The Sanctuary

Getting It Right Really Matters

 Richard and I have just returned from a business trip to Little Rock, Arkansas.  We extended our trip for a few days to visit Hot Springs, less than one hundred miles from our conference. The city is known for the world-famous thermal waters that flow into the historic downtown district of the city.  About a million gallons of the 143°F water flows daily from 47 hot springs. It  is the only American city nestled within a national park.

We went back in time as we toured the famous Bath House Row, where people came from across the country many years ago, to bathe in the hot mineral water.  It supposely cured disease and promoted health. It was amazing to visit the fountains and feel the hot water as it came from deep within the earth.

As we shopped and met the local people, I thought of  how I had never seen these people before and more than likely I will never see them again. Nontheless, all 25,000 residents have been in Hot Springs working, sleeping, going to work, going to school, busy with life.  Then I was reminded of how God has known these people since their birth.   He knows all about the clerk behind the desk at the Arlington Hotel.  He knows about the server that needed a smile the day she served our table.  He intimately knows the guy on the elevator that Richard made laugh with his jokes.  God made all the surrounding natural beauty of Hot Springs knowing we would be  there in 2008 to take it all in.

I once had someone laugh and say to me, "So you think this God of yours knows every single person on the face of the earth?"  Oh, yes, he does and even knows the thoughts of each person.  That  is truly up close and personal!   Does that thought make you cringe?  If it does, maybe it is time for change.

You may feel resentments for the hard times you are suffering in life.  You may feel sadness for all that you have had to endure.  You may feel anger for the way life has trapped you. Or you may have revenge in your heart, you want to get even with someone who has hurt you.   I remind you life is short, maybe even shorter than you think at the moment.  If you don't know God on a personal level, don't you think it's time to think about  the seriousness of life.?

Many people say they know God. But there is a difference in knowing about God and truly knowing Him . I know a lot of facts about Michael Phelps.  I have read about him.  I have seen many pictures in the news and have watched his accomplishments in the Olympics.  But I do not know him.   So it is with many people and their relationship with God.   If you're thinking you will check it out sometime, why not now?  There is no better time than the present.  And who knows what the future holds or how long it will be for each of us.

 Dr. Charles Stanley says in his September In Touch magazine, " God could have prevented every hardship in our lives. The fact that He chose not to do so is important."  Could it be that He is trying to get our attention?   He has the perfect plan for our life.  Peace of mind comes when our hearts seek Him for answers.  Temporary pleasure on earth lasts only for  the time we are here.  Compared to Eternity, our stay here is very short.  *Think about it. 

 "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" 
            ~Jeremiah 29:13~ 

*See Faith Check on The Sanctuary menu.