The new millennium has officially begun and a whole new world of challenges awaits. Information multiplies recklessly, technology explodes. For the addictively curious this is a wondrous time. But the manner in which we use and process these volatile advancements seems to depend greatly on our basic world view. Was the universe;

This is not a question of religion, it is a decision each of us must make as to how and where life began and where it is headed.  Which one you choose determines how you view life as a whole and will greatly effect how you live it, how you treat others, how you face life's challenges, and where you place your priorities. 

As a child I had no doubt that this was a place created and overseen by God. But the teenager and young adult lived more as if #1 was true until, in my mid-thirties, I had to face serious adversity. After experiencing facets of both views, I'm convinced #1 is not only impossible but irresponsible. These days, the view of God's existence and the search for "spirituality" may be more acceptable, but there are far too many options (see Matthew, Chapter 13's story on "the Sower") and one must approach wisely, with great care and discernment.  

Even in my wildest days, I don't ever recall actually doubting God's existence, but it wasn't until I studied and applied God's Word (the Bible) that I began to know that God is available to us here and now, and that He does care and that He is also in control of everything. I've come to realize that although God gave man choice and free will, our control is like that of the toddler in a car seat. We have some control over our immediate surroundings but basically were limited to making a lot of noise and a mess. As to who's in control of everything else including where the car goes, there's no question, Dad is. And when it comes to this world, I rest in the fact that that's not only true in my life, it's true for the entire universe! Our heavenly Father's in total control!

I'm indebted to those who took the time to share with me the hope for both this world and my fellow man. But in lieu of the dominance of world view #1 and the confusion in view #2, continually making that contagious is a challenge. Many forget or don't know the simplicity of God's plan for man.

In Job (Ch. 38) God delights the angels with the marvels of creation*. With today's technology, we can see the incredible similarities of subatomic particles through the electron microscope and the vast universe through the most powerful telescopes. As I stand back and look, I'm in awe of the creativity and the fact that size, time and distance are nothing to this God who places a window of time in eternity just to allow fragile human beings in. It's not enough for Him to create this magical environment of sight, sound, taste and more, He actually chooses to become one of us. He takes it further by willfully dying to cover our mistakes, just so He can have a relationship with us. This, to me is,  well...it's incomprehensible. But this is what God, Himself tells us He did, is doing, and continues to do!

If you haven't done so already take a look at the Time Map below. You'll notice there is a beginning, a middle, and an end to time as we know it. And this is exactly what I believe is the hope God gives us. He tells us all the pain and suffering will soon be over and that this life, in this age will be but a whisper or vapor in the wind compared to the unimaginable eternity He has planned for us.

Why? A crazy little thing called love? Love? For some, it's difficult to see love through all the suffering that goes on in this world but that's where I see the real hope for the future. Hope in pain and suffering? In a sense, yes. Most all who have really experienced serious pain, or have suffered through a drastic event have come out of it with something unique built into their character. God Himself, who came in the form of a man named Jesus, died for all pain and suffering, for all people, for all time. Yet, He was not complete until He went through His time of pain and suffering on the cross!

But He died 2,000** years ago, why does it continue? The answer is simple, So you could be here! And just what am I supposed to do? Here is what He told us, that during this time on earth we get to learn how to carry our own cross. The fact is, none of us are complete until we face some sort of travail and learn how to surrender and depend on Him. We each reach that point under uniquely different circumstances and at a different time of our life. But He's also told us because many will continue to refuse, worldly troubles will increase until the time of the great tribulation as mentioned in the books of Daniel and Revelation. During this time the whole world is given a wake up call, and even though it sounds terrible, the end result is good!

What? The death and mayhem in Revelation is for good? Yes! Let me put it this way, we're all familiar with cancer, the world has a large tumor, if it's not removed it will continue to spread and all will die. God designed this world for man, but because God is perfect, He cannot be a part of the imperfection of this world, so, God Himself took on all the imperfection through "His Son" the ultimate "Jewish Doctor" who cures all cancer. This was His plan from the very beginning (Genesis 3:15). Understand, this is the only way people can have true freedom as in: free choice, free access to the universe, and the ability to be in the presence of God!

When does all this take place? Watch Israel! By the looks of things, the rest of the plan is soon to come to it's end and a new age (a prophetic Day 7, a day of rest, a Sabbath?) begins, again exactly at His predetermined time. And in this new age He will be with us physically as our only God and King (Satan is bound and unable to influence us during this time). The earth and more importantly our relationship with God Himself will be renewed. Then the end of the Millennial Kingdom brings in (a prophetic Day 8, a new beginning just like our week!) the new heaven and earth which sweeps us into eternity. The simple truth is, all who's heart is for God will be with Him in this eternity.

It's that simple. Are you ready?

God's Time Map
The History and Future of All the Universe
God is bigger than all of it, He's in control of every sub-atomic particle and yet, all of heaven watches and waits...for YOU! 
(See Romans 8:18 to 39) That's the great news!