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.

Let Us Adore Him!

During the 13^th century, one individual wrote down the words to what would soon become a beloved Christmas carol, “O Come All Ye Faithful.”  While it is believed that John Francis Wade is the one responsible for bringing these lyrics to the Christian church, uncertainty remains as to who is primarily responsible for the accompanying tune.  Still, one thing will always remain crystal clear: this song is a call for all Christians to adore the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Every time I hear this song, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with a renewed joy due to the gratefulness in my heart for the love that He has shown to me every day of my life.  That is why I do not see this song as a Christmas carol, but instead, as an anthem for all Christians everywhere.  We should give praise and adoration to Jesus Christ 365 days a year.  He is so worthy of our praise.  So I invite you to join me.  Come, let us adore Him!

The year was 1745.  John Francis Wade found himself in the midst of a battle between the Church of England and the Church of Rome.  During this time, many Catholics were forced to hide their faith from those around them.  Others fled the country, seeking religious freedom.  John Francis Wade was one of these individuals who chose to leave everything behind on a desperate quest for freedom to worship the one true and living God.  Having found refuge in France, he worked diligently to preserve documents of the church and to transcribe sacred music that otherwise may have been lost forever.  God rewarded his persistence by giving him the ability to write many songs, including the beloved Christmas carol, “Adeste Fideles,” also known as “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Just imagine.  John Francis Wade was surrounded by trouble on every side, being persecuted for his faith and eventually having to flee his home country.  Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, He kept the faith and stood firm in his walk with God.  He knew that giving God praise and adoration was the key to having a meaningful and happy life, in spite of what was going on around him.  In the third verse of this cherished hymn, the lyrics state, “O Jesus!  Forevermore be Thy name adored.”  He did not write, at Christmastime be Thy name adored.  Instead, he wrote “Forevermore.”  Most assuredly, John Francis Wade knew that we should adore the name of Jesus continually, every moment of the day, every day of the year.  Despite the many trials and tribulations in his own life, he remained faithful.

Is there something in your life that is preventing you from praising the name of Jesus Christ continually?  Are you discouraged, due to a failed marriage, difficult financial circumstances, or wayward children?  Is there something at work that just doesn’t feel right and causes you to be stressed or even depressed?  Or is there a dark secret deep inside your heart that no one knows about but God?  No matter what you are going through, Jesus Christ cares about you.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  Don’t let the trials of this life weigh you down.  Talk to Jesus and tell Him all of your worries, cares, and fears.  He wants to help you.  He will bear your burdens.  You don't have to do it alone.  Wherever you are, just lift your hands and praise Him for the blessings He has given you.  Ask Him to give you wisdom to handle all of life's twists and turns.  Stand amazed at how God works in your life when you are in tune with His still, small voice.  Listen to Him.  Trust Him.  Worship Him.  Give praise and adoration to the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised!  Don’t wait until Christmas or even until Easter.  Let us adore Him today!  O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Memorial Day: Flag of Freedom

Three colors.  Thirteen stripes.  Fifty stars.  Though its outward appearance may be a humble collection of cloth stitched together, the American flag is a symbol of life, liberty, and justice for all.  This flag has been waved proudly and it has also been burned with hatred.  Throughout America’s history, this flag has literally made its way to the moon and back.  It has marched down city streets and flies high above our nation’s capital.  On Memorial Day, however, we remember this flag in a different manner.

When folded into a triangle and presented to a mother, father, husband, wife, son, or daughter at a funeral, this flag represents a life lost.  A life lived to the fullest, but cut too short.  Think about it.  There are hundreds of thousands of men and women who served their country and never made it home.  They had hopes and dreams for their future.  Perhaps they wanted to marry their childhood sweetheart, raise a family, or buy a house.  But one decision cost it all.  They decided to put their life on the line to help ensure our safety and freedom in America.  While defending our lives, they lost their own.

This Memorial Day, I encourage you to enjoy the backyard barbeques and much-needed rest and relaxation.  But above all, I urge you to cherish the time you have with your friends and family.  As the family and friends of fallen soldiers will tell you, you never know how much time you’ll have with them.  Be sure to say a prayer for these families, as I am sure today is especially hard for them.  And be sure to pray for the service men and women who are fighting for our freedom even today.  Let’s pray that they come home waving the flag proudly, so we can thank them personally for the priceless gift they are giving to you and me: freedom.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer