There Will Be a Day

In light of what happened at Ft. Hood yesterday and what happens in the lives of the homeless everyday and what happens when teenagers are set on fire by their peers and what happens when people can't find work and what happens when countries and nations go to war with one another and what happens when those who live in excess become numb to the needs of those around them and their need for God and what happens when we or our loved ones are plagued with disease and sickness and what happened at the cross..., I was reminded of the hope that is in Jesus. There will be a day when all of this will be behind us. Thank You, Lord.

In the book of Revelation, chapter 21, there is a beautiful picture of what awaits for all those who have put their trust in Jesus...

[Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.]

-Amen.

This morning I found myself singing the words below and they held for me some comfort and peace in the midst of the storms that this life will bring. My prayer is that you may also experience the peace and hope of God today and beyond. These lyrics are from a song by Jeremy Camp...

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

(Chorus)
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone

(Chorus)

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing

Praying for the afflicted,
John