Jan
8
2021

But Not Today

Posted in Heaven | 23 Comments

I have not been doing too well these past few days.
I woke up with a sense of sadness.
I could only explain it as a broken heart.
I live in the same house, on the same street, and in the same town.

However, I do not live in the same country.
I do not live in the country that I lived in a few days ago.
I do not live in a country I recognize.
I do not live in a country that resembles any of the things I hold dear.

I know that words matter, but not today.
I know that there should be no hate, but not today.
I know that love is paramount, but not today.
I know that there is the rule of law, but not today.

I know that one day the wolf will live with the lamb, but not today.*
I know that the infant will play near the cobra’s den, but not today.*
I know that the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest, but not today.*
I know that every tear will be wiped from our eyes, but not today.*

I know that people will recognize us by our love, but not today.*
I know that people should seek peace and pursue it, but not today.*
I know that our gentleness should be evident to all, but not today.*
I know that people should behave properly, but not today.*

We are not fighting a battle between two political parties.
We are not fighting a battle between candidates.
We are not fighting a battle between groups of people.
We are not fighting a battle over positions.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

We must know our adversary.
We must name our enemy.
He prowls around like a roaring lion.*
He is looking for someone to devour.*

Our enemy does not walk around in skin.
Our enemy is not the person of a different color.
Our enemy is not the one with the different ideology.
Our enemy is not “them.”

Satan, our enemy, is the prince of this world.
Satan, our enemy, is a liar and the father of lies.*
Satan, our enemy is diabolos; literally the one who throws across accusations.
Satan, our enemy, hates God.

The One our enemy hates is the only One who can heal our brokenness.
The One our enemy hates died on the cross and rose again, defeating Satan.
The One our enemy hates destroyed death and is the Victor.
The One our enemy hates is coming back.

We have turned our back on God and wonder why we find ourselves in this predicament.
We are illiterate concerning God’s Word and wonder why we struggle with knowing Truth.
We think we can be good enough and we are exhausted from trying.
We pull ourselves up by our bootstraps over and over, wondering why we would ever need a Savior.

Oh, but we do.
Our brokenness can be mended.
We can be made whole, and new, and clean.
We can love as He loves, but we have to love Him first.

We saw egregious things the other day.
We saw the effects of loving something else or someone else above God.
As believers in the Lord Jesus, we have dual citizenship.
We live here, but we belong There.

We are in this world but are not of this world.*
If we are of this world, we can be ugly, narcissistic, divisive, and militant.
We see the worst of us; but that worse is who we are because of sin.
But that is not the end of the story.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We can be made new.
We can be beautiful, selfless, unifying, and gentle.
We are made new from the inside, out.
We can have our hearts changed.

It is nothing we can do on our own.
On our own, we tear down.
In Christ, by the power of His Spirit, we build up, edify, and encourage.
We are different from the world in which we live.

That is the only way those of the world will see a difference.
There is a stark contrast, between those in Christ and those of the world.
We, who are in Christ, must be different so the world knows where to run.
The world needs a place of refuge they can only find in Christ.

One day, Jesus, the Lamb of God, will return as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
He will not return in the meek way He came.
He will return with a Sword in His Hand.
With one Word, Jesus will fell the enemies of God.

On that day, those of us in Christ will rejoice.
Our faith will finally be sight.
Sin will be no more.
We will return to the Home for which we were created.
But not today.

Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.

*Isaiah 11:6. *Isaiah 11:8, *Revelation 21:4, *John 13:35, *1 Peter 3:11, *Philippians 4:5, *Romans 13:13, *1 Peter 5:8,  *John 8:44,  *John 17:14-16

 

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23 responses to “But Not Today”

  3. Thank you for not despairing over current events so as to forget God. Thank you for being useful to encourage the brethren. I got a call from Life alert that they were sending an ambulance to my 86 year old mother’s home this morning and it helped to remind myself that God is still on His throne. She is fine BTW.

    Reply

    • Paula,
      Praise God your mom is fine! God is good. He is still on the Throne no matter what is swirling around us. Blessings as we cling to Him.
      Gina

      Reply

  5. Thank you, Gina–we need words of hope right now and need to remember that no matter what’s going on God is in control! We need to focus on Him!

    Reply

  6. Gina, thank you so much for these needed words of truth and encouragement that lift my heart, especially at such a time as this. Lord God, may these words penetrate our minds and hearts to hold fast to your Truth while you have us remain here on earth for a very short time. So very thankful for the promise of your Second Coming!

    Reply

    • Yes, Carolyn, we look up and anticipate His return, yet live here in a place where we are exiled from our Heavenly Home.
      Blessings,
      Gina

      Reply

  7. So beautiful Gina – thank you for sharing….our hope and healing is in Jesus, thank you for always pointing us to Him. Love and miss you

    Reply

    • Love you and miss you, too, friend. We have no where else to go. He alone has the words of everlasting life.
      Blessings,
      Gina

      Reply

  8. Oh, so good, Gina, and so needful! Right on! Fix you eyes on Jesus, the author and fi other (perfecter) of our faith! Heb. 12:2

    Reply

    • Yes, Sandy!
      Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. Then the things of earth will look strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
      Gina

      Reply

  9. Dear Gina,
    I too am sad. I no longer can watch the news and my sister feels the same. I hadn’t slept for two nights and last night listened to instrumental spiritual music and was able to sleep.
    Here is a big HUG for you.

    Reply

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