Short Pilgrimage

We will all soon be gone from this place and quite possibly there will be those to tread where we now walk. What will we leave behind to set an example, a pattern for those who come after us to follow? What will our lives say about what we lived for when we are gone? How can we challenge those who, LORD willing, will walk where we walk and read and learn what we are living for today?

Would you like the future of the Christian Church to follow your example of faith in Christ today?

Read, be challenged and weep if you are caught up with so many cares and issues of this life while Christ and the work of HIS Kingdom is being almost entirely neglected. Is HE your Treasure, your Pearl of Great Price, your exceeding great reward, the One to whom all of your affection, adoration, longing, love and obedience is directed? If not, HE can be- today. Turn from the other things that keep you from being fully surrendered to HIM and draw near to HIM with a true heart in full assurance of faith.

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18

I hope the preceding prayerful petition from DesiringGod.org stir and challenge your hearts and minds to ponder our brief existence on this planet, the fragility of our life and short pilgrimage here and birth in you a new passion to live for the things that are not seen. Life is quick and we’ll all soon be heading home.

You are mine

It's comforting to know that God knows my entire story, from first word to final breath, and with clear assessment declares, "You are mine."

I'm excited for that day to come where I can hold the hand that holds the world. I want to give God the pen of my life trusting He'll write the greatest adventure ever told.

It's sobering to ponder through the thought that one day I'm going to type my last word and put a period on my last sentence. Every action I partake in is going to come to an end some day. Wise is the man that lives for eternity and not just the temporal.

We can't impress people with Jesus when we are trying to impress them with ourselves. "I must decrease, He must increase." I don't mind people not remembering much of me, just as long as people can see Christ clearer.

What we do in life truly will echo on into eternity.

Quick Quiz...

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last six Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Best Actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?
The point is none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies.
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Now take this quiz...
1. Name the only person who has ever lived whom without money and arms conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon. Without science and learning He shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined. With out the eloquence of schools this person spoke such words of life that have not been spoken before or since and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet. Without writing a single line He set more pens in motion and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, works of art, songs of praise, learned volumes than the whole mighty army of ancient and modern times?

I will give you a hint…

He was born in a stable in an obscure village and from there He traveled less than two hundred miles. He never won an election. He never went to college. He never owned a home. He never had a lot of money. He became a nomadic preacher and popular opinion turned against Him. He was unjustly condemned to death, crucified on a cross among common thieves, on a hill overlooking the town dump, and when dead laid in a borrowed grave. A close friend betrayed him and the others ran away. Nineteen centuries have come and gone. Empires have risen and fallen. Mighty armies have marched and powerful rulers have reigned; yet no one has affected civilization as much as He has. He is the central figure of the human race. He is the Messiah. He is the King of kings and He is the Lord of Lords.
More than nineteen hundred years ago he was born contrary to the laws of life. He lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He received no formal education and never possessed wealth or widespread influence. He never traveled extensively. He only once crossed the boundary of the country in which He lived. But this man’s life has changed the course of history.

In infancy, He startled a king;In childhood, He puzzled doctors; In manhood, He ruled the course of nature, walked upon the waves, and hushed the sea to sleep.He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His services.He never wrote a book. Yet, His life has inspired more books than any other man. He never wrote a song. Yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined. He never founded a college. But all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students.
He never marshaled an army, nor drafted a soldier, nor fired a gun. Yet, no leader ever had more rebels surrender without a single shot fired.He never practiced psychiatry. Yet, He has healed more broken hearts than all the doctors far and near.The names of great statesmen have come and gone. Scientists, philosophers, and theologians are soon forgotten. However, the name of this man abounds more and more.Once each week the wheels of commerce cease from turning, and multitudes gather to pay homage and respect to Him. Though time has spread two thousand years between the people of this generation and His birth, He still lives. His enemies could not destroy Him, and the grave could not hold Him.This man stands alone upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory, proclaimed of God, acknowledged by angels, adored by His people, and feared by devils, as the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.He’s the King of Kings and He’s the Lord of Lords. There’s been nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. He’s had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign.

He is:Lord God Almighty, Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Paternal Leader, Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the Universe. He is Helper, Guardian and God. He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End. He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all He keeps.
He is The Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times. He always was, is, and will be: Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone. He was bruised, yet He brought healing. He was pierced with excruciating pain. He was persecuted yet He brought freedom. He was dead, yet He brought life. He is risen and He brings power. He reigns and brings Peace. The world can't understand him, the armies can't defeat Him, the schools can't explain Him, and the leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, the Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, the people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him. Hitler couldn't silence Him, the New Age can't replace Him and you can't explain Him away!He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, kindness, gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His Word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me! His is my redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, He is my peace, He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord and He rules my life. I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is joy in Himself. I follow Him because He is the wisdom ofthe wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and the sovereign Lord of all that was, is and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size. His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, forsake me, mislead me, forget me, overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives me. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is The Way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me. When I am broken, He mends me. When I am blind, He leads me. When I am hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me. When I face persecution, He stills me. When I face problems, He comforts me. When I face loss, He provides for me. When I face Death, He’ll carry me Home!He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and in every way. He is God, He is faithful, I am His, and He is mine. My Father in Heaven can whip the father of this world, and so, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this: He said it, and that settles it. God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.