 The news may always be bad, but we are the ones who control our response to headlines like “Biologic Male Wins Women’s Championship” or “Biology Professor Fired for Affirming Two Biologic Genders”. And we have options. We can worship God that He is true and unchanging. We can remember the moment we first realized Christ brings us eternal peace regardless of the angst in society. Or...
Option 3: We can pray. Not a frantic or furious prayer, but a humble prayer that is rooted in confidence in Christ. He is indeed King and Savior. And each of us, including the person in the headline, is in need of both Christ’s justice and His mercy. Each bad headline is our opportune moment to reorient ourselves to the Truth, and express that truth in worship, remembrance, and prayer. Ps. My guess is you can come of with more “Headliner Opportunities” – and I would love to hear about them! The news headlines do always seems to be bad, but we do not have to give in to the anxiety or anger or apathy we naturally feel when we read them. We have options. Option 2: Remember. “Government Shutdown Looms” can pitch us into a spiraling, worry frenzy or we can allow it to remind us of when we first realized the truth about God as our Provider. In fact, right now picture that moment when you knew for sure that Christ is the One Who meets your needs. That was God revealing Himself to you. (This is awe-inspiring. The God of the Universe chose you to know Him and allowed you to understand part of His character!) Thank Him. If you cannot think of a discreet instance when this was true, consider whether or not you consider Christ your Provider. Are you depending on Him or something (like the government) or someone else (like yourself) for security? Headlines can challenge us to live what we say we believe – if we allow the Holy Spirit this avenue to work through. So this week, when you read an upsetting blurb, pause, re-focus, and remember what you know about your Lord.   Have you noticed: The news is always bad.
“Thousands Dead in Libya Flood” “Israel at War” “Inflation Continues to Increase” “Well-Known Celebrity Overdoses” Each headline gives us a fresh opportunity to worry. But we have options. Option 1: Worship. Articles like: “China Threatens War” easily trigger anxiety, but with practice they can also prompt us to praise the One Who is raises up rulers and is sovereign over their decisions. It can remind us that God is the One who truly provides security. He is at work in our crazy, messed up world and Christ’s promise is that HE is coming back to make all things new. So this week every time you find yourself floundering in worry because of some headliner, stop, drop, and worship our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ to whom be all glory and power, dominion and praise, forever and ever now and into eternity. Amen.  This is heaven that is the inheritance of those who love Christ (Colossians 3:24), and this is why John urges us to "look to [ourselves], that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward" (2 John 1:8).
Christ is coming quickly and He carries His rewards with Him (Matthew 16:27 and Revelation 22:12). And Jesus is asking today if you will be there in heaven for those rewards. "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." -- Revelation 22:17 If you want to come, you are invited to enter a relationship with Jesus. Pray. Ask God to forgive you for the wrong things (sins) you have done. And ask Him to help you turn away from your sins. Believe that Jesus, God in the flesh, has taken your punishment Himself and made this forgiveness and victory over sin possible. Give Jesus control of your life. Remember heaven is perfect, because God is perfect. The only way to get there is by being perfect -- which is humanly impossible -- or have Someone Who is willing to cover you with His perfection and make you acceptable to God. And Jesus has done that for me -- and for you if you have so chosen. "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." -- Isaiah 61:10 |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
October 2024
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