Psalm 84 declares: “The Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Paul goes even a step further: “God causes all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” So, what’s God up to when everything seems to be going haywire in life? As difficult as it may be to believe, He’s up to good.

Jesus sees the big pig picture. He knows what you truly need. He allows suffering in your life so that you might grow into the child of God He designed from the very beginning—one who is bent on pursuing Him with all your heart rather than chasing your own desires. Jesus came that we might be conformed to His very own image. We are His children, and we need His discipline to experience His finest.

The Bible describes our place in Christ’s body like being that of our own body—an eye or a hand, for example. The idea is how crucial it is to function together as a whole. But what if we change the perspective a little? Think about reducing yourself to the level of a cell. Immediately your sense of self-importance diminishes a bit, doesn’t it.

Yet consider how vital each cell is to a healthy organism. If that cell dies or becomes malignant it ceases to be useful, or may even become destructive. So it is with us as members of the body of Christ. Though you may not think of yourself as much, you are essential to the wellbeing of the whole. How could the eye or the hand even exist without all those cells working together? Every component is critical. Where would Christ’s church be without a healthy and vibrant you?

Our smart phones have become indispensable, both for communication and for information. When we find a great app we immediately download it; the most important ones go right on our front page. We tend to do the same with Jesus. We know that relationship with God is super important, and therefore give Him priority over most other things. Still, we demote Him to sort of an “app” status—we tend to neglect Him until we have a serious need.

It’s not surprising that we’re a bit confused. The idea of inviting Christ into our life has become the centerpiece of modern evangelism, while pursuing intimacy with Him often takes a backseat. Look at it from God’s perspective: accepting Jesus into our life is indeed important, but even more vital is that He has allowed us to share in His life. He needs to be more than something merely added to our life. Jesus is more than an app; He’s the operating system itself!

While in captivity, Paul recorded several prayers in his letters to three different churches. What’s remarkable is their perfect agreement with one another, which all the more emphasizes their importance for us. Each prayer begins with the necessity of being filled with the knowledge of God’s will. Paul knows this can only happen by means of revelation—God speaking His truth straight into our heart. There is no other way to gain true understanding!

We lean heavily on our knowledge of the Bible for God’s truth. Yet while the Bible is indeed the primary means of grasping His reality, it means very little if our understanding is merely intellectual. Rather, we must keep in mind what is at the forefront of Paul’s exhortation. God Himself must be the one to impart His truth as we read and meditate. Open yourself up to His leading. He will speak if we truly listen.

Why do Christians sometimes run to non-biblical sources to gain what they imagine to be profound wisdom? Think about it: the Bible contains a wealth of information regarding God’s nature, the purpose for His creation, and His amazing plan to bring us into conformity with His will—all culminating in sharing His glory with us eternally. Yet for many this doesn’t seem to be enough. So they pursue wisdom not only from secular sources but also from the teachings of other religions.

Ask this question: How can anything of enduring relevance be gained from those who believe in many gods—or even those who believe that there is only one God, yet reject Christ’s divinity? The answer clear: NOTHING! At best these philosophies and belief systems result merely in human wisdom, and at worst demonic deception. Get to know your Bible intimately, and the urge to seek further enlightenment will disappear.

“Wisdom shouts in the street…Turn to me and I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” so says the book of Proverbs. It is God shouting this message. Just imagine it—the Creator of all things calling you, calling, not as a whisper, but as a roar! And He continues to cry out today. Yet because He does not threaten immediate judgment on those who spurn Him, God’s call goes largely ignored, drowned out by the clamor of self-centeredness.

            But He delivers a clear warning: “Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand no one paid attention,” you will be ignored “when distress and anguish come upon you.” God promises blessing for those who respond to Him, and judgment for those who refuse. Which will be your heritage? Choose wisely; choose life—eternal life in Jesus our Lord!

Ask yourself: “Why do I believe what I believe? “ Belief is basic to the nature of man; it is the most powerful of all human drives. Because this is so, philosophy has flourished down through history–the early Greeks being a prime example. Philosophy has always spurred by the question of the nature of life. So the question keeps arising: “What is truth?” just as Pilate asked Jesus while examining Him.

Truth is simply reality—things the way they really are, not as we wished they were. Be careful! Many of man’s misguided ideas have infiltrated Christ’s Church itself. Absolute truth is derived from God’s revelation, because only He knows how things truly are. And what God has revealed is unquestionably found most prominently in the Bible. Get to know your Bible intimately and you will find His truth deeply rooted as the foundation of the eternal life Jesus promised.

Jesus wants each and every one of us for His very own. But He wants us to want Him. That’s His plan in a nutshell. And God has provided everything we need to step right into our place as His treasured sons and daughters. The Apostle Peter said it well: “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:2-3)

We merely need to obey what He has revealed to us. All we have to do is say “yes” to Him. Here’s how: Acknowledge the sin that has separated you from God; turn away from it; surrender control of your life to God; invite Jesus Christ into your heart as your Savior and Lord. It’s that simple!

Is it really fair on God’s part to allow just a few of us to enjoy life with Him forever? Is God biased; is He unjust? Why not all of us? Why not put together a plan that would ultimately save all mankind? The single most important thing to understand when dealing with the Creator and Sustainer of all things, is that it’s His laws that apply, not ours. This is God’s deal. We don’t make the rules; He does! How do we know this to be true? The Bible says so.

We’ve all heard the expression, “I’d bet my life on it.” Truth be told, that’s precisely what we are doing throughout the span of our lives here on earth. This is no game! Eternal life or eternal separation from the Giver of life hangs in the balance. Which will it be? You are betting your life on it.

Judgment?  God is about to wrap up history by bringing before Him all who have ever lived for a final accounting at the Last Judgment. It’s only natural to experience a sense of fear when we hear that term. It is indeed a terrifying prospect! Yet for those who have become God’s children, judgment will be the most treasured moment of their lives. The majesty of eternal life awaits God’s chosen ones. What He has in store for His people defies imagination.

Even now we have a chance of glimpsing eternity. A spiritual reality surrounds us—just as real as the physical one we now inhabit. But only those who have been born again into relationship with Jesus can experience it. Those who do not know Christ remain blinded to the presence of this supernatural world. God knows all about this; it has been a part of His plan from the very beginning.