I looked at my running shoes that I wear pretty much all the time. They felt a bit different, and I looked at the soles and they were getting pretty worn down. I’m going to have to get some new ones pretty soon because these are not going to last forever. But you know, I kind of like new things. There is a feel, a smell and a look about them that makes me think that there are some good things that can happen now. If you’ve smelled a new car and then actually got to own it…it smells like a door to new adventures has just opened. Or if you’ve had the chance to own a house that is new to you…you look at the empty spaces and dream about what will go there and the memories that you will make in this place. Our world is pretty worn out. The Bible says that sin has taken its toll not only on all of us humans, but on creation itself. I reread something that I’m going to teach on this Sunday at the end of the Revelation. It says that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. I thought that it not only will look good, but I bet it will make you feel like you do when you smell that new car smell. And it says that God will have a new relationship with people who will follow him now. That there is the promise that the God of creation and redemption will live with us…that he will be with us in a new way. But then his promise is that He will wipe every tear from the eyes of those who have chosen him…and death and sorrow and crying and pain…are gone forever. I know that there are many folks who will roll their eyes, maybe even at church on Sunday when I read that and be thinking “O please…do you really believe that stuff?” Spoiler alert…yeah, I’m betting my life that God is as good as his word. God has become real to me, changed me and now is preparing for me and anyone else who wants to come…to experience love, life and even laughter like it was always meant to be. There is always room for one more. Try God, taste him and then trust him. He’s the one who puts into our hearts each day the hope that the best is yet to come for all those who choose to love him. It will indeed be a whole new world…don’t miss it. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Revelation 21:1-4 NLT Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. (2) And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (3) I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. (4) He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Remember, I’m praying for you today….
PJ
Revelation 21:1-4 NLT Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. (2) And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (3) I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. (4) He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Remember, I’m praying for you today….
PJ