I saw a comment this morning on social media which stated, "Last Friday in July. Slow down summer." The days do seem to pass quickly as we get older. Psalm 90 verse 10 says that "our life span is seventy years, or eighty for those who are strong, and most of these are emptiness and pain." That doesn't sound very hopeful, but it states a reality that we should not ignore.
In my younger years I heard many sermons about the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell. While these were not delivered with the exuberance of the preacher portrayed in the movie Pollyanna they still sent an undeniable message. There will come a time when I render an account of my life before Almighty God. That is not to be taken lightly.
The political conventions are both over. Praise God for the opportunity to grow in the virtue of patience and long-suffering over these last two weeks. I realize that the nomination of a woman for president is an historical moment in our country. As I watched the camera focus in on a lady with tears running down her face, I knew this was a moment with great emotional attachments. There was a part of me that wanted to cry as well, but for a very different reason. Over the course of four days I watched repeatedly the boisterous applause and fanatical affirmation of the culture of death.
Abortion has touched the lives of many women (and men) over these last 43 years since Roe versus Wade legalized abortion in our country. My heart breaks for the pain and anguish that many women have experienced in their lives. Unfortunately, our culture has created a narrative around abortion that just does not expose the whole truth. The post-abortion grief and suffering is real. The pro-death politicians never seem to consider that part of the equation when promoting and celebrating the legalization of infanticide.
My dear friends, if you have been touched by the scourge of abortion in your life, please know that forgiveness and healing can be found in Jesus Christ. If you are struggling with grief or any other emotional distress following an abortion please seek help. There are people prepared to walk with you toward healing and hope.
I never imagined that I would live in a society where a whole convention center filled with people would jump up and down in glee each time the words rolled off someone;s lips regarding a "woman's right to choose." Think about it. People are emphatically celebrating the right to kill the most helpless among us. Let that soak in for a moment.
The various methodologies used in procuring an abortion all have serious repercussions. If the procedure is successful the baby always dies. Depending upon which procedure is used the baby is either ripped apart by suction, burned by chemicals, or worse.
Let me try to put this perspective. People in that convention center were clamoring in ecstasy about a woman's right to kill her unborn child in the ways I just described. These same people would revolt and shout profanities to the moon and back if we considered utilizing any type of similar procedure on an animal. They would denounce the cruelty being inflicted upon the animal. It is truly a bizarre world in which we live.
The days of summer do seem to be passing quickly. With each passing day we are also a step closer to coming face to face with Almighty God. We have been blessed with the gift of time and with the gift of grace. What are we doing with these gifts? Are we using our time here on earth to be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ?
When my time on this earth is through and I stand before the King of Kings to render an account of my life, what will it look like from the perspective of God's eyes? I sometimes imagine Jesus looking at me and asking a single question, "How did you love?" I realize that there are many times I fail to respond to God's grace and love effectively and deeply. I miss opportunities to do good. For these moments I will need to seek God's abundant mercy.
While I am physically and mentally able to be involved in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Jesus Christ I will do my best to walk humbly with my God. I will continue to be a voice for the marginalized members of society. This begins with the unborn who have no voice of their own.
The shortness of time on this earth, when compared to the length of eternity, should prompt all of us to pause and meditate on this reality. It does not need to cripple us with immense fear when we reflect on the four last things. However, it should compel us to be more intentional about the use of our time. How frequently do we pray? How fervently do we pray? What are the priorities upon which we focus in our day-to-day lives? Are we genuinely loving the people around us?
The hope in all of this is simple. We are pilgrims on a journey. Our eternal home is with God. It doesn't get any better than that.
In my younger years I heard many sermons about the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell. While these were not delivered with the exuberance of the preacher portrayed in the movie Pollyanna they still sent an undeniable message. There will come a time when I render an account of my life before Almighty God. That is not to be taken lightly.
The political conventions are both over. Praise God for the opportunity to grow in the virtue of patience and long-suffering over these last two weeks. I realize that the nomination of a woman for president is an historical moment in our country. As I watched the camera focus in on a lady with tears running down her face, I knew this was a moment with great emotional attachments. There was a part of me that wanted to cry as well, but for a very different reason. Over the course of four days I watched repeatedly the boisterous applause and fanatical affirmation of the culture of death.
Abortion has touched the lives of many women (and men) over these last 43 years since Roe versus Wade legalized abortion in our country. My heart breaks for the pain and anguish that many women have experienced in their lives. Unfortunately, our culture has created a narrative around abortion that just does not expose the whole truth. The post-abortion grief and suffering is real. The pro-death politicians never seem to consider that part of the equation when promoting and celebrating the legalization of infanticide.
My dear friends, if you have been touched by the scourge of abortion in your life, please know that forgiveness and healing can be found in Jesus Christ. If you are struggling with grief or any other emotional distress following an abortion please seek help. There are people prepared to walk with you toward healing and hope.
I never imagined that I would live in a society where a whole convention center filled with people would jump up and down in glee each time the words rolled off someone;s lips regarding a "woman's right to choose." Think about it. People are emphatically celebrating the right to kill the most helpless among us. Let that soak in for a moment.
The various methodologies used in procuring an abortion all have serious repercussions. If the procedure is successful the baby always dies. Depending upon which procedure is used the baby is either ripped apart by suction, burned by chemicals, or worse.
Let me try to put this perspective. People in that convention center were clamoring in ecstasy about a woman's right to kill her unborn child in the ways I just described. These same people would revolt and shout profanities to the moon and back if we considered utilizing any type of similar procedure on an animal. They would denounce the cruelty being inflicted upon the animal. It is truly a bizarre world in which we live.
The days of summer do seem to be passing quickly. With each passing day we are also a step closer to coming face to face with Almighty God. We have been blessed with the gift of time and with the gift of grace. What are we doing with these gifts? Are we using our time here on earth to be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ?
When my time on this earth is through and I stand before the King of Kings to render an account of my life, what will it look like from the perspective of God's eyes? I sometimes imagine Jesus looking at me and asking a single question, "How did you love?" I realize that there are many times I fail to respond to God's grace and love effectively and deeply. I miss opportunities to do good. For these moments I will need to seek God's abundant mercy.
While I am physically and mentally able to be involved in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Jesus Christ I will do my best to walk humbly with my God. I will continue to be a voice for the marginalized members of society. This begins with the unborn who have no voice of their own.
The shortness of time on this earth, when compared to the length of eternity, should prompt all of us to pause and meditate on this reality. It does not need to cripple us with immense fear when we reflect on the four last things. However, it should compel us to be more intentional about the use of our time. How frequently do we pray? How fervently do we pray? What are the priorities upon which we focus in our day-to-day lives? Are we genuinely loving the people around us?
The hope in all of this is simple. We are pilgrims on a journey. Our eternal home is with God. It doesn't get any better than that.
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