Psalm 84 declares: “The Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” In Romans 8:28 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 that you might grow into the child of God He designed you for from the very beginning—one who is bent on pursuing Him with all your heart rather than merely chasing your own desires. Jesus came that we might be conformed to His very own image (Romans 8:29). We are children of God, 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?

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.

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.

From: The Path through the Maze—Answering Life’s Ultimate Question: What Happens After We Die?

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.

From: The Path through the Maze—Answering Life’s Ultimate Question: What Happens After We Die?

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.