Jesus came to the disciples walking on the water toward their boat. The disciples were terrified and cried out in fear. But then Peter said:

“Lord if* is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing, the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him … (Matthew 14:28-31)

Peter was the only one of the 12 who got out of the boat.

Peter was doing great as long as he was looking at Jesus and NOT seeing the wind. But, when he looked at the wind and no longer looked at Jesus, he began to sink.

Every single one of us has looked at the wind instead of at Jesus. When we’re in some sort of trouble, or when we’re waiting for important news, or whatever, we may be peaceful, relying on our loving sovereign. But as soon as we look away, KABLAM! We sink.

Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus!

Look at Jesus, don’t look away.

~~~

*I’ve read the “if” in this context is a Greek first-class condition and could (should?) be translated: “Lord, since it is You…”

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We see a lot of love stories among athletes and celebrities on various media. And, of course, lots of love stories in novels and films. Some even seem to be true!

Today is Easter, part of the real love story of the ages:  God loves His people.* 

His love for us started before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

He spoke to us in the prophets, telling us about Himself, and setting the stage for His Son (Hebrews 1:1).

In the fullness of time, Jesus—Eternal God—was born to a woman. This is incredible, but true. God came in the flesh. This is a genuine love story. Jesus gave up exercising His rights as God out of His love for the Father and for us. Jesus, fully God, fully man, lived with us, manifesting the Father (John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-8, Hebrews 1:2).

Jesus lived a perfect life, then sacrificed Himself to reconcile believers to God. We all were God’s enemies, but through Jesus, through His sacrifice, through God’s work in us to bring us to repentance and belief, we are now God’s beloved children (Romans 5:6-10).

The love story continues. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit was sent, which began the church. The Holy Spirit dwells in all believers, having come to us when we trusted in Christ (John 14:15-18; Ephesians 1:13-14).

And now Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us (Romans 8:34). The Holy Spirit, dwelling in us, prays for us (Romans 8:26-27).

We, living in a fallen world with all these difficulties and trauma, are being guided and protected. God, through His providence, brings good out of all things in our lives, making us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29).

And the love story continues, because He has given us eternal life. We will be glorified. We will be holy and blameless before Him. There will be no sin in heaven. (Romans 8:30; Ephesians 1:4)

And we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

It is Easter! He is risen!

Praise Almighty God!

~~~~~

*I’m focusing on those who God redeemed. He does love the world, and provides common grace to those who haven’t believed, but this post is about those who have repented and believed in Jesus Christ.

We can think of lots of examples of miscarriage of justice, where the innocent are punished or the guilty go free. Or, in general, where there are no consequences, or the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.

An “acquitted murderer.” A violent rioter who damaged property or people and wasn’t charged or was charged but immediately set free. A person flagrantly violating God’s precepts, but lecturing us on morality. Or someone honoring God and charged with a crime. Oh well, build your own list.

Even when a person is correctly found guilty, of murder, say, and given the death penalty, the grieving friends and family still mourn.

We long for just justice.

There is only one who can and will deliver just justice: Almighty God. Not only is He the law giver, but He knows everything, including the deepest motives, and He has the power to administer judgment.

And there is only One who can help those who are harmed. For Christians, in this world, God brings good out of these awful things (Romans 8:28). In heaven our loving sovereign will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

Come, Lord Jesus!

My husband and I have somewhat different routes for our walks, but we meet at the turn-around spot. Sometimes, when we are starting out, I say: “Meet you on the other side.” Every time I say that, I think of eternity.

We will all walk through the door to eternity.

The question is: “What is on the other side?”

God’s word is very clear: When we walk through that door, we face either eternal life or eternal condemnation.

For those of us who remain on this side and a loved one goes through that door, if our loved one is a Christian, we grieve, but also we know the bliss he or she is experiencing. But we do grieve.

For Christians on the far side of the door, there is joy and NO grief.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones. (Psalm 116:15)

I remember finding that verse jarring. Why would death be precious to God when I am mourning?

Here’s why: God’s godly one has come through the door to eternal life. His godly one is glorified, holy and blameless. His godly one now sees face-to-face. All tears are gone. No sins are present. It is heaven! Forever! God’s godly one is home.

Just be sure you are ready for that door. If you haven’t already, repent of your sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

~~

I read a sermon recently that made me laugh. He said the Narnia chronicles had the kids killed in a train crash, which, for Christian kids, was a happy ending!!!!!

Are you in an awful spot? Probably not as bad as Jeremiah’s! Read Lamentations 3:1-20.

What did Jeremiah do? What should we do?

This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion…therefore I have hope in Him. The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. (Lamentations 3:21-25)

Here is what to do when you’re in an awful spot:

Remember God’s grace to you. Remember His mighty deeds.

Seek Him.

Put your trust in His loving sovereignty.

Hope in Him.

Press on!

What do you think is the world’s biggest problem? The biggest problem in your country?

Do you think the biggest problem is the people in office? The climate? The economy? Racial issues?

Whatever you think is the biggest problem, you are apt to think the solution is related to that issue.

You might choose to focus on electing other people Or agitate for whatever is thought to improve the climate. Or promote changes designed to strengthen the economy. Or join a group to protest racism.

Beware! The biggest problem, the problem underlying EVERY problem is sin.

What are you doing about sin? In yourself? In helping others see their own jeopardy with respect to sin?

Sin is the world’s biggest problem.

“God is my Co-Pilot” says a bumper sticker.

Uh-Oh!

God is God! Jesus Christ IS Lord.

Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

Christians

If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

When a person repents and believes in Jesus Christ, he or she receives Him as Lord and Savior. He is eternally Lord and Savior. He is Lord of all.

While, as we grow in the Lord, we increasingly submit to His Lordship, He is, now and eternally, Lord.

When ww ask Him for guidance, do we think of Him as giving advice or issuing commands? Are we going to do what He says? Or do we think of Him as giving us good counsel? Do we think of Him as under retainer, available to us when we think we need Him?

He is our (believers) Lord!

Those who reject Christ

For those who reject Christ, one day they will confess Him as Lord. But too late. They are headed to hell.

At the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and … every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)

So NOW

Repent! Believe! Receive Him as Lord and Savior.

Determine to live your life under His Lordship. This, of course, is part of sanctification, and none of us are perfect. But decide to seek Him and do what He says. Just as He says.

“Not my fault” is heard in endless variations. “He hit me first.” “If she hadn’t done x, I wouldn’t have…” “It wasn’t me.” “It was her fault.” “It was his fault.” “If only I had had (this resource, this experience, this teacher, these parents)…” “If the car owner had locked his car…”

Blaming rather than taking responsibility is a huge issue in personal relationships. And in personally growing…or not.

AND WITH GOD!

Failing to take responsibility is spiritually fatal.

John the Baptist: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2)

Jesus: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)

Repentance starts when we are honest. When blame-shifting ends. Repentance requires admission of our own sinfulness, and our own failure to meet God’s requirements.

Repentance and belief function together. A person who doesn’t believe in God wouldn’t have a reason to repent. A person who believes in God knows they must repent.

ETERNAL LIFE

Jesus called us to repent and follow Him. We wouldn’t follow without belief in Him.

Following Him means we become life-long repenters.

IT IS OUR FAULT. IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

~~~

Father, help us see where we have sinned, where we need to take responsibility, where we need to repent. Help us walk in a manner worthy of You.

See also Not My Fault!

Have you ever prayed for a pony and received the entire ranch? (So to speak!)

I recently saw a potential answer to prayer that was so above and beyond, I wondered if it could possibly be true.

But we are told repeatedly that nothing is impossible for God.

And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

Not only does He love us (here I am talking about believers, those He has redeemed), but God is immeasurably gracious and giving.

We see His beyond-our-comprehension love in our daily lives and in our salvation. We don’t deserve anything but hell. But God saved us! We are bound for glory, not of ourselves, but as a gift of God. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

That is NOT too good to be true!

Praise Him!