Eternity

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July 22

Monday, July 22nd, 2024

In a world that says, “Gimme. Gimme. Gimme.”

In world that says, “Look out for #1. And oh, by the way, I’m #1.”

In a world that says, “It’s all about me.”

In a world that says, “Look in the mirror and tell yourself, ‘I’m worth it.'”

In a world that says, “Get to the top. If you have to step over people to do it, who cares.”

In a world that says, (to borrow the saying from an old commercial), “You only go around once in life. Grab all the gusto you can.”

In a world that says all that and more, Jesus comes along and says, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Mt. 16:24-26 NLT)

The words of Jesus are in direct opposition to what we are being told. “It’s all about me” vs “Give your life away.” “Get to the top” vs “Give up your life.” “Grab for it all here” vs “If you gain the whole world and lose your soul it’s not worth it.”

Again I ask: Can any two lifestyles be more in opposition to each other than these? I think not. And IMHO Jesus put the result right out there: gain the world and lose your soul. And then the devastating question: “Is anything worth more than your soul?”

I believe the answer is an obvious NO. Temporal vs eternal. Success here vs life there. I’ll take Jesus’ option. Every. time. How about you?

Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Decisions, Eternity, Jesus, Leadership, Lifestyle, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection, Scripture look

July 15

Monday, July 15th, 2024

“Every man dies. Not every man lives.” (William Wallace in Braveheart)

I can remember the first time I watched Braveheart. I was working my way through the book Wild at Heart by John Eldredge and I was being challenged to be really alive and how many men miss doing just that. I found myself reminiscing and asking myself if I had ever felt really alive. My answer is private but my reaction to the quote revolutionized how I looked at life from the point on. I have been posting about reading Greg Murtha’s book, Out of the Blue. In chapter 12, titled “My Final Chapter” Greg opened up with this blurb: When I check out of hotel Earth, please don’t say, ‘Greg lost his battle with cancer.’ That will not be the truth. No, when that time comes, when I get to the front of the line, it will be a point in time when I have never been more alive, and it will be an epic win.” (p.183)

39 year-old Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian and opponent of Nazism, had these last words: “This is the end. For me, the beginning of life.” (Murtha-p.188)

“A camp doctor who witnessed Bonhoeffer’s hanging described the scene: ‘Through the half-open door in one room of the huts, I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer, before taking off his prison garb, kneeling on the floor praying fervently to his God. I was most deeply moved by the way this lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a prayer and then climbed the steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued in a few seconds. In the almost 50 years that I have worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God.'” (Murtha-p.188)

What gives Greg and what gives Bonhoeffer the ability to face death as they did? Perhaps you know of some who looked at death the very same way. On the other hand, I suspect we all know people who were fearful of death. In my over 50 years as a pastor I have seen both. And I would much rather see the one who has no fear of death. For the follower of Christ, death is the doorway to life.

When I die, I want the door swung wide open. I’m bringing my bike along (well…not literally). I certainly can’t dance so I hope He will let me ride. 🙂 I don’t want a mournful memorial; I want a celebration. While you are at it, take a moment to listen to this song.

Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Death, Eternity, God's Plan, Opinion, Perseverance, Reflection, Story, Surrender

July 10

Monday, July 10th, 2023

I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know: 1) We are inundated with commercials; and 2) they are getting more and more bold (and annoying) in their message and display. I think you might also agree that commercials are best watched or listened to or even ignored with the mute button in use.

Furthermore, I think you might agree that most commercials seem to focus on the outward. Take this pill and you will lose weight. Wear this and certain parts of your anatomy will be enhanced or more comfortable. Cold sculpting will help you get rid of the “pooch.” I could go on ad infinitum ad nauseum.

We worry a lot about the way we look. At 70, I am very aware-even though I tried through the years to stay in shape by riding a bike or lifting weights or watching what I ate (I seldom missed my mouth 🙂 )- that time hits all of us and plays havoc with our body. Skin gets thin. I have a small brown spot by my thumb on each hand. “Arthur” visits way too frequently. I can’t say hair loss happens because that ship sailed l-o-o-o-o-n-g time ago. 🙂

I thought of the effects of aging as I read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 this morning. “So we don’t lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (ESV) Note particularly that phrase “though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” That verse pushes us to the realization that our most important efforts should not be spent on the physical but the spiritual. I remember one health guru who thought he was going to live forever. Even if he lived to be 100, he would still die. IT. IS. INEVITABLE.

And so is judgment. I realize that there are some who might read this who don’t believe in an afterlife, or even God, but trust me when I say you don’t want to be wrong about this.

Outward or inward? One is temporary. One is eternal. You choose.

Posted in InTheShadow | 16 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Eternity, Health, Opinion, Reflection, Salvation, Scripture look, Story, Truth Telling

June 21

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Many years ago, whenever Jo and I would visit her parents/family, we would play a game called Trivial Pursuit. As you moved your disc-like piece sectioned off like a pie, you filled it with different colored tiles as you answered trivial questions from different categories. It was aptly titled: Trivial Pursuit. The questions in each category were random and often very, very trivial, unless, of course, you got a specialized game like the music of the ’60s or ’70s (I was good at both of those).

I thought of that game as I read Proverbs 21:21- “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” (ESV)

We pursue many things, most of them trivial. I knew a guy whose pursuit was to be financially independent by 30. I’m not sure if he ever made it or not; I lost track of him. Others pursued being married and having a gaggle of kids. I used to hear that a lot. We all know people who pursue fame and fortune. From simple, everyday people to Hollywood stars who seem to have it all.

And yet, I just read the other day of some actors who pulled away from acting in order to spend time with family, to find solitude, or to move to another country to spend time with a wife who sacrificed much for him to pursue his career. Now he is turning the tables.I say, “Good for him.”

There is one pursuit which is not trivial. It is the one which really matters. It is the one with real eternal rewards. All the fame and fortune, accolades and possessions will amount to nothing. It all withers. We leave it all behind. We may be mourned, but eventually life moves on.

The only pursuit that matters is the pursuit of God. THAT one has eternal ramifications. Some may say, “I don’t believe that. I don’t believe in God or a hell.” That may be true, but do you really want to take that chance? You see, if you are right and I am wrong, I have lost nothing. BUT, if I am right and you are wrong, you have lost everything. Do you really want to take that chance? If Richard Dawkins was right and there is no God (as he proclaimed even on his death bed), he has lost nothing. HOWEVER, if I am right and there is, he has lost everything.

I don’t believe I’m wrong. Who or what will you pursue?

Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Eternity, God's Plan, Heaven/Hell, Opinion, Reflection, Salvation, Story, Truth Telling, Worship

July 30

Friday, July 30th, 2021

I have a friend who always closed his correspondence with “Eyes to the Sky.” I was reminded of that this morning as I read about eternity.

We are all temporary. I know there have been those who said they were going to live a long, long time. Years ago, when I was reading a very popular, monthly “wellness” magazine/booklet, the founder said he was going to live past 100, maybe forever. He died shortly thereafter. Only superheroes can get away with saying, “I am invincible.” But then again, they are comic book characters-the figment of someone’s imagination- and yes, they can do just about anything! One of those is defy death.

Humans-real life people-not so much. Our end will come. Eternity awaits. I realize the fervor of billboards, commercials, and road signs, but I question the value of them. Our society is cynical with many dead to the claims of Jesus. I saw one the other day: heavenorhell.com. Seriously? Unless I miss it, a “none” or purveyor of another religion will cynically NOT tune in, unless it is to laugh, criticize, or counteract the claim. A local church owns some prime real estate on the road coming into town and road signs have appeared (I think about 10 of them) which say about one or two words. The subject? Eternity.

Like I said, I’m not knocking the fervor or intent. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” (NASB2020) That whole chapter of 2 Peter is about the Lord’s delay and return. He has placed eternity in our hearts.

I long for Jesus to return or to call me home. I’m fine with either. I know where I’m going to spend eternity. Eternity will come for all of us-even the “fitness nut”-who thinks he or she will cheat death or go on forever or live a very long and prosperous life. No one knows. And then, we will face eternity. Where-heaven or hell- will be determined by whether you know Jesus as your Savior. I’m hoping you do.

“Father, help me to live with my eyes to the sky and beyond. When I go is in Your hands. So is where, but I took care of that many years ago.”

Posted in InTheShadow | 6 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Eternity, Opinion, Salvation, Second Coming

Living In The Shadow

Psalm 91