Prophecy has always inspired and amazed me. We often see it as events that will happen in the distant future, but for God, all time is NOW! Past, present and future are definitions we apply to things that have occurred, are happening now, and are yet to come. Please understand, we are incredibly limited in our perspective, God is not.
Many people try to maintain that prophecy is merely speculation. Satan supports these misled individuals in their error. The devil hates God, hates us, and wants us all to be condemned to perdition. He wants you to NOT believe the prophets. He wants you to reject salvation. Why? Because you CAN go to heaven, to be with God, but Lucifer CANNOT!
These excepts are from the Living Bible. Feel free to compare them with your own preferred biblical version.
..."...I will pour out my Spirit upon all of you! Your sons and daughters will prophesy; your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. And I will pour out my Spirit even on your slaves, men and women alike, and put strange symbols in the earth and sky - blood and fires and pillars of smoke.
...The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible Day of the Lord shall come.
...Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved; even in Jerusalem some will escape, just as the Lord has promised, for He has chosen some to survive." (Joel 2:28b-32) tlb
Think about it! Children and young adults will begin to prophesy. Older individuals will begin to have disturbing dreams. People will have visions that will probably scare everyone who hears of these things! Those who are in extreme bottom end, financially speaking, will hear the call of God! These are those who usually cannot even afford the time to attend church, and yet, they WILL become vocal in their efforts to spread God's Word!
Many strange and disturbing things will happen, and people will probably try to attribute these events to space aliens, global warming, etc.
But, notice what is said next, "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." It simply cannot get any easier than this! Try it on for size! "God, I know you sent your Son to die for me, and in my place! I could NEVER begin to deserve this! Thank-you for this awesome gift!" Then, get out and tell the world! Don't wait! Even a few seconds from now might be too late!
..."I will gather the armies of the world into the 'Valley Where Jehovah Judges' and punish them for harming my people, for scattering my inheritance among the nations and dividing up my land." (Joel 3:2) tlb
The Valley Where Jehovah Judges is also called the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and you've probably heard it that way before. This will occur at the end of the Tribulation, so you can guess what their "punishment" will be. Total opposition to God is NOT something that might look good on a resume or better your station in life!
..."Multitudes, multitudes waiting in the valley for the verdict of their doom! For the Day of the Lord is near, in the Valley of Judgement.
...The sun and the moon will be darkened and the stars withdraw their light. The Lord shouts from his temple in Jerusalem and the earth and the sky begin to shake. But to his people Israel, the Lord will be very gentle. He is their Refuge and Strength.
...Then you shall know at last that I am the Lord your God in Zion, my holy mountain. Jerusalem shall be mine forever; the time will come when no foreign armies will pass through her any more.
...Sweet wine will drip from the mountains, and the hills shall flow with milk. Water will fill the dry stream beds of Judah, and a fountain will burst forth from the temple of the Lord to water Acacia Valley.
...Egypt will be destroyed, and Edom too, because of their violence against the Jews, for they killed innocent people in those nations.
...But Israel will prosper forever, and Jerusalem will thrive as generations pass.
...For I will avenge the blood of my people; I will not clear their oppressors of guilt. for my home is in Jerusalem with my people." (Joel 3:14-21) tlb
God has already seen the future, and it SHALL be as He has said! We, who are Christians, have become a part of God's people by virtue of our having been "adopted" by our salvation, courtesy of Jesus Christ. We must do our part to get the Word spread to all people. Remember Peter's words, "But don't forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent." (2 Pet 3:8-9) tlb
Since God does NOT want any to perish, then who are we to NOT spread His Word? Do your part! Be a witness! You, too, can be a "lifesaver!" Make God proud!
Someday soon, we will all rejoice together, in Paradise!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
My Interview with Adam
[sound of a recorder turning on]
Mr. Adam, sir? May I have a few moments of your time?
- Sure, why not? Have we met? -
No sir. I'm Joseph Baille, a reporter for the New World Times. We'd like to publish a small historical documentary of your life as an article in our paper. You know that there is a very great interest in your life. All of our readers would love to hear your take on the events in the early days.
- Well, it is fine with me, I guess, but please understand it really doesn't cast either Eve or I in a very good light. Obviously, we messed up in a major way, what with doing exactly what God told us not to do. -
Sir, I'm sure you are aware that quite a few of our readers, probably most, believe that the blame should be mostly on Eve. After all, she was the one who first bit into the apple.
- This is a big part of what really bothers me, when God separated us into male and female, we were not made to be exactly the same. I was bigger and stronger than she, but she was much more curious and supportive. If the serpent had approached me first, I'm certain I'd have been suspicious, but probably would have tried it, eventually, anyway. I'm fairly sure that Eve just thought it was something she could try out for me, then let me know if it tasted good. Satan knew exactly how to play us... -
Just how did the apple taste?
- I still do not understand how it is that everybody still assumes it was an apple. It really wasn't, you know. It was somewhat pinkish in color, and sort of round, but with pointed edges. God told us it was the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and it was the only one of its type in the whole garden. Almost next to it, maybe fifteen or twenty steps away, was the tree of life. There was also only one of those in the garden. Its fruit was sort of like a small straight banana, with a smell like a cross between a rose and a pineapple. We never even tasted that one. -
Can you describe the garden for our readers?
- That is very hard to find the words to describe accurately. You see, it wasn't just on the earth. There was this one place where the corner of heaven actually touched the world that God created. Everything glowed with an amazing joy. I know that this sounds odd, but I still do not have the right words for it. God often walked with us, and our hearts were nearly filled to the bursting point with His grace. All animals loved God, and us. They would walk alongside us, making the happiest sounds you could ever imagine. Even the flowers all seemed to turn their blossoms toward the Father to give Him the glory He deserved. What could remotely be so wonderful? Then we blew it. Our sin felt as though we'd struck God physically. The awareness of what we'd done horrified us. We knew He should have destroyed every last vestige of us. I am so ashamed of what we did. Just thinking about it puts tears into my eyes once again. -
What happened then?
- Well, we were banished from the garden. There was no going back, not ever. What we took for granted in the garden was no longer to be. We had to work very hard, just to survive. When our first child was born, I really thought that Eve was going to die... so much pain she'd had to endure. We both realized we'd brought it on ourselves, but that didn't make it any easier, you know. I'll tell one thing about having children that really surprised us, though... belly-buttons! Neither Eve, nor I have one, because we'd never been born, and so had never needed an umbilical. After the third kid was born, we understood that navels were permanently a part of human beings, it just seemed weird, in the beginning. -
So, how long had you two lived in the garden?
- I'm not completely sure. It didn't seem like that long to us, but time just wasn't as important, then. I doubt it was much over eight to ten years, but it could as easily have been just five or six weeks. There never was any need to keep track of the passage of time, and God took care of everything we needed. -
Is there any way we can talk to Eve, just to get her take on all the events?
- Please don't, I beg you! She still thinks it was all her fault. It really wasn't, not at all! That serpent was trickier and more conniving than any of today's politicians. I'm sure he could have convinced me to eat that fruit first, instead of her. Maybe, if we'd have been together when Satan came calling... no, I think we'd still have failed God, just like we did then. Leave her out of this, okay? She's suffered a lot more than most people can ever begin to realize. She will always be my "other half." I will always love her with all that I am, and want to protect her, forever. -
Sure thing, Adam. This should be in tomorrow's paper. Thanks for your time.
[sound of recorder turning off]
Saturday, January 14, 2012
New Years Resolutions
Interesting term "resolution", isn't it?
It is a promise, or a vow, to yourself. This year is going to be better! Why? Because I am going to get my act together!
Every year it is basically the same. Every year I promise myself that "this is the year that..."
... I'm gonna lose weight!
... I'm will find the time to exercise!
... I'll stop smoking, quit drinking, relax, spend more time with the family, cut back on frivolous spending, study the Bible, give something to charity, be nice to people, help out at church, be more supportive to my spouse... etc. etc. etc.
There is an almost endless list of resolutions that we make every year, and the majority of them are the same ones we'd made last year and many years before!
Perhaps we should call these vows "revolutions" instead of resolutions, because, sooner or later, we will turn back around to the same old behavior traits that we've been trying to avoid.
A large part of the problem is that we are basing our promises upon ourselves. If we are being completely honest, we know we are flawed, sinful and not really trustworthy, not even each to his (or her) own self. God is very aware of this! Consider these words from the Bible.
"If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." (Num 30:2) mkj
So, don't waste your time making more resolutions every year. Instead, pray to God, ask for His help in turning your life around. Tell Him you will do your best, accept His guidance and discipline, and don't give up your efforts.
And remember, you must not make promises to God lightly! The Bible also says, "But most of all, my brothers, do not take oaths, not by the heaven, or by the earth, or by any other thing: but let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No: so that you may not be judged."
(Jas 5:12) bev
God loves all of us, and loves us so much more than we are able to understand. You will find that trusting Him always works! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) drv
Then, when you feel the need of a joyful song to express your inner feelings, try these words of King David's; "May the Lord be praised, because he has given ear to the voice of my prayer. The Lord is my strength and my breastplate, my heart had faith in him and I am helped; for this cause my heart is full of rapture, and I will give him praise in my song." (Psalm 28:6-7) bev
Soon, my friends... very soon, in Paradise!
It is a promise, or a vow, to yourself. This year is going to be better! Why? Because I am going to get my act together!
Every year it is basically the same. Every year I promise myself that "this is the year that..."
... I'm gonna lose weight!
... I'm will find the time to exercise!
... I'll stop smoking, quit drinking, relax, spend more time with the family, cut back on frivolous spending, study the Bible, give something to charity, be nice to people, help out at church, be more supportive to my spouse... etc. etc. etc.
There is an almost endless list of resolutions that we make every year, and the majority of them are the same ones we'd made last year and many years before!
Perhaps we should call these vows "revolutions" instead of resolutions, because, sooner or later, we will turn back around to the same old behavior traits that we've been trying to avoid.
A large part of the problem is that we are basing our promises upon ourselves. If we are being completely honest, we know we are flawed, sinful and not really trustworthy, not even each to his (or her) own self. God is very aware of this! Consider these words from the Bible.
"If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." (Num 30:2) mkj
So, don't waste your time making more resolutions every year. Instead, pray to God, ask for His help in turning your life around. Tell Him you will do your best, accept His guidance and discipline, and don't give up your efforts.
And remember, you must not make promises to God lightly! The Bible also says, "But most of all, my brothers, do not take oaths, not by the heaven, or by the earth, or by any other thing: but let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No: so that you may not be judged."
(Jas 5:12) bev
God loves all of us, and loves us so much more than we are able to understand. You will find that trusting Him always works! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) drv
Then, when you feel the need of a joyful song to express your inner feelings, try these words of King David's; "May the Lord be praised, because he has given ear to the voice of my prayer. The Lord is my strength and my breastplate, my heart had faith in him and I am helped; for this cause my heart is full of rapture, and I will give him praise in my song." (Psalm 28:6-7) bev
Soon, my friends... very soon, in Paradise!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Can You Read the Future?
No, this isn't a trick question.
If you eat a certain restaurants, you are presented with a "fortune cookie" as you leave. Most newspapers have a horoscope section (though I've often wondered if it should be called the horror-scope). As you drive around, you'll see fortune teller's shops, here and there, and also palm-readers. Sometimes even practitioners of black-magic advertise their services.
Sometimes, many of us get tempted.
But what's worse, it seems that every young person in the world today believes (or wants to believe) in voodoo, reincarnation, ghosts and spirit inhabitation. As much as it horrifies the rest of us, there is a possible explanation in the Bible.
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." Joel 2:28-32) kjv
Does this mean that all this horror-film stuff is for real? Thank heavens this is not generally the case. We know, however, that Satan will stop at nothing to discredit the Word of God. The prince of darkness has our world by the nose, and is leading us all astray. He is constantly perverting the reality that God has decreed. If enough of us fall for the devil's lies and deceptions, we will ignore the warnings of those inspired by God.
So, what is the answer?
Study God's Word. Prepare yourself for the coming tribulation, for it is a sure and certain thing. Listen to those who seem to spouting nonsense, some of them may be divinely inspired. Obviously, quite a few are not, but even those are God's children, and they will need to understand what is happening, and what to prepare for. You may be their one chance to hear of God's love for them.
Don't waste that chance.
Our Father is counting on you. Make Him proud!
See you soon, in Paradise!
If you eat a certain restaurants, you are presented with a "fortune cookie" as you leave. Most newspapers have a horoscope section (though I've often wondered if it should be called the horror-scope). As you drive around, you'll see fortune teller's shops, here and there, and also palm-readers. Sometimes even practitioners of black-magic advertise their services.
Sometimes, many of us get tempted.
But what's worse, it seems that every young person in the world today believes (or wants to believe) in voodoo, reincarnation, ghosts and spirit inhabitation. As much as it horrifies the rest of us, there is a possible explanation in the Bible.
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." Joel 2:28-32) kjv
Does this mean that all this horror-film stuff is for real? Thank heavens this is not generally the case. We know, however, that Satan will stop at nothing to discredit the Word of God. The prince of darkness has our world by the nose, and is leading us all astray. He is constantly perverting the reality that God has decreed. If enough of us fall for the devil's lies and deceptions, we will ignore the warnings of those inspired by God.
So, what is the answer?
Study God's Word. Prepare yourself for the coming tribulation, for it is a sure and certain thing. Listen to those who seem to spouting nonsense, some of them may be divinely inspired. Obviously, quite a few are not, but even those are God's children, and they will need to understand what is happening, and what to prepare for. You may be their one chance to hear of God's love for them.
Don't waste that chance.
Our Father is counting on you. Make Him proud!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Armor of God
Are you able to be completely free of sin?
No, this isn't a "trick" question.
The truth of the matter is that we have all paved our own way into hell by every single sin we have ever committed. That easy pathway is the same one we follow every single time we give into temptation. Following it has become "second nature" to us.
Remember; "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." (Mat 7:13-14) nlt
Keeping away from sin is a war. It really is you against the bad guys. Lots of folks think there can be no way to win this war, seeing all that the opposition has stacked up against us, but God has told us differently!
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph 6:10-13) mkj
The "whole armor of God" is mentioned twice in these three verses... and I can almost hear somebody thinking out loud, "Aww, great! I can't memorize ALL the bible!" Most of us can't... but, we all need a "seatbelt" to make us feel a bit more secure when the forces of evil come calling. Pick a bible verse. It doesn't really matter which one, so long as it is one that gives you a feeling of safety. Repeat it a few times until it becomes a part of you. It is now a piece of your "whole armor of God."
If it happens that no one verse seems quite right, feel free to use this one. It was my first...
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1) kjv
Listen!
That metallic "ping" you just heard was sin bouncing off your brand new armor!
No, this isn't a "trick" question.
The truth of the matter is that we have all paved our own way into hell by every single sin we have ever committed. That easy pathway is the same one we follow every single time we give into temptation. Following it has become "second nature" to us.
Remember; "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." (Mat 7:13-14) nlt
Keeping away from sin is a war. It really is you against the bad guys. Lots of folks think there can be no way to win this war, seeing all that the opposition has stacked up against us, but God has told us differently!
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph 6:10-13) mkj
The "whole armor of God" is mentioned twice in these three verses... and I can almost hear somebody thinking out loud, "Aww, great! I can't memorize ALL the bible!" Most of us can't... but, we all need a "seatbelt" to make us feel a bit more secure when the forces of evil come calling. Pick a bible verse. It doesn't really matter which one, so long as it is one that gives you a feeling of safety. Repeat it a few times until it becomes a part of you. It is now a piece of your "whole armor of God."
If it happens that no one verse seems quite right, feel free to use this one. It was my first...
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1) kjv
Listen!
That metallic "ping" you just heard was sin bouncing off your brand new armor!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Were You There?
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Sometimes, it causes me to tremble... tremble.
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Imagine, if you can, being THERE on the day Christ died for us.
God's anger would truly been of "Biblical" proportions! Only His love for us kept Him from destroying the entire earth, but I would still be willing to bet that He had to restrain Himself from doing so.
Some people ask why it is that we do not see God being as active in our world, as they did back in Old Testament times... perhaps Jesus' death is the reason. Seriously, if somebody killed YOUR kid, would you REALLY want to hang out with his/her family?
This Christmas season, celebrate the birth of Christ, enjoy the happiness you see in your kids' faces and have fun passing out gifts. Just remember the most important thing...
Jesus was born to die in our place, so that we could get to heaven.
Sobering, isn't it?
See all of you soon, in paradise,
and have a Merry Christmas!
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Sometimes, it causes me to tremble... tremble.
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Imagine, if you can, being THERE on the day Christ died for us.
God's anger would truly been of "Biblical" proportions! Only His love for us kept Him from destroying the entire earth, but I would still be willing to bet that He had to restrain Himself from doing so.
Some people ask why it is that we do not see God being as active in our world, as they did back in Old Testament times... perhaps Jesus' death is the reason. Seriously, if somebody killed YOUR kid, would you REALLY want to hang out with his/her family?
This Christmas season, celebrate the birth of Christ, enjoy the happiness you see in your kids' faces and have fun passing out gifts. Just remember the most important thing...
Jesus was born to die in our place, so that we could get to heaven.
Sobering, isn't it?
See all of you soon, in paradise,
and have a Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
God's Choice - Love!
So, where does "love" actually begin?
What causes us to start loving?
Must "love" always fade with time, and if so, why?
What does this have to do with our relationship with God?
Every one who has ever had children, and loved them, has experienced the heartache that goes with seeing them begin to change, losing their child-like innocence and trust. Something has started an alteration that scares parents badly. Growing up ALWAYS brings about changes in our kids. I know I've spent a lot of time in prayer, begging and pleading with God that some way be found to keep these characteristics in the kids I love, and let them grow up without losing these traits. Please, God! Oh, please!
The bible tells us, "Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." (2 Cor 12:14) drv
"Parents for the children." Hmmm... We also know that the Bible tells us to raise up our kids in the way we want them to go, and they will not depart from it.
But, we are also aware that children always change... always.
There are many kids I care a lot about. Some of them have "adopted" me as uncle or grandfather, one as a "best friend." I love each of them quite a lot. I worry about every one, and pray a lot for all of them.
They cannot just "stay kids." God never intended it to be that way. He has given them freedom of choice, just as He gave it to all of us. In the same manner that you and I have veered from God's chosen path, so also will our kids as they grow older, and it will always hurt us because of our love for them.
But, what started this love that we share with our children? Why does it hurt so much when these inevitable changes start to happen?
What is "love," anyway? Where does it start, and why?
A lot of men will find this to be disquieting, but a child's love begins with its trust in its mother. Knowing that mom will take care of them, no matter what, makes the infant learn to love. It takes a little longer with dad, but the process of developing a love for him starts in much the same way.
Our love for God is also based on trust. "As for God, his way is perfect; The word of Jehovah is tried: He is a shield to all that trust in him." (2 Sam 22:31) dar
"But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you." (Psalm 5:11) web
Kids can only love those whom they trust. As the world erodes their trust, they begin to change. It is inevitable, and it is extremely heart-wrenching...
God feels about us in much the same way. His love for us is boundless. Good or bad, old or young, it makes no difference. He loves us all. He has proven, over and over again, that He is worthy of our trust, and our love. He hurts because of each and every one who has ever rejected Him. But, still He loves us, and always will... eternally.
"But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behaviour." (1 Tim 6:11) bev
God doesn't want us to change, any more than we want our kids to do so. Trust Him, and love Him as your little child loves you. When worries seem overpowering, when life seems to be handing you more than you can deal with, when it all feels hopeless, turn to the only One who truly can make it all right again.
Oh, and make sure your children know beyond all doubt that they can ALWAYS trust you. You exemplify God's love to them.
Until we all meet again, in paradise.
What causes us to start loving?
Must "love" always fade with time, and if so, why?
What does this have to do with our relationship with God?
Every one who has ever had children, and loved them, has experienced the heartache that goes with seeing them begin to change, losing their child-like innocence and trust. Something has started an alteration that scares parents badly. Growing up ALWAYS brings about changes in our kids. I know I've spent a lot of time in prayer, begging and pleading with God that some way be found to keep these characteristics in the kids I love, and let them grow up without losing these traits. Please, God! Oh, please!
The bible tells us, "Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." (2 Cor 12:14) drv
"Parents for the children." Hmmm... We also know that the Bible tells us to raise up our kids in the way we want them to go, and they will not depart from it.
But, we are also aware that children always change... always.
There are many kids I care a lot about. Some of them have "adopted" me as uncle or grandfather, one as a "best friend." I love each of them quite a lot. I worry about every one, and pray a lot for all of them.
They cannot just "stay kids." God never intended it to be that way. He has given them freedom of choice, just as He gave it to all of us. In the same manner that you and I have veered from God's chosen path, so also will our kids as they grow older, and it will always hurt us because of our love for them.
But, what started this love that we share with our children? Why does it hurt so much when these inevitable changes start to happen?
What is "love," anyway? Where does it start, and why?
A lot of men will find this to be disquieting, but a child's love begins with its trust in its mother. Knowing that mom will take care of them, no matter what, makes the infant learn to love. It takes a little longer with dad, but the process of developing a love for him starts in much the same way.
Our love for God is also based on trust. "As for God, his way is perfect; The word of Jehovah is tried: He is a shield to all that trust in him." (2 Sam 22:31) dar
"But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you." (Psalm 5:11) web
Kids can only love those whom they trust. As the world erodes their trust, they begin to change. It is inevitable, and it is extremely heart-wrenching...
God feels about us in much the same way. His love for us is boundless. Good or bad, old or young, it makes no difference. He loves us all. He has proven, over and over again, that He is worthy of our trust, and our love. He hurts because of each and every one who has ever rejected Him. But, still He loves us, and always will... eternally.
"But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behaviour." (1 Tim 6:11) bev
God doesn't want us to change, any more than we want our kids to do so. Trust Him, and love Him as your little child loves you. When worries seem overpowering, when life seems to be handing you more than you can deal with, when it all feels hopeless, turn to the only One who truly can make it all right again.
Oh, and make sure your children know beyond all doubt that they can ALWAYS trust you. You exemplify God's love to them.
Until we all meet again, in paradise.
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