The Search for Answers

When was the last time you asked someone a question? Or when was the last time you typed in an address on your GPS system? What if life was that simple? What would the world be like if we could ask a question and immediately receive the perfect answer? While the Internet has the answer to many questions, it cannot tell me where I will be twenty years from now. It cannot tell us if we will be united in marriage or if we will have children and raise a family. Amid a myriad of challenging questions, it seems we are all on the constant search for answers. The World Wide Web cannot answer them. Even someone as intelligent as Einstein would be utterly perplexed. Yet the answer is so simple a child could understand.

A little over two thousand years ago, God, the Creator of the universe, spoke this entire world into existence. He created every single aspect of this earth, from the smallest grain of sand to the tallest towering tree and the most miniature hummingbird in the air to the colossal whales in the sea. But his greatest creation was extra special. He created you and me, human beings whom he loves unconditionally. In fact, he loved us so much that he gave his only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross, so we could receive forgiveness and salvation through him. But he didn’t stop there. God also loved us enough that he gave us the freedom to choose whether or not we would love him in return.

God does not desire to have an army of robots who worship him simply because they are programmed to do so. He allows us to choose whether or not we will serve him. He gives us the ability to determine our own destiny. The choice is simple. You and I can choose to dedicate our lives to the cause of Christ, or we can reject the very one who died to save us from our sins. If you choose Christ, you gain everlasting love and eternal life in Heaven. If you reject him, you subject yourself to a life of despair, culminating with eternity in Hell.

This summer, my Dad and I spoke to many individuals about the Good News of the Gospel. Some of the people we talked to were very open to hearing the message of Jesus Christ. Others were adamantly against hearing the truth. Sadly, many people go on searching for answers their entire lives, never finding the answer to the over-arching question: Why am I here? For some people, they believe the world came into existence via a Big Bang. But if you think about the aftermath of an explosion, it results in things being torn apart, not coming together. Others think the world evolved into what it is today. When I look at medieval castles, ancient city ruins, and other historic sites I have explored, I can tell you firsthand that things on this earth do not evolve. Instead, they decay and fall apart.

Look at the intricacy of the living things upon this earth. Cats have 32 muscles in each ear, which is why they can have one move completely independent from the other. Elephants have four legs that all bend forward, the only quadruped designed this way, so it is able to carry its enormous body weight. The human body is the most complex of all, having more than 30 trillion cells, each one performing 10,000 chemical functions. This earth was no accident. Just as a skyscraper has an architect to formulate its complex design, this earth also has a Master Designer. God created this earth and every single thing in the entire universe. He created us in his very own image (Genesis 1:27), so we could live for him.

Amid so much uncertainty in this world, I am grateful to know that God is in control. God loves us

unconditionally. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so whosoever believes in him shall not die, but have eternal life.” Every one of us has made mistakes. We have all sinned. But the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on our behalf will wash away all sin. Jesus died so we could have our sins forgiven. No matter what you have done or where you come from, Jesus died for you. I John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us.” Jesus rose again on the third day and is sitting at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf. That’s how much he loves us. He even intercedes for people who have rejected him.

There are many questions in life. But the most important question is, “Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?” If the answer is yes, then I look forward to seeing you in Heaven one day! If the answer is no, I urge you to stop searching for answers in all of the wrong places. Jesus Christ is the Answer you seek. Jesus Christ loves you more than you could ever fully comprehend. Make a decision to break free from the sin that has been ruling your life. Take hold of the nail-pierced hand of the One who gave his life for you. Choose to love the One who created you. Above all, remember Jesus Christ is the Answer to all of life’s problems.

You Are Worth More

Did you know that a domestic cat has between 60,000 to 120,000 hairs per square inch?  Have you ever seen an elephant up close?  The hairs on these giants are thought to keep them cool, unlike nearly every other hairy mammal whose hairs keep them warm.  A camel can survive six months without water and bald eagles can fly up to 200 miles per hour.  If that isn’t amazing enough, starfish can regenerate new limbs to replace those that are lost.  By examining the many wonders found in God’s unique creation, we can be certain that one thing is true.  He cares about every aspect of this world, including you and me.  To Him, we are worth more than all of the gold found within the four corners of the earth.

Luke 12:7 (NIV) says, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  You may be thinking, great, I’m worth more than a bird.  Before you draw this conclusion, it’s interesting to note that sparrows are quite an intricate creation.  Sparrows have 400,000 photoreceptors per square millimeter on each retina, yet they are only 4 to 8 inches in length and typically weigh less than two ounces.  Just like these tiny little birds, God took great care in creating each and every living thing on earth.  But His most remarkable creation is you and me.

God didn’t just make us like He made the animals who roam the earth.  Instead, He made us in own His image.  God’s Word says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God; he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27 NIV).  We are set apart from our four-legged, sea-faring, and winged friends.  We are special in God’s sight.  Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  We were created to serve the Lord and share the Good News with a lost and dying world.  Men and women were created to be a reflection of God’s love.  That is our greatest purpose here on earth.

Man was not created to fight, to hate, or to destroy others.  Man was created to love his neighbor as himself.  Humans were also created to love God because He first loved us.  Ephesians 1:4 (NLT) states, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”  You and I are on this planet for one reason and one reason alone: to share the love of Jesus Christ to everyone we meet.  We are here to make a difference, to tell those who are broken in the depths of despair that there is hope through Jesus Christ.

You may be sitting there, thinking, how can I share about a love that I’ve never even known?  You may be the person who is drowning in the depths of despair.  If this is you, I want to encourage you today.  You are treasured in God’s eyes.  Jesus Christ loves you more than you could imagine.  He has always loved you and He will never stop loving you.  He knows how many hairs are on your head.  He knows everything about you.  And you know what?  He loves you anyway.  He thinks you are priceless.  That’s why He paid the ultimate sacrifice in giving His life for your sins.  To Him, you are more valuable than sparrows, or even the most precious metals on earth.  You were worth dying for.  Reach out to Jesus Christ today.  You will find hope in Christ!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Treasures

When you were a small child, did you ever dream of being a treasure hunter?  Of being that lucky individual who would find the elusive treasure map, follow the trail, and claim a chest full of gold coins, jewelry, or other valuables.  I’m sure many of us would like to strike it rich, whether it is through the good fortune of finding a lost treasure, winning a cash prize, or receiving a large sum from a lucrative donor.  But for the vast majority, the odds of our finances skyrocketing to new heights are quite slim.  Nevertheless, there are treasures awaiting us if we just take the time to look for them.  God’s Creation is full of awesome wonders that reveal His love for us in the most unlikely ways.

Think about the sand dollar.  Have you ever swum down to the bottom of the ocean and pulled one of these unique sea urchins up to the surface?  Or maybe you found the dried skeleton of one of these creatures on the shore.  Have you ever looked inside one of these magnificent works of art?  God, in His infinite wisdom, designed this creature so that it could breathe through pores that are arranged in a petal-like pattern.  He also gave it spines, so it could move about the seabed.  Perhaps the greatest feature of an sand dollar is the Aristotle’s lantern inside that functions as the sand dollar’s teeth.  For these amazing objects are shaped like tiny little doves.  Imagine...inside one of God’s intricate sea creatures, He placed miniature replicas of one of His beautiful birds of the air.  Surely this was not an accident, but instead, it was part of His divine plan.

Did you know that doves mate for life?  A female or male dove will not search for a second mate until the first one is no longer living.  They also cooperate and work together to build the nest for their young.  They are the true epitome of loyalty and devotion to one another.  Jesus told His disciples to emulate their behavior when he told them to be “innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16 NIV).  Even God trusted a dove to bring the olive branch back to Noah to let him and his family know that the waters had receded and that it was safe to return to the land.  Without doubt, this special species is a symbol of peace and is a treasure in the sky.  God trusted a dove with an important task, but I have a question for you and me.  Can He trust us?  Do we follow His guidance as the dove did after the flood?  Or do we whine and complain when He tells us what we should do?  Sometimes, it is easier to follow a treasure map than to blaze an uncharted trail as we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.  Inevitably, though, it is through devotion to God that we will find genuine and enduring treasure.

Some people spend their whole entire lives looking for treasure, or searching for fame and fortune.  In the end, what truly matters is what we have done for the cause of Christ.  The things we accumulate in this world will not last.  Although many people have tried through the centuries, you cannot take anything with you when you leave this world and enter into Heaven or Hell.  Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) says, “‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’”  You see, friends, you and I need to focus on the important things in life that will have eternal value.  These are the things that will last.  Instead of worrying about the kind of car we drive, the clothes we wear, or the food we eat, we need to focus on what we can do to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet.  The Bible says that our Heavenly Father knows our basic needs and that He will supply them (Matthew 6:32).  He knows our needs before we even ask.

What about you?  Are you tired of searching for a treasure that you cannot seem to find?  I don’t know what you may be going through in your life at this very moment, but I can tell you that I am 100% certain that Jesus Christ knows exactly what struggles you face.  He knows if you are dealing with financial burdens, physical or emotional battles, or something so difficult that you cannot even put it into words.  Just like He will provide for the sand dollars of the sea and the doves of the air, He will provide for you.  He knows your heart.  He knows if you are hurting.  Jesus Christ loves you so much that He gave His life for you (see John 3:16).  Call on the name of Jesus Christ today.  For the greatest treasure that any man can ever hold on this earth is not a chest full of gold, but the priceless knowledge that they have a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Travel Delays or God-Sent Detours?

Did you ever stop to think about the way God works in your life?  And have you ever considered the fact that sometimes a delay or detour in life is simply God’s way of keeping you from harm?  Last month, my dad and I arrived at La Guardia airport over two hours prior to our departure time.  As I scanned our boarding pass at the check-in kiosk, I received a message stating that we needed to see a Delta agent in order to check in.  We were perplexed when the agent printed out tags for our luggage to be flown to Washington, DC.  Along with connections in Washington and Atlanta, they quickly informed us that we were not to fly out until the following day.  Our direct flight to Jacksonville had been cancelled along with countless other departures and arrivals due to gridlock and inclement weather.  We were not going home tonight.  We were stranded in New York.

Because of the cancellations, all hotel rooms in the vicinity of the airport were booked solid.  We found a metal bench in the Baggage Claim area.  We had gone from taking a stroll in Central Park earlier in the day and having lunch at Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse that afternoon to sitting on a metal bench with our luggage in front of us like we were homeless.  Funny how things change, isn’t it?  Soon the jackhammers began to sing.  Every time sleep seemed possible, we were reminded that we were sitting in an airport near a construction zone.  Still, we were grateful to have a bench, as many stranded passengers were not so fortunate, having to endure a long, sleepless night on the floor.

The next morning, we boarded the plane, excited to finally be heading home.  As soon as we got settled in, the pilot came on the intercom to inform us that the rear luggage door was not closing properly.  The next announcement delivered news that the hinge pin was broken and we would have to deplane.  The substitute plane was en route from North Carolina and would depart a couple of hours later.  But even with the seemingly endless delays, we knew that God had a perfect plan.  I prayed a silent prayer, thanking Him that the pin broke at the gate and not in the air.  Long before we even booked this flight, He knew which plane would be safe.  As the song written by Joyce and Colbert Croft aptly says, the Lord is always looking out for us.

From the moment our vacation began, God had His hand on us.  Our flight from Jacksonville to Atlanta was delayed by three hours, but the connecting flight from Atlanta to Boston was delayed four hours.  On the Freedom Trail in Boston, we heard a single shot fired near our location and an ambulance arrived soon thereafter.  From our hotel room in New York, we heard several shots fired on more than one occasion.  But through every delay and every danger lurking around the corner, God kept us safe from all harm.  Every part of our journey revealed God’s love for us, from the moments when we prayed for safety to the moments we were awestruck by the beauty of God’s Creation that surrounded us.

From the beauty of Walden Pond near Waltham, Massachusetts to the pastoral scenes of Prince Edward Island, Canada, it was evident that God’s paintbrush had majestically graced these picturesque landscapes.  I was captivated by the delightful views as we walked across the bridge at the top of Montmorency Falls in Quebec, Canada.  Every aspect of our trip was proof that God was piloting our ship, ensuring that we enjoyed the journey just as much as the destinations themselves.  Of course, one destination proved to be extra special.  We had the opportunity to return to the Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York.  The moment you enter the doors of this Tabernacle, something special takes place.  Goosebumps covered my arms as I immediately felt the Spirit of God surround me in a warm embrace.  What a sweet reminder of God’s love for me, as well as a chance to reflect on this New England and Canada adventure that my dad and I were blessed to enjoy together.

What about you?  Do delays seem to squelch your spirits, causing you to become impatient and angry?  Even amid the detours of life, remember that one thing never changes.  That is the love that Jesus Christ has for you and me.  No matter who you are, He loves you.  No matter where you are, He loves you.  As my dad and I stood overlooking Jordan Pond, I was reminded how God can take a broken life and transform it into a beautiful one.  For you see, the surrounding landscape does not share the same serenity of Jordan Pond.  Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park, while beautiful to photograph, are not hospitable terrains, full of jagged rocks and boulders.  Just like God took time to create a gorgeous, peaceful pond in the midst of this rugged landscape, He will take the time to soften your heart and bring peace to your troubled soul.  So the next time you experience a delay, just remember that God knows more than you do.  That detour may just be the Lord looking out for you!

In Christ's Love,

Jennifer

Why, God?

Did you ever experience a terrifying storm?  Do you recall the fear and uncertainty that gripped your mind, as you wondered if your family and friends were safe?  Or perhaps you are enduring an emotional, mental, or physical storm in your life at this very moment.  Does it feel as if they sun will never shine again?  In life, we encounter a plethora of tragedies.  There are natural disasters, illnesses, wars, and many other difficult situations we may find ourselves in.  There may even be times when we find ourselves concerned with a catastrophic event that has not even happened directly to us.  Yet, the tragic occurrence causes us to reflect back on the difficult times we have endured.  Think about the devastating earthquake that struck near the coast of Japan.  When you heard about this natural disaster, did it bring to mind the storms in your own life?  Have you wondered why God did not provide a shelter from the storm for those whose lives were lost?  Or why He has not sheltered you from the storms you are currently going through?

As humans living in an imperfect world, there are moments when we may question, “Why, God?”  There may be times when we do not understand His plan for our life, since our plans may be entirely different.  As I was getting ready for work this morning, I was saddened to hear the news of the massive earthquake that had occurred off the coast of Japan.  Such a tragic event, yet there was no one to blame.  No human being on earth could have precisely predicted this natural disaster.  I am sure the citizens of Japan did not expect this catastrophe.  They planned to enjoy another routine weekday ahead, where everything happened according to their plans.  Then, their plans changed.  Instead of going to work or school, they will spend the day searching for missing persons, digging through rubble to find survivors, and wondering if their loved ones are safe.  And I am sure they will be pondering the question, “Why?”  Why did this happen?  Why couldn’t we prevent the loss of life?  Why didn’t God stop the destruction?

Although I cannot answer these questions, I can assure you that God was right in the midst of that storm.  He was standing right beside the people who were safely evacuated from derailed trains, broken bridges, and crumbled buildings.  Granted, our human minds cannot comprehend why some lives would be spared and others taken.  I cannot explain why every life is not spared.  Even in my own life, I often wonder why my Mom, three grandparents, two infant brothers, and numerous other relatives and friends are not still with me today.  Still, one thing is certain.  God is a sovereign God.  God’s ways are perfect.  The destruction in Japan may seem insurmountable, but God has a perfect plan for the entire world.  He knew this day would come even before we were born.  The storms in your own life may seem equally undefeatable, but rest assured, God has everything under control.

No matter what storm you are currently facing, God is greater than your storm.  Psalm 93:4 (NIV) says, “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty.”  The one and only true and living God is greater than all of the earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires, tornadoes, and any other natural disaster that may come upon His Creation.  Not only that, but God is greater than cancer, divorce, terrorism, and any other social, economic, political, or environmental problem in this world.  For every problem, God is the solution.

In life, there are no guarantees of tomorrow.  There are problems we must face.  There are tragedies to endure.  Nevertheless, we can find shelter in the arms of Jesus.  He has already walked ahead of us, and He continually prepares us for the difficult storms that we may encounter on life’s journey.  He will give us peace in the midst of the storm.  John 16:33 (NIV) says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  Jesus knows what you are going through.  He knows you will face storms in life.  He knows you may even wonder, “Why, God?”  These questions of why may go unanswered.  Even so, you can always find peace in the one true answer: Jesus.

In Christ's Love,

Jennifer