Why would anybody want to miss out on Heaven? The truth is
that 250,000 people die every day. It’s sad but not everybody goes to heaven.
You may have lost a son, a daughter, a dad, a mom or a grandparent. Amazing,
but to this day, I have never met anyone 500 years old and I bet you haven’t
either. What about 300, 150, or 125 years old? The average life expectancy in
America is 77-80. In Swaziland, Africa it’s 31.99, and 82 years in Japan.
·
DOUBT
Satan was very slick
in causing Adam and Eve to doubt what God had to say about their living and
staying in the Garden of Eden. They were instructed to never touch the Tree of
Knowledge. Satan starts by getting Eve to question God, “Has God said not to
eat of that tree?” Satan then says, “God knows the day you eat of that fruit
you will be like Him”. Doubt was the beginning step toward the luscious fruit
that hung from that tree. “Just one bite surely won’t hurt you.” But that one
bite was the seed of doubt that caused them to lose their heaven on
earth.
One of the most dangerous weapons on the road
today is the Smart Phone. Many are multitasking with their time as they drive
and text at the same time. I must confess I have done it myself. My family and
I have made a vow to one another not to use the device that could take another
life or even our own. But isn’t it distracting when you’re sitting at a red
light. You say, “Well I better see who’s texting me.” Friend, Satan will use
many things to distract your worship from The One True God. Many today
are distracted with their jobs, family, sports, working overtime, hunting,
fishing, golfing. There is nothing wrong with any of these unless you place
them before your Holy God. If your affection for these becomes greater than
your love for God, you’re on dangerous ground.
Jesus says, ”Seek first the Kingdom Of God and His righteousness and
then these other things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Don’t allow
this world to distract your affection for God’s Presence.
· DISCOURAGEMENT
There may have been times you have questioned your
value and identity. But your value isn’t based on your title, position, bank
account, looks, or how many ‘likes’ you get on Facebook. God says, “You are the
apple of His eye.” Satan’s greatest tool against most people is discouragement.
We can experience this emotion with much pain in the loss of relationships,
health, positions, income, friendships.
And the list goes on and on. Jesus is the great Encourager who says, “I
will never leave you nor forsake you. “ God says, “No weapon formed against you
will prosper.” The Holy Spirit was sent from Heaven when Jesus left this earth.
He comes to build us up, walk by our side, and point our eyes towards the
Heavens where our help comes from. Jesus says, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in
me. 2 There is more
than enough room in my Father’s home.[a]
If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place
for you?[b] 3 When everything is ready, I will
come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14: 1, 2, 3)
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