When Life is Shaken

The changes in our government, our way of life and our world have threatened to shake us all to the core. In light of these events especially the news from The Ukraine I was encouraged by what Pastor Rick Warren wrote today.

Everything on earth will eventually crumble—except the church. No business, school, government, or nation will last forever. Only the church will last forever, because it is built by Jesus, and he’s focused on building his family.

Jesus says in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (NLT).

Are you feeling shaken? God has a place of refuge for you not only in Heaven but also right here on earth. That place is a family…His family , and when we need them the most we have fellow believers to pray with us, come alongside or even just listen. Have a blessed day no matter what that day is looking like in your part of this planet. Jesus’ promises will still be standing long after every evil plan on earth has fallen!

Heaven is a Place!

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13:44 ESV

Ottawa, Canada, Brisbane, Australia, Marseille, France and Jaigaon, India are on four different continents, speak three different languages and share at least two things in common. These all can be found on a map, and they are all capitalized. How strange it is that places on earth that are temporary are given the honor of capitalization while the place in Heaven where God rules is not.

Did you ever stop to think while you prayed, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” that Heaven is far more real and permanent than where you live? Maybe we miss Heaven’s importance because it is a treasure, but one that God has hidden in the field of this world. Yet this is a place so valuable and true that we are urged to sell all we have to find it. Heaven is our greatest reward and Hope. Heaven is where flowers bloom forever and we will never grow old. Heaven is where God sings and sorrow flees, where angels fall down before Him, and Jesus is lifted up. Heaven is where orphans are adopted, the hungry are fed and tears are wiped away. Heaven is where blind eyes see God and that one day we will be changed to be like Jesus, where finally and forever we will be with Him. Heaven is more wonderful and real than any place on earth. So, let’s capitalize the place where God will forever rule in the hearts of everyone who loves Him!

Time To Come Home

We went with her along the path 
Through turns and twists and more
Till angels took her by the hand
As we walked out on the shore

They led her to a waiting ship
Then she smiled and turned to say
“Don’t weep for me I hear His call
- Time to come home today!”

Time to Come Home
by Peter Caligiuri
copyright 2021 all rights reserved

In memory of my wife’s sister Diane who we laid to rest yesterday after a year long battle with Interstitial lung disease. Over the last year Nancy spent 5 months caring for her. We flew out to California on Monday and it has been a long week for us both. Thanks for the prayers of those who follow this blog. This little verse puts in words a tiny piece of the comfort that God has given us right now. I pray it may touch someone else dealing with a season of grief.