WHAT AN INTERESTING WEEK! In the absence of the senior pastor, I had a funeral to officiate on Thursday and a surprise birthday party to attend on Saturday. Two contrasting events---one where the atmosphere was heavy with sadness and the other charged with joy. I know that there are those who try to put the emphasis on “celebration” in memorial services, and I suppose to some extent it should be done, especially as it relates to a Christian. But the truth is, usually grief seems to win the day.
Perhaps these two events define life to a degree. Our journey through this passageway is filled with sorrow and joy, pain and celebration, confusion and exaltation. Hans Christian Anderson said, “Life is a fairy tale, written by God’s finger.” Tell that to the one who has just passed through the valley of the shadow of death. Let’s face it, life can at times be tough. That’s why we need help to understand its many dimensions. The Bible can assist us, for it gives a balanced view.
Life is a mystery. No one has been able to fully comprehend its physical, mental, and spiritual development. Man, with all of his technology and tools cannot even invent a seed of corn that would produce an ear. Life is a mystery.
Life is a gift from God. He made us in His own image and breathed into our nostrils the breath of life. Therefore it is to be cherished and never demeaned. Its sacredness issues from the Creator.
Life is an opportunity. Each day brings new experiences and special possibilities where we can grow and expand our horizons. Our English word opportunity comes from the Latin and means “toward the port.” It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the harbor. The brevity of life is a strong argument for making the best use of the opportunities God gives us.
Life is an influence. Our lives touch many others during a typical day. And as such we will leave behind a legacy of good or ill, depending on how we conduct ourselves. It is the law of influence that we become like those we habitually admire. We are mosaics of others.
Life is an uncertain thing. Job said that our life is like “the sparks that fly upward.” Isaiah said that life is like “a flower that fades and like grass that withers.” James said that life is like “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” W.E. Channing said it best: “Life is a fragment, a moment between two eternities, influenced by all that has preceded, and to influence all that follows.”
Life is the object of redemption. Seduced mankind had fallen into sin- slavery. Our blessed Redeemer paid the price to buy us back so that He could make us free indeed!
Life is an eternal reality. Death and the grave are not the end. Heaven awaits its citizens. Wise indeed are those who purchase their tickets on the gospel train. There stands One at heaven’s gates with extended arms, welcoming His own to their everlasting home.
Thank God for life, with all of its many twists and turns. Enjoy the ride, watch the signs along the way, and take in the scenery. And remember, “Beware of the easy road. It always leads downward.”
Perhaps these two events define life to a degree. Our journey through this passageway is filled with sorrow and joy, pain and celebration, confusion and exaltation. Hans Christian Anderson said, “Life is a fairy tale, written by God’s finger.” Tell that to the one who has just passed through the valley of the shadow of death. Let’s face it, life can at times be tough. That’s why we need help to understand its many dimensions. The Bible can assist us, for it gives a balanced view.
Life is a mystery. No one has been able to fully comprehend its physical, mental, and spiritual development. Man, with all of his technology and tools cannot even invent a seed of corn that would produce an ear. Life is a mystery.
Life is a gift from God. He made us in His own image and breathed into our nostrils the breath of life. Therefore it is to be cherished and never demeaned. Its sacredness issues from the Creator.
Life is an opportunity. Each day brings new experiences and special possibilities where we can grow and expand our horizons. Our English word opportunity comes from the Latin and means “toward the port.” It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the harbor. The brevity of life is a strong argument for making the best use of the opportunities God gives us.
Life is an influence. Our lives touch many others during a typical day. And as such we will leave behind a legacy of good or ill, depending on how we conduct ourselves. It is the law of influence that we become like those we habitually admire. We are mosaics of others.
Life is an uncertain thing. Job said that our life is like “the sparks that fly upward.” Isaiah said that life is like “a flower that fades and like grass that withers.” James said that life is like “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” W.E. Channing said it best: “Life is a fragment, a moment between two eternities, influenced by all that has preceded, and to influence all that follows.”
Life is the object of redemption. Seduced mankind had fallen into sin- slavery. Our blessed Redeemer paid the price to buy us back so that He could make us free indeed!
Life is an eternal reality. Death and the grave are not the end. Heaven awaits its citizens. Wise indeed are those who purchase their tickets on the gospel train. There stands One at heaven’s gates with extended arms, welcoming His own to their everlasting home.
Thank God for life, with all of its many twists and turns. Enjoy the ride, watch the signs along the way, and take in the scenery. And remember, “Beware of the easy road. It always leads downward.”
posted by kazookid | 1:10 PM
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