FOREVER AND EVER AMEN

This earthly life. What is it? Paul calls it a vapour in James 4:14. It is short, that is for sure. i have been thinking and praying about this life lately. If we had to put everything we wanted to carry through this life in one backpack, what would we fill it with? i would fill mine with my Bible, some pictures, some writers journals and my laptop, some clothes, and some toys and games. This is what i carry through life.

In this life, just as it will be in eternity, we are to worship God in spirit and truth says John 4:23. In this life we are to go and preach the Gospel to every creature says Mark 16:15, and teach all nations says Matthew 28:19, and preach repentance and remission of sins says Luke 24:47. Bring souls to Jesus.

We are to walk in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16), and truth (Psalm 51:6), and righteousness (Psalm 11:7), and humbly with our God (Micah 6:8), by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), and walk not after the flesh (Romans 8:1). Not get tangled up in any way in the world and all its sin..all wrapped up in the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-16).

So, what are we to expect as we walk? We expect a peace that surpasses all understanding amidst the toughest trials (Philippians 4:7). We expect to be hated (Luke 6:22). As we grow closer and closer to our God, our trials will intensify and we shall with patience (Romans 8:25) and endurance (Mark 13:13, John 6:27) finish the race laid out for us (Hebrews 12:1). We who overcome the snares of Satan in this world (1 John 4:4), who run our race surely, we will overcome. Steadfastly and surely we are focused on and abiding in Jesus (1 John 2:6, Psalm 125:1, John 15:5), on our journey down the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14), not sprinting, but faithful and steadfast. He who overcomes will be with Christ in the New Jerusalem forever. (1 John 5:4-5, Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:12)

i cannot think of one person, place or thing worth living for on this earth, in this life more than God, my almighty God and Father, Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit in me. Can you? Not my Mom, my Sister, My Nephew, Pastor Troy, Mel or any RAVEN (but i love you all and would lay my life down for each one of you - John 15:13). Not the ocean or the sea or San Francisco or Disneyland! Not SF Giants Baseball or boogie boarding. Not anything. If i do not live for God here, i most assuredly will not be living for Him in eternity. Eternity starts here, by stripping away all that is not of God, whoever or whatever that may be, all that keeps up from living the life we are meant to live for him. No Compromise. One Way, Jesus. Amen.