And in the End

  The maggots that eat them never die and the fire burns forever. Debris, animal carcasses, and the dead bodies of the wicked suffer in torment for all of eternity where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Their souls eternally trapped, forever, in the darkness of hell. So shall the fate be for unrepentant sinners. There shall be no escape. For all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers, and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. 1 Peter 1:24-25 NIV  The brevity of life is but a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. It is a known fact if you are born on this earth you will die. We are trapped in a place where time and gravity has the last word over our physical life.  The clock starts ticking the moment we are born. We are tested by the many temptations that seduce us away from our Creator. Our every move and thought is recorded for our court appearance in the future.

Our heavenly Father has compassion for His children who fear Him, for He knows how we were formed. He remembers that we are dust, and to dust shall we return. We are given a short period of time to come into an understanding of the truth. Satan and sin have caused tears, misery, heartbreak and destruction. The trials of life cause many to stumble through life oblivious to the consequences of their actions. Those poor souls  focusing only on the physical aspects of life never reach an understanding of God, and sadly are destined to the torments of hell. Since sin entered into all the heavens, and it residents, all beings have to be tried for their intentions. God’s ultimate goal is to free those of us who love Him from the wages of sin. We are literally on trial for our lives.

Many who follow after the worldly lusts of this life fall into temptation, never knowing the glorious life of the person who does what is right in the eyes of God.  We are infinity better off with little material possessions than we are with the riches of the wicked. This world worships the attractive, the famous, and the wealthy, those who prey upon the poor, and manipulate them into servitude. When we look up to these people we are dangerously admiring “Satan’s bling,” and its brilliance blinds us to God’s reality. But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”  Isaiah 57:20-21 NIV

If you would like to follow the path of right living seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33 NIV The wicked will prosper all around us, but if we put God first in all that we do, the necessary things of this life will be given to us for our good and His glory.  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 NIV  Jesus gives every follower of His a legacy of peace. Christ said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV  There is rest for the children of God, a peace we possess with the faith we receive through God’s Word. We do not have any reason to be envious of the wicked, or to display hatred against them when they commit evil against us. It is a wonderful feeling to know we are completely sufficient through Christ.

   “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV  We are not only to trust Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, but we are to trust Him in all things. Our dependence is upon Him for guidance, and strength, because even though we have ‘nothing” we possess all things through Him. It is an amazing thing, we surrender our “nothing” to Jesus and in return we receive His blessings.  We receive these things not for ourselves, but for others, because through our service to others we enable God to take care of us. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV All the possessions of heaven and earth are ours except ourselves. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

 Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:31-36 NIV  This is God’s policy toward the wicked. We have to remember that we were once like those who were blinded by the lusts of this world. We are to set a Godly example to those around us so they may have the courage to reach out to Christ. Living for all eternity in hell is not much of a life. It is imperative that we remain “approachable” so that others can see the God like difference in us.

And in the end the love you give is equal to the love God gives you. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 NIV