This past year I couldn't go down to the pier in Pismo without some guy coming to me screaming about "Judgement Day"! I decided one day when with one of the high schoolers to engage with this guy. He went on and on about no one being worthy because we are sinners, and that I would be judged for who I am. That I need to be ready and that I should not be so carefree with my life. He proceeded to tell me that I had until May 21st to decide. Here I was thinking "okay, this guy is kinda looney, and scaring Noel.... we are done". However, it was another one of those divine appointments, and obvious answers... so I proceeded while protectively standing in front of Noel; "You are right... we will face God. I don't know when, but I know I will. I also know I have eternal life because I have a relationship with Jesus. Do I deserve one? No. But does he love me enough to die for me and want one with me? yes." It became a short debate that ended with my saying "We don't need your literature. We stand firmly on the Word of God." This man we encountered is one of very many that have heard the words of Family Christian Radio leader, Harold Camping... and he is very deceived.
Walking away I recalled the beginning of an old DC Talk song... "the main cause of Atheism today, is Christians. They speak it with their mouth, and turn around and deny Him by their lifestyle!". How true. I can't say I have never been that way. I am a sinner. I also know this, and accept this, and realize nothing can save me from me. Jesus can, and He did. In my 26 years of life, I still can't fully comprehend the gravity of God's love. Love that truly is unconditional and sacrificial. I believe it though.I have seen God work in my life; I am alive against many trials and odds. I have gone through open-heart surgery, where the odds (medically speaking) were not in my favor. God does not do things explainable to medicine. Obviously, God has had a plan for my life. How many fender benders, semi-trucks, and guard rails have I encountered (one of each actually)... and I have survived. I have been blessed by God's provision. I have had God's hand on me through heart surgery, almost losing my leg, a rough few years as a kid, he has provided when there didn't seem to be any other way. Unexplainable things.... to us....are all fathomable when God is in the equation.
So,in that... do I know I am loved unconditionally by God? Yes. I can't do anything on my own to be worthy enough. Even if I never had a bad thought... I would still sin in some other way. But God paid it. I remember Pastor Tonye said something (well lots of things that have stuck with me for years) about God's love "He is head over heels crazy in love with us!" It is active all the time. He loves us to death-- literally. And yet we take it forgranted. He also said that when we stand before God we will be told "Job well done good and faithful servant"... and we will live in eternity of utter worship... how uncomprehensible! I mean can you imagine that?? I can't. It's exciting and scary all at the same time. The moment we have been waiting for will come, and yet the fear comes from wondering if I will be ready. Will I have done all that God wanted me to do. Will I truly have lived up to being called a "Servant". Will I have loved those God wanted me to love and show that? Am I a good witness with my life at work? Around my friends? I don't need to wear a t-shirt around all day that says "Jesus Freak", but live a life that stands out from the world. The best way to share Jesus.... is to love how he did. Love each person and live like he is coming back tomorrow... because essentially he COULD. He could come back in 10 minutes or in 2 weeks, or in 30 years.... we do not know the day or hour he will come... not even his angels know. While, I am saddened that a man is using God's name for his own agenda to try and start panic, and getting millions of dollars doing it... I wonder if sadly his heart truly believes it... that he is deceiving people, and attaching God's name to it. Instead of mocking this man and saying how crazy he is or horrible... these are the people we pray for. That they would come to know God truly, not a God of wrath but a God of love, a God who saves... a God who will give you a million and one chances while you are alive. A God who wants more than anything a relationship. When things like this come up... it is a reminder that God will come back! I don't know when...only God knows...and all I can do is live my life and I pray it is honoring to Him. That he knows my heart. I pray I am being obedient to Him in how I live my life, and serving Him just with how I live my life. I hope I have made an impact for Christ, for His glory.I pray I can better fathom God's love and fully understand God... but I know that comes with knowing Him more and more. I want to be the Christian that atheists don't go "Another one of those crackpots", but rather "What is different? Where does her peace come from?".
What can I do better to ensure a "Well done, good and faithful servant". Nothing will make me any more or less worthy-- just loving Him, following Him with my life... and being obedient. Realizing it is a relationship, between me and God. I pray for our country and world... it is not pretty anymore, and hasn't been for awhile. I pray for God's protection over us, his children, in these times. The economy is creating a lot of uncertainty for people out there, and illness is coming over people, and futures are uncertain for people... I pray for His peace and comfort. That even in the hard times our joy would be overflowing. We would focus on the eternal and not the "right here, right now." I pray for false teachers and leaders whom will lead those astray that they would be convicted by God and healed and make things right with God. That Christians would unite and share Jesus and his love and grace and mercy with the nations!
So yes, Jesus could come back tomorrow! Or today. Or in a week or a month or a year. Either way... I pray I will be ready, and I pray I would fully understand and take in all of the love, joy, peace, grace, and mercy that is God.It began with God...it will end with God. There should not be fear, but peace!
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