Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is Luke 9:25

 

Luke 9:25 For what is a man profited, if he gains the whole world, and lose himself, or suffer loss?

 

The unfortunate reality is that most of the world is seeking things that are passing away. They seek things that will not last nor provide any true security while they possess them.  

 

Deception colors the thinking of those who have embraced the world and its system. When a person is deceived, they think deceptive thoughts. Those thoughts lead them into deceptive behavior and it is the behavior that consummates their immersion into the deception. Satan is the master deceiver. He has deceived most of the world into believing that God’s Word does not matter, that God Himself does not matter. He has deceived the world into believing that happiness can be found by possessing more and more. But they leave this world the same way they came into the world, with nothing. They have wasted their lives on worldly things and have no hope of eternal life. Of course, Satan has deceived them to think that those "religious" things do not exist or certainly do not apply to them. What a sad day for the deceived when Christ returns. He, who gave His life so that all could be saved, is going to return and He will reward everyone “according to their works.” Matthew 16:27  

 

God has intended more for us than this brief life on earth. God, who exists in eternity, created man to live with Him forever. The intrusion of sin did not deter God from His original intent. God still intends for man to live with Him forever. That is why He sent His Son to redeem us from sin and restore us to fellowship with God. Those who have been redeemed are no longer living for what this world has to offer; they are living for the One who redeemed them. They have laid down their own pursuits and have surrendered their lives in pursuit of the will of God.

 

If we gain the whole world and lose eternal life, we have gained nothing. Our lives are but a vapor; it is seen briefly and then it is gone. The world has nothing to offer but death. Jesus offers us eternal life. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18  We can pursue the fleeting pleasures of sin or the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. His joy in our hearts fully outweighs anything that the world has to offer.

 

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim