Sunday, September 27, 2009

There are always people out there who believe the world is coming to an end. Disregarding the religious weirdos who try to predict the end of the world, have you ever experienced moments when it felt like your little world was coming to an end? An unexpected death? The doctor calling with bad news? A surprise pregnancy? The end of a job? Something else? What feelings came attached with the event? How did you work through those feelings?

Heaven exists not as some place in the future that is waiting for you. Heaven also serves as an inspiration for the life you are living today. Have you ever felt like you were briefly catching a glimpse of heaven on earth? What was the moment like? Was it planned or spontaneous? Was anyone there with you? Would you like to recapture that moment again? What is stopping you?

Find a vision for making a heavenly difference in our corner of the earth. Do you think people try to intentionally make a difference or does it come about by good luck and good timing? Do you desire to make a difference in our community? If yes, then what is stopping you? Find people who might be able to remove the barriers to your success.

Closing thoughts...It is easy to say, "Go and make a difference." It's a little more difficult to actually do the work that goes with bringing a little piece of heaven to earth. That's why we need things like the church. It is in this religious community where we can work together, supporting one another in our work together. That's why we get together on Sunday mornings. We are here to encourage one another in our work out in the world. After all, the work of the church doesn't take place when we gather together for a meeting in the social hall. The work of the church happens every day when all of you go about living your lives and doing your best to share the good news of God's grace through Jesus Christ. When Christians are at work in the world, there is a better chance that heaven will appear outside the walls of the church rather than inside the supposedly sacred walls.

See you on Sunday...