There is a reason

With some news headlines claiming an end to the economic recession, you would expect to hear a collective sigh of relief emanating from the general population. The mood on the street, however, seems to be much less optimistic than a few journalists espouse. Granted, these aren’t the 1930s, and “hard times” are relative, defined by individual experience in numerous ways, but we’ve all wondered why things happen – whether our personal perspective is global (in community or society) or local (ourselves, our families). No matter how much we try to avoid the trappings of life while dodging the slings and arrows, it’s extremely easy to get caught up in the world around us and succumb to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). And, when the inevitable hurt becomes unbearable pain, we turn to God for comfort, relief and peace (Psalm 86:17). Isn’t it ironic that such gentle soothing comes from the same mighty fortress that protects us from the storms? God wants to give His children everything, like any Father would, because He desires to see us happy. In return, all He asks of us is for our belief, acceptance and devotion in a relationship with Him (Micah 7:7). Everything in exchange for one thing, in other words, to bring glory to God. Jesus shed his blood for the entire world to see… there must be a reason for it all.

All we need is love

Yesterday, an entire generation of music aficionados realized an event of epic proportion as the Beatles catalog was re-released to a resounding recording revolution. Imagine, 14 digitally remastered albums (on which Abbey Road studio engineers painstakingly toiled eight days a week for four years), a “Beatles: Rock Band” interactive video game, album notes, artwork, rare photos, a dvd documentary film and more succeeded in bringing the Fab Four down the long and winding road from Liverpool back into the cultural spotlight. Why all the fuss across the universe for a group of young British mop-tops whose own John Lennon claimed in 1966 “more popular than Jesus?” The quote, taken wildly out of context then and now, drew backlash here, there and everywhere, prompted an apology accepted by the Vatican and brought greater notoriety to the band. Lyricist Lennon was in touch with a higher spiritual power (Zephaniah 3:17), even if his articulation was stunningly less than sensitive. God is love, and it’s no coincidence He commands us to love others (Romans 12:10). The Bible is filled with examples of love’s power, man’s love for his brother and the perilous outcomes that result when the void is filled with anger, hate and loathing. All we need is God, be content to follow the Son and act naturally (1 Peter 1:22). Money can’t buy love, but with a little help from our friends, I’ve got a feeling we can all come together to help give peace a chance.

Somewhere nice forever

“Am I going to make it to heaven?” Facing their own mortality, people often find themselves asking this $64,000 question, wondering: Does God really exist? Do I believe enough to trust in something I can’t see? Do my good deeds alone, in total, merit admittance to the heavenly realm? While it may be human nature to ask, there should be no doubt, according to God’s truth as written in the Holy Bible. It is by God’s mercy we have been saved and not by the works of our own hands (Titus 3:5), thus leaving no room to boast. Certainly, living a good, upright life has its benefits, but we don’t gain entry to heaven by merely doing the right thing at every opportunity, although doing so doesn’t hurt matters. Our sins are forgiven, and thus our passage through the pearly gates guaranteed, when we accept Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for who he is and just believe (Acts 10:43). At face value, a simple premise, perhaps, but man in the world has learned to be skeptical, wary and cautious of “too good to be true” claims. If righteousness was bestowed by law, then Christ’s death on the cross would be rendered meaningless (Galatians 2:21) and unnecessary. God wouldn’t have given His own beloved for no reason and by so doing, our assurance becomes our insurance. All things considered, not a bad policy to be holding when it comes to securing a place in heaven and spending eternity somewhere nice, forever.