It’s Friday…The Beginning of Beauty and Peace

It’s a New Year. Even so, it is obvious that we live in a world in pain. Many people are being wounded deeply. Others are wondering if their scars from last year, or longer, will ever fade. Life is tough, especially for those who don’t know the Source of life and don’t know how their aches and pains will be resolved. Anywhere we walk in public, we are likely to pass people who are depressed, bitter, hopeless, angry, confused, and even suicidal. We’ll likely pass someone who has been abused, someone who has been betrayed, and someone who has been forgotten. In this age, we always walk among the wounded.

But do we realize that we have the antidote to human despair? It’s more effective than therapy, more effective than medicine, and more effective than self-help techniques. It’s the knowledge of the ultimate end of human brokenness and The Beginning of Beauty and Peace. When confronted with the angst of this world, we can promise purpose. When confronted with disease, we can offer healing. When confronted with death, we can offer life. Psychiatry can’t do that, religions can’t do that, and friendships even can’t do that. Only knowing God can do that. And if you know Him, you have the antidote.

“Therefore encourage one another with these words.”  (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

There’s more purpose in these words than a better mood or a don’t-worry-be-happy attitude. God’s Word encourages us to encourage each other with the promise that this life is not the end, and that Jesus is coming again. In a world desperate for hope, we have the only real promise there is. Even when death pretends to rule, these words can give us life.

So, let’s be life-givers. Jesus gave us life and then told His followers, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Let’s freely give what we have received. If we are comforted by the fact that Jesus is coming again; if we are thrilled that all things will be made new; and if we are looking forward to living with Him forever; then let’s encourage each other with these words. Our words of encouragement can be the beginning of beauty and peace for many now and forever. Agree?

Have a beautiful weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who know Him and know His promise very well and can’t keep it to themselves.

All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, The King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)