In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable about the kingdom of heaven being like a man who finds a buried treasure in a field and he goes and sells everything he has and buys the field to get the treasure. When a person realizes that the kingdom of heaven is eternal and is so much more rewarding than anything that can ever be gained on earth, it only makes sense to invest all of ones time, money, and energy into that Kingdom. Why would you invest it in something that you know you will soon lose here on earth? In a hundred you'll be dead and where will all your fortunes be then? Investing in heaven's kingdom should consume our thoughts and desires, especially since the rewards are so great! Just think about all your lost friends saved from their sins and in heaven with you, enjoying their new life right beside you because of the way you lived. True fellowship with their Maker was possible because you were using your time, energy, and money to share the best news!
Not only does it make one think about investing in heaven, but also about what God sees in us. He paid the highest price for us, Jesus on the cross, because He saw us as valuable. He saw a treasure in us in the muddy fields of sin, and He didn't desire condemning us. He desired to give all that was most valuable to Him, His pure and flawless Son, just to buy us out of that miry clay that had covered us.
So examine your heart. Where are you investing? Do you spend your time serving God or your pleasures? What about you energy? Do you see all your cash, assets, and possessions as God's or yours? In a hundred years, you will be gone, but what you do now will affect how you spend eternity.
--Johnie
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009 Is Here
Happy new year! It's 2009, and the days and months just keep marching on. Let me ask you, do you have peace about going into this new year? I can personally vouch that after one is redeemed by Jesus, all the problems are just as real as before being saved. Well, let's see what we know we have on the menu for 2009 so far.
1. A new president is about to take the reigns. This does not comfort me. The only comfort I have in it is that I know that regardless of the immoral policies Obama pushes, he is subject to God and he will be held accountable for all that he does. God has brought many nations down and the election of this man shows that the majority of our country has given their stamp of approval to some very ungodly policy objectives. I believe dark days are ahead for our country, and a setting of the stage for the end times.
2. Economic instability has already frightened many as they saw their investments diminish in 2008. The "protecting of the global market" has already been shown to be the primary concern for lawmakers world-wide. Why not let businesses fail? Fear wins out. If the markets were unnaturally high, then failing businesses would stabilize where it really should be. But the idea of letting deserved outcomes befall irresponsible companies and governments is seen as unacceptable to our spoiled generation. In the end it will only grow peoples fears because "bailing out" never solved anyone's problems. While the government verbally chastises banks for lending $500K to individuals that make $20K a year, they throw billions of dollars at them like plastering a cancer patient in band-aides. People will be more afraid of failure than ever.
3. God's chosen people Israel will be in the news just as much as ever. The attack on Gaza should come as no surprise to anyone. It could escalate into something bigger, but the growing hatred of Israel is big enough. I keep watching for the rest of the world to push for Israel to give away more of their land for "peace." I think they will end up giving most of the country away to gain total control of Jerusalem including the temple mount.
Well those are just a few things that I know will be happening this new year. Still God will remain faithful and in control no matter what happens.
--Johnie
1. A new president is about to take the reigns. This does not comfort me. The only comfort I have in it is that I know that regardless of the immoral policies Obama pushes, he is subject to God and he will be held accountable for all that he does. God has brought many nations down and the election of this man shows that the majority of our country has given their stamp of approval to some very ungodly policy objectives. I believe dark days are ahead for our country, and a setting of the stage for the end times.
2. Economic instability has already frightened many as they saw their investments diminish in 2008. The "protecting of the global market" has already been shown to be the primary concern for lawmakers world-wide. Why not let businesses fail? Fear wins out. If the markets were unnaturally high, then failing businesses would stabilize where it really should be. But the idea of letting deserved outcomes befall irresponsible companies and governments is seen as unacceptable to our spoiled generation. In the end it will only grow peoples fears because "bailing out" never solved anyone's problems. While the government verbally chastises banks for lending $500K to individuals that make $20K a year, they throw billions of dollars at them like plastering a cancer patient in band-aides. People will be more afraid of failure than ever.
3. God's chosen people Israel will be in the news just as much as ever. The attack on Gaza should come as no surprise to anyone. It could escalate into something bigger, but the growing hatred of Israel is big enough. I keep watching for the rest of the world to push for Israel to give away more of their land for "peace." I think they will end up giving most of the country away to gain total control of Jerusalem including the temple mount.
Well those are just a few things that I know will be happening this new year. Still God will remain faithful and in control no matter what happens.
--Johnie
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