Sometimes we feel like we are speaking more about the warnings in these end days than we are about the joys of living in this world.
The truth is the world is becoming darker and the people are more full of anger and disrespect. We want to share the solution, who is Jesus Christ, so that those who are living in darkness, thinking it is normal and reasonable, will realize how blinded they are and what true salvation rescues them from, a life of sin and guilt.
Revelation 3:17 "Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked,"
Those who live in discouragement and hyper vigilance to proclaim their own greatness do not know they are full of strife, living in a state of hopelessness. If they can distract themselves from the sadness within, they count themselves as happy, but there is no lasting joy.
John 16:33 33 “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.”
James 1:2-4 Trials and Temptations
"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Perhaps this is the reason so many people pursue pleasure and adventure, to distract them from the chaos that dwells within them. Impressing others becomes necessary to make oneself feel whole and validated.
The born-again believer who lives for Christ does not have this emptiness inside. We glory in God's provision without need of adventures and grandiose accomplishments to spectacular displays.
I worry about those who have lived their whole lives playing and cannot seem to enjoy quiet times. Perhaps in their old age, they will feel a deep sense of loss when they can no longer run to and fro, building adventures to boast about to others.
Life is not full because of the adventures we create but because of the wonderful lessons God has for us during all the experiences of life.
The most content people in life are those who enjoy just a normal, quiet life of tranquility, enjoying the small things that bring great peace while trusting in Christ.
Romans 5:3-5 "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."
1 Peter 1:6-7 "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."
Those of us who have trusted Christ have an amazing inheritance coming when we leave this world that it overwhelms anything we go through on this earth.
Hallelujah!
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