2004-04-01 - No More

Rev 21:4 and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." (NAS)

Home is going to be a wonderful place when we get there. For one thing, I will be whole. No more wondering about my motivations, no more temptations, no more remorse, no more sadness, no more pain, no more sleepless nights. And I will be the neither the cause or the recipient of any of these.

There are days that seem much longer than others. There are days when we are tired or we struggle with things a little more than others. I'm far from perfect. I struggle. I hope that didn't scare anyone. It's not a surprise to anyone that knows me.

The point is that we are all capable of basing a decision on a questionable motivation, just as much as we are capable of planting a questionable thought in someone else's mind. We struggle with the world around us. In the battle against the flesh, the world and the enemy, we may be our own worst enemy. This is certainly true from time to time at least. And, we are only mortal some will say. And, while not entirely incorrect, we have a witness inside us in the Holy Spirit that is available to us to help us make right choices.

There are days when the fight seems endless. The battle can be frustrating and can wear us down. Then it is time to remember that Jesus promised His disciples a place in His kingdom. Revelation speaks of a city 1500 cubic miles in size with twelve massive pearl gates, twelve enormous foundation stones of amazing beauty and streets paved with gold so pure it is transparent. And God will be the light at the center of the city, and there will be no night. No temptations, no hunger or death, no sickness. Joy and full peace of heart and mind. There will be time to sit at Jesus' feet and learn and meet other characters from history like Noah, Moses and Peter.

And on those days when it all seems so far away, remember that Jesus is not late. He is simply as patient with others as He was patient with you.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (NAS)

Grace & Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org