I sat at my desk recently and planned to write about the media and the steady stream of negativity and blasphemy that seems to be permeating our culture when it dawned on me–why am I so surprised?
Why am I shocked every time this world calls good, evil and evil, good (compare Isa. 5:20)?
Why am I taken aback at the filth and terror so readily available in the media and on every block?
Why do I keep expecting this world to be a land of peace, justice, and morality?
Is it because my stakes run too deeply here? Do I keep buying into the lie that this world is my home because I just haven’t quite grasped the truth that there is a better place, one with no sorrows, tears, or disappointments (Mt. 25:34)?
When will I finally realize that focusing on the seen breeds fear while fixing my eyes on the unseen initiates hope, peace, and faith?
The extent of the depravity in our midst is sickening, but it shouldn’t be surprising. Friends, we are living in desperate times and I’m afraid that we’re moving toward an age when worshipping publicly will be outlawed in this nation.
There may come a time when children of God will be watching over their shoulder while worshipping their God. It’s already happening in other parts of the world.
Take every chance to tell your children how precious their God is and what he has done and continues to do for us. Don’t just shuffle through this life. Live purposely.
Surprise those struggling in the darkness:
When you have the right to shun, love.
When you want to carry a grudge, forgive.
When you’d rather walk away, go the extra mile.
When you want to react to difficult people harshly, respond with compassion.
When you have the chance to speak the name of Jesus into the lives of others, take it.
Expect the best from the family of God but be prepared for the worst of the world. Shine on. And let the love of Christ be the greatest surprise in this world.
I live in Arizona near “the border”. I think the militants will masquerade as Mexicans and cross the border with a group of them and carrying their explosives wih them. I think we will be the first hit.
But, I have to say that I am trying to do something about it. I have studied with 5000 Muslims over the internet and have converts to Christianity in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Yemen, Jordan, Uzbekistan. They are my heroes. The more violent the extremists become, the more the goodhearted Muslims are looking elsewhere.
THIS TOUCHES MY HEART SO I NEEDED TO READ THIS BECAUSE AS A STRUGGLING CHRISTIAN, IT IS HARD FOR ME TO SEE PAST ALL THE WRONG AND STRUGGLES I HAVE TO ENDURE. YES I FALL SHORT AND SIN BUT NEVER HURTING ANYONE OR NOT REMEMBER THE THINGS GOD SAYS FOR US TO DO. LOVING, KIND, GENTLENESS,CHARITY, LONG SUFFERING. EVEN THOUGH TIRED OF LONG SUFFERING. MY HEART IS LOVING, KIND, GENTLE AND I’M FULL OF CHARITY NO MATTER WHAT IS DONE TO ME.