Year of the Bible

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11–14, KJV).

God’s grace, in the person of Jesus Christ, brought us salvation. Jesus also came to teach us how we should live. His grace does not free us to live in sin, giving in to the temptations of this world and go against His will.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life“ (John 3:16, KJV).

John 3:16 reminds me of how much God loves us. He loves us so much that He gave His only Son to take the punishment for our sins and die on a cross in our place. If God hadn’t given Jesus to take our place, we would all be dead, as sin would have consumed us from the inside out.

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isa. 30:15, NKJV).

I am typically a task-oriented person. It’s like I have tunnel vision. When I see something that needs doing, I may ask for a volunteer to take it on. But if no one speaks up, I just go ahead and do it my way.

I have acquired a lot of jobs this way, and I didn’t realize that, as I took on more and more responsibilities, I was hindering others from expanding their talents or discovering their God-given gifts. I just assumed everyone was OK with me doing things my way.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4, NKJV).

One fateful Friday in 2015, my wife, Hellen, and I were celebrating our fifth anniversary in Cancun, Mexico. We spent the morning on the beach. Shortly after lunch, my head started aching severely. Back at the hotel, I felt sick and began to vomit. I thought perhaps it was due to food poisoning.

When I woke up several hours later, I had no strength to move. My wife helped me to the bathroom, where I began to vomit again. Then I experienced something that changed my life forever: “Sweetheart, I am seeing double,” I told my wife.

“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” (Rev. 21:4, NLT).

This verse has always been a favorite of mine, so I recently read it in various translations. Surprised to find 28 translations online, I realized there are many different ways God shows us that because one day He will make death disappear, we can look forward to being happy forever.

My mom was very ill for four, long years and passed away three years ago. It still doesn’t feel real that she is gone. God never intended for us to experience that kind of sadness, separation and death. He created us to live forever with each other and with Him.