Looking for the right one

You’ve no doubt heard at least one of the following expressions as they relate to relationships, love and matters of the heart: “like finding a needle in a haystack;” “at first sight;” “easy come, easy go;” “a battlefield;” “a many-splendored thing;” “never saying you’re sorry;” and so on. Thousands of songs have been inspired by this sensitive subject and countless more books, poems, articles and research penned concerning the physical, psychological and emotional aspects of this most human condition (John 15:17). The Creator designed each of us with an internal “search engine,” programmed to seek out the source of complete and unconditional love that will satisfy our longing. He wants us to place Him first in our hearts (Exodus 20:3). Many, however, find themselves looking “in all the wrong places” for the one that meets their own self-defined criteria of must-haves, and then quickly assign blame anywhere or everywhere else when the union doesn’t meet or exceed expectations. The experienced will tell you that love always comes and goes. That much we already know. If you’re still looking for the “right one” and that special person has yet to cross your radar screen, turn to the Holy One and allow Him to reveal His chosen desire for you (Psalm 37:4). Chances are the choice may not be what you would expect, but it will be everything you could have asked for… and exactly what you deserve.

Up where we belong

With so much attention devoted to the end times, it’s understandable that people wonder “what’s next?” If you’re thinking about an “after” life, it’s only natural to ask where it might be spent (Nehemiah 9:6). Heaven is imagined as many different things… a place floating in space – “up there” – just beyond the clouds; a place where a chorus of angels welcome new arrivals with a trumpet fanfare; a place where all dogs (and perhaps a few cats) go; a place where streets are paved with gold; a place where the dearly departed watch and wait for us to join them; a place filled by blinding white light. No matter how you might view it, you don’t have to dream it (2 Peter 3:13). God sent heaven to earth in the person of His Son, Jesus, whose presence here brings hope and peace to all who believe. Christ makes our current life complete and offers the promise of an eternal life in a new heaven and earth without death, pain, suffering, tears and sorrow (Mark 13:31). We can’t begin to fathom what heaven might look like, but we will recognize it immediately. Give your life to Him, turn from your sin and He will lift you up… where you belong.