Echelon

These lyrics from the song Echelon by Pillar sum up what is on my heart tonight.  Please read them closely.  


You know it's time for us to step it up
Another level now 'cause we finished warming up
So we rise up elevate to maintain fill up with octane
And fan the flame we regain all the names
The enemy took away
And like a green beret we will lead the way
Into battle so have no fear we will draw near
So that we can persevere like a gondolier
We headed straight to the top nonstop
Set shop at the top of the Rock
You'll feel the aftershock after we rock the spot
Cause you forgot these soldiers won't turn and walk
We take hard knocks come back for more
Cause we're hardcore we fight for the One who died for (you)
And like Saigon we're on the frontlines
And we carry on to the end times

[Chorus]
Now that it's on, we're out in the front of this marathon
With our armor on, stay strong we drive on (drive on)
Our echelon pressin' on 'til we reach the top
And you know we don't stop (our echelon)
Now that it's on

We're on the enemy's hit list
I'm hopin' you get this
You're takin' a risk when you resist the one who made you exist
Evolutionists we got love for you too but we're breakin' down
Walls seeking out the truth
I'm a soldier in this army of One
Like I told ya the battle's already won
So about face move outta the way I gotta pray for you
And this is how we do


Do you believe these words?  Are you ready to live like this?  We are at war folks but our war is not against our fellow humans.  Paul puts it this way in Ephesians 6:12, "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."  We have got to remember why we are on this planet.  We have to remember who our allegiance is to.  In a war you don't just walk back and forth between the enemy and the ally side without consequences.  


In a war, you must choose sides or die.   In Revelation 3:16, Jesus says this to the church at Laodicea, "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."  There are spiritual consequences to trying to ride the fence.  The absolute worse place you can be in life is indifferent, apathetic, and passionless.  Jesus says that being these things is even worse than being cold, which means hostile to Him and the Gospel!  So are you ready to stand up and live out your love for Jesus so people can see it?  Does Jesus burn in your heart tonight?  Is He truly the center, the passion, and the desire of your heart?  If not, please take the time to seek out why.  There is nothing in this life that matters more than passionately following Jesus.  


I hope you believe this is true tonight.  I hope you life will display this truth daily.  I hope you will talk to me if you struggle with believing this.  I would love to pray for you if you are struggling with Jesus being the center of your life.  We, as humans, are driven by our passions.  We will be passionate about something whether it is family, work, politics, money, hobbies, the environment, technology, Jesus, etc.  I hope Jesus is at the top of your passion list.  If he is not, maybe it is time to reorganize your passion portfolio.  Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  What is your treasure and your passion tonight?  Who's side are you on?  


Blessings,


Greg

Kingdom Sorrow from Apple's Loss

Yesterday the world lost a truly innovative inventor, leader, and visionary.  For those of you who love Apple products, you know who I'm talking about, Steve Jobs.  When I saw the paper announcing his death this morning my heart sank for two reasons.  First, I worry about whether Apple will be able to continue to create excellent and innovative products with Steve Jobs gone.  Second, and more importantly, my heart hoped that Steve Jobs knew Jesus Christ when he died.  Upon reading the article on his death, I discovered that he in fact was not a Christian but a Buddhist.  My flesh mourned for the loss of a man who has transformed the digital world we live in and my soul mourned for another lost soul for the kingdom.

In the next few days, weeks, months, and possibly years the world will lift up the many accomplishments and innovations that Steve Jobs amassed in his lifetime.  He will be remembered as the father of Apple, the father of the iPod, the Father of iTunes, a corporate hero, the modern day Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, and much more.  Unfortunately though, He will not be remembered as a follower of Jesus.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  By Jesus' own words, none of Steve Jobs accomplishments will matter one iota at the doorstep of Heaven.  The only thing that will matter is whether Jesus knew and had an intimate relationship with Steve.

The only reason I am writing this blog is because we have to remember each day that no matter how many accomplishments a man has amassed in this world, he can never walk through the gates of heaven without knowing Jesus.  We want so badly for the good and nice people around us to somehow make it into heaven without us necessarily having to tell them.  Many of us secretly hope we are wrong and that buddhist, muslims, hindus, and everyone else will make it into heaven anyways for just believing in something.  The unfortunate and sobering truth is that Jesus professed only one way for someone to get to heaven and that is faith in Him.

We all are human.  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  We all are unable to save ourself's and there is no way we can ever do enough good to tip the scales in our favor at the Kingdom gate.  We all need Jesus, every single one of us.  We, who are followers of Jesus, have the one and only truth.  We know the Bible supports this claim.  We must begin to share our Savior with the world.  Peter says in Acts 10:34-35, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."  


We are surrounded by a world who is dying without Jesus Christ.  Many have not heard.  Many who reject Him are being put on pedestals by the world.  Many do not care to know Him.  Many have never truly been offered the truth about who He is and what He can do.


We should pray for the family of Steve Jobs.  We should pray that they will be comforted and be able to grieve this tragic loss.  Most importantly, we should pray that they would learn of the saving grace of Jesus and find full peace in Him.  We should pray that the world would realize that the greatest accomplishments of Apple are nothing in comparison to the works of our Savior and God.  We should pray that somehow many people could come to know Jesus even through an event such as this.  We should pray that Christians hearts would be broken everywhere for the tragedy of another lost soul for Christ and that we will each be compelled to live our lives brightly so no others would fall away without having the opportunity to hear and know Jesus intimately. 


We hold the light.  We are the salt.  We are His beloved.  Let's boldly share Him today amidst another loss for the kingdom of Christ!


Blessings,


Greg