Pastor’s Corner: “Perspectives from Heaven”
This was sent to me yesterday by one of our members,Janice Robinson: “In three short months, like the plagues of Egypt, everything our culture worships is being affected. Worship of athletes – the shut down the stadiums. Worship of musicians – the shut- down of Civic Centers. Worship of actors – the shut-down of theaters. Worship of money – the shake-up of the economy and stock market. In the church (Body of Christ), our lukewarm worship and halfhearted church attendance has been affected by not being able to gather together in worship at all.”
It prompted me to ask this question: What is heaven’s perspective on our situation? Are we really paying attention? As much as we need a vaccine or a cure, our greatest need is to take this time of isolation from the distractions of the world and have a personal revival where we focus on the ONLY thing in the world that really matters and what we so desperately need: Jesus Christ and the Salvation He offers. Let us not squander this gift.
Yes, you read this correctly – Gift. This time of struggle and difficulty is a Gift! It helps us to be able to see what really matters and what is at stake. It reveals what we are really living for, whether it is for things that lead to life, or things that lead to death. II Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Our land desperately needs healing. Having the right perspective from heaven is a gift and this gift is something we are called to pass on. BE GENEROUS WITH THE GOSPEL AND HEAVEN.
Heaven’s Perspective: God takes things that are tragedies and turns them into triumph. Romans 8:28 (NIV) – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. We do love Him and we are called to His purposes.
THE MOST VIVID EXAMPLE OF THIS IS THE CROSS. The symbol of death and shame has been turned into a symbol of Love and Grace. How beautiful. This tragic murder of God’s only Son was turned into triumph. This injustice of a completely innocent man was turned into the greatest gift of freedom that the world has ever seen. Freedom from sin and death forever!
This is not a temporary gift, but one that is directly from heaven and lasts for eternity. You do not deserve it and you cannot earn it. All you have to do is ask Jesus for it: Jesus will you forgive me of my sins? He is just waiting for you to ask – He so desires to give you the gift of salvation.
Jesus has been pursuing you your whole life, wanting you to receive this gift and to know Him and His Father and how much they love you. If you ask Jesus this question with a sincere heart, your life will be forever changed. Trust Him, He loves you.
Let us pray together that God turn this current tragedy and trouble we face into a beautiful triumph and victory of life and salvation for Heaven that will last forever!
Please join us for prayer every day at 10:00 am! Even though we are separated in body, we are growing stronger together in Spirit! We love you and pray God’s strength upon you all and your homes.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton & Family