The Bible: The Story Isn't Over

Last Sunday, over 11.7 million viewers watched the conclusion of the epic mini-series The Bible.  What a fitting way to conclude a day of Easter celebrations, from the sunrise services, cantatas, and dramatic performances, to the Easter egg hunts, delectable dinners, and time spent with family and friends.  Inevitably, Easter means a lot of things to a lot of people.  But one meaning of Easter outshines them all.  The Resurrection of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, is the reason for this joyous celebration.  The Bible series may be over, but the story has just begun.

As I watched this moving depiction of the greatest story ever told, I was reminded once again of how the stories in the Bible are much more than stories.  Unlike fairytales, the stories in the Bible are real.  The people in the Bible are real.  Jesus Christ is real.  To sit and watch this movie, I felt as if I was watching a movie about my best friend.  When I was a little girl, I gave my heart to Jesus.  Since then, He has always been my best friend.  While tears welled up in my eyes as I watched Jesus cry out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me,” I was still smiling because I knew that God had not forsaken Him.  I knew that three days later, He would rise again.  I knew that this was not the final chapter in the book.

When they spoke of places like Ephesus, I relived the moment I set foot inside the theater where the Apostle Paul was run out due to the fact that He was preaching about the one true living God as opposed to the god of Artemis.  The same theater where my dad and I proudly proclaimed, “Great is the God of the Apostle Paul!”  Through experiences like this as well as our adventures in Rome, I have literally walked in the footsteps of many of Jesus’ disciples as well as Mary, the mother of Jesus.  I have stood firmly on the ground where they walked and I have tried to imagine what it was like when they walked upon this earth.

I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed walking in their footsteps and I also enjoy watching dramatic representations of Bible times.  Nevertheless, there is one thing I love even more than these.  I love the fact that one day, we will no longer have to imagine what it was like to sit and have a conversation with Peter, Paul, or John.  We will not have to watch a depiction of Moses parting the Red Sea or a movie showing the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  For one day, we will literally be sitting face to face with these heroes of the faith and with Jesus Christ himself.

I recently saw where someone said they were sad to see The Bible come to an end.  While this particular series they were referring to has come to an end, I couldn’t help but think how the Bible itself has not come to an end.  The Bible is a living book with prophecies that have not yet been fulfilled.  We are seeing news every day that brings us one step closer to the long-awaited day when Gabriel sounds the trumpet.  Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will rise to meet Him in the clouds.  All of the pain and suffering and heartache will be no more.  All tears will be wiped away.  The old will become new.  We will be changed.  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.

Until that glorious day, we have a mission.  To share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone.  Like Jesus’ disciples, we are called to be fishers of men.  We are called to spread His light throughout a darkened world.  Perhaps you are still living in darkness.  I want to encourage you to call on the name of Jesus Christ.  Confess your sins.  Ask for forgiveness.  Your life will be forever changed.  You will have a personal relationship with the One who gave His life for our transgressions.  If you have already made this commitment, I want to encourage you to live for Jesus every day.  Bring the Bible to life through the way you live for Christ every day.  And one day, you’ll discover that the final chapter is really just the beginning of a forever life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

God Is Always Enough

Over the past few weeks, my Dad and I have been watching The Bible Series on the History Channel.  While I have heard many positive as well as negative comments concerning this popular miniseries, I have personally enjoyed watching this phenomenal representation of the Greatest Story ever told.  To feel as if I am walking beside Moses as God gave him the ability to part the Red Sea.  Or to feel the intensity that Daniel felt as he was in the midst of those hungry lions.  It was so incredible to watch as the walls of Jericho were tumbling down.  What an amazing journey to travel with Mary and Joseph on the road to Bethlehem, knowing that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would soon make an entrance into this world.  As I watch these heroes of faith walk down the road of life, I soon realize that their lives were not a lot different from our own.  Sure, our struggles are much different, but one thing is certain.  No matter what we’re facing, God is always enough.

Like David, are you facing a giant in your life?  Or do you feel as if you have been thrown into a fiery furnace like the three Hebrew children?  Perhaps you feel like you are being asked to do the unthinkable, much like Abraham’s obedience to God was tested when he prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac.  I want to encourage you today.  God will be with you wherever you go.  God will give you strength in every situation.  Our God will always be enough.

David knew that God was on his side.  He said to Goliath, ““You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (I Samuel 17:45 NIV).  He knew that if he had faith even as small as a mustard seed, God would provide the courage and strength he needed to stand up to Goliath.  He didn’t need a lot of armor or weapons.  He didn’t need Saul’s army.  All he needed was a small stone and a slingshot.  Why?  Because God was enough.

I’m sure the three Hebrew children were afraid as Nebuchadnezzar said that he would throw them in a fiery furnace.  They said to Nebuchadnezzar, “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand” (Daniel 3:17 NKJV).  Even in the midst of their fear, they did not bow down to other gods.  They trusted in the one true and living God.  They knew that He would be enough.

Consider Abraham.  God spoke to him and said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you” (Genesis 22:2 NIV).  What must he have been thinking?  I’m sure he was questioning God.  Still, he obeyed God.  One thing I think is important is the fact that he didn’t decide to think about it or pray about it to prolong the inevitable.  The Bible says that he got up early the very next morning and headed to the mountain (Genesis 22:3 NIV).  Abraham trusted God fully, with the knowledge that God would always provide.  Even as his son questioned what was going on, Abraham replied, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8 NIV).  Just as Abraham was about to take his son’s life, he saw a ram caught among the thickets.  He knew that God had provided the sacrifice, sparing his son.  God knew that Abraham trusted Him to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice.  And Abraham knew that God would always provide.

What problems are you facing in your own life?  Is it a daily struggle to lose weight?  Or are you trying to stop smoking or taking drugs?  Are you recently widowed or divorced?  Maybe you are afraid because of someone or something that has been haunting you each and every night.  Has your faith waivered to the point where you find it hard to trust God at all?  I want you to know that God has not left you.  He sees your pain.  He knows where you are.  He will always be enough.

I pray the song below is an encouragement to you.  It is one of the most anointed songs I have ever heard.  I know that God must have had His hand on Kelly Garner and Kevin Stokes as they penned the lyrics to this song.  And I know that God has His hand on Karen Peck Gooch every time she sings this beautiful song.

My God will always be enough,

For the longings of my soul.

He alone can fill my cup,

Till my spirit overflows.

From a well of living water,

He renews me with His love

My God will always be enough.

Whatever you are facing, God will always be enough.  Call on the name of Jesus Christ right now.  It doesn’t matter if you are sitting in your pajamas in your living room, or if you are walking down the aisles at the local grocery store.  Jesus loves you more than you could ever imagine and you can talk to Him every day of the year, every moment of the day.  For all of your physical shortcomings and emotional weaknesses, He will always be enough to make you whole and to make your life complete.  If you feel empty, He will fill you up.  If you feel alone, He will be your Friend who remains closer than a brother.  If you feel like you are living in a world of uncertainty, you can be certain of one thing.  Our God will always be more than enough.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

It's Not a Fairytale

As a little girl, I remember watching fairytales like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Dumbo.  The idea that life could be so idyllic was mesmerizing to me.  While I still look forward to the day when I meet my very own Prince Charming, I always knew, even as a child, that pixie dust could not fix every problem and that elephants could not fly.  Even so, it was such an awesome experience to imagine a world of make believe where anything was possible.  That’s why I was captivated when I first heard the words, “With God, anything is possible.”

You see, the best stories I ever heard as a child were not fairytales at all.  For in my very favorite book, there is a non-fiction account of a young boy slaying a giant.  In this book, men survived the lion’s den.  And one individual literally parted the Red Sea.  A few loaves of bread and a handful of fish fed thousands.  And the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born in a manger and then hung on a cross to die.  At that very moment, my sins were all washed away.  But the best part of all is that He arose from the dead on the third day and sits at the right hand of His Father in Heaven to this very day.  And I can talk to Him whenever I want, no cell phone required!  While the stories in the Bible seem wondrous and awe-inspiring, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that every single one of them is 100% true.

When I watch the news, I can’t help but think how many prophecies in the Bible are coming true today, right before our very eyes.  Just as the Bible predicts, nations are rising up against nation, and there are wars and rumors of wars.  The line between right and wrong is being blurred, as seen in the way millions of babies are losing their lives each year through abortion.  And homosexuality, drugs, alcohol, and other promiscuous behavior are gradually becoming more and more acceptable within our society.  The government is being infiltrated by corruption as well, causing confusion as to who can be trusted.  Children are being influenced by the wrong crowd, and they often lack the parental support that is so crucial to a young person’s transition into adulthood.  Even the weather has turned on its head with record highs and lows in the most unlikely places, as well as an ever-increasing number of earthquakes, snowfalls, tornadoes, and other severe weather around the world.

Let’s face it.  Life is not the same as it was when my parents and grandparents were growing up.  Black and white has turned to gray.  We no longer live in the Donna Reed or Leave it to Beaver society where every neighborhood is ornately manicured and the mother wears pearls to cook dinner for her family every evening.  While wearing pearls is certainly not the criteria for a good mother, it is certain that these shows did promote moral behavior, strong family relationships, and the idea that life is a valuable gift.  Since then, the definition of a family has been altered quite considerably in some homes and many people take life for granted.  The Bible refers to the “gracious gift of life” (I Peter 3:7).  We have been given something that money cannot buy.  We can take our life and use it for the glory of God, treating it like the treasure that it is, or we can throw it away as if it has no value or worth in our eyes.

God’s Word says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)  Jesus Christ did not die so that we would lead an immoral life and throw our lives away.  He died so that we could live a life of abundance, a life of joy, peace, and love.  Jesus Christ loves you more than you could ever possibly imagine.  Your life is valuable.  You have a purpose on this earth.  You matter.  And it is my prayer that you will follow in His footsteps.  I pray that you will ask Him to be the Lord of your life.  I pray that you will begin to enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do, your life will be forever changed.  And your future will get a whole lot brighter!

For centuries, people have talked about the return of Jesus Christ.  Sadly, I’m sure some people have decided that it is just a fairytale.  But one day soon, Gabriel’s trumpet will sound aloud, announcing the coming of the one and only King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  All Christians will rise up to meet Him in the sky.  We will live eternally with Him.  I urge you to please ensure that your heart is right with God and that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  As the song says, redemption draweth nigh.  Friend, the Bible is true.  There is only one God.  Jesus Christ is real.  And He is coming back for His chosen people any day now.  I pray you are ready.  For the return of Jesus Christ is not a fairytale, but a dream come true for those who are gazing at the Eastern Sky!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

A New Sense of Direction

When was the last time you stopped and asked for directions?  Maybe you searched for the desired destination on your Global Positioning System.  Perhaps you called someone on the phone to find out which way you should go.  It probably didn’t matter where you obtained the information, just so long as you made it to your destination safely and on time.  In life, there are many places we must go and appointments we must keep, but the most important directions we will ever read are the ones in God’s Word.  This Book is a roadmap, not for the highways and byways on which we drive our automobiles, but a map for life itself.  It tells us where to turn, where to stop, and where we should be at all times.  If you find that you are lost on your journey through life, Jesus Christ can help you find a new sense of direction.

Today, the dog that took up residence on our doorstep this week seemed to get a sense of direction.  He started walking toward our hay barn on the hill and disappeared out of sight.  All of the sudden, it just seemed as if something clicked in its head, and he knew which way to go to get home.  No, he didn’t have the ability to search for his owner’s house on Google Maps.  But God knew which direction he should go, and I am sure that God guided him all the way home.  Now, he is no longer sitting on our doorstep, looking like the misplaced canine he once was.  Even though he didn’t have a written map with him, he seemed to know exactly where he was going.  Unfortunately, finding the right direction is not always so easy, especially for people.

Sometimes, there are directions in life that have nothing to do with driving a car down the road.  These types of directions cannot be found on the Internet or any other electronic gadget for that matter.  You see, life is not equipped with a GPS unit that will continuously tell us to “turn left” or “turn right.”  Some decisions will be extremely difficult.  Some journeys will be nearly impossible.  Some roads will be treacherous.  Yet, you can take comfort in the fact that Jesus Christ will be with you every step of the way.  And with Jesus by your side, you will always know which direction to turn.

Perhaps you have made a wrong turn in your life and do not know how to cope.  You may have left your family, seeking a better life or a more fulfilling existence, only to find that single life is not what you truly desired.  It may be that the absence of the love of your family is nearly more than you can bear.  Or you might have entered a life of drugs and alcohol, just to realize that these things only provide a temporary reprieve from the difficulties you are facing.  You may have decided that these things are not the ultimate answer, but you do not know how to get back on the straight and narrow.  Or you could be someone who was raised as a Christian all of your life, but have recently found yourself straying away from Jesus Christ.  Now, you may be trying to find your way back home to the safety of His arms, but you’re so far away, you do not know how to get there from where you are now.

Jesus Christ has not forgotten you.  He cares for you.  He wants you to come home.  There is no spot on this earth that is out of the reach of our Heavenly Father.  He knows where you are.  He knows everything you have done, every turn you have made, every road you have taken.  Even if you made poor choices, He loves you unconditionally.  He wants to guide you and direct you, and He wants to help you make it home.  The Bible says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6 KJV).  He doesn’t want you to stay lost, wasting your life in all of the wrong places.  He will give you directions, leading you to the right places.

If you are struggling with some particular aspect of your life, don’t sit on someone else’s porch, simply because you cannot find your way home again.  Ask God to help you.  Ask Him for His guidance.  Ask Him for a new sense of direction.  He will show you how to get home.  God’s Word says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him” (Psalm 37:5 ESV).  Trust Him today.  If you are going the wrong way, God allows U-turns.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  Open up your heart, listen to His voice, and allow Him to guide you to the life you have always dreamed of living.  Don’t wander around aimlessly.  Look to God for a new sense of direction.  He will bring you to a place of peace, joy, and hope.  Best of all, he will bring you home.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer