Your Life And What Comes After (43): You Are In Training

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Jesus often used stories, called parables, to teach His followers important lessons. One of those lessons is that if you’re faithful with small things now, God will trust you with bigger things later.

In the coming kingdom and the new heaven‑on‑earth, that means real responsibility—leadership, creativity, and purpose.

Luke 19:17
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Your character—the kind of person you decide to be—takes work. You have to practice to develop good qualities like courage, patience, honesty, love, and wisdom. And sometimes facing hard things and going through hard times can be God’s way of helping you shape that good character.

Those good qualities you develop aren’t for this life only, they don’t disappear; they continue into eternity.

What Will Follow You?

Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Your works are the things you do and the words you speak.

Good works are the ones you do out of love for God and His people. Those works add value to the world around you and they glorify our heavenly Father.

Not-so-good works are the ones that are selfish and dishonest – they don’t glorify God and they aren’t helpful to others around you. In fact, sometimes they can even be harmful.

That means the good works you do now don’t vanish. They show up again in the world to come. What kind of works do you want following you into God’s new heaven-on-earth?

Practicing For Your Future Job

In the future kingdom, we will serve and reign with Him.

Revelation 22:3–5
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

That means that the good character we build now prepares us to rule and serve forever in God’s restored creation.

This life is not a waiting room. It’s a training ground for the new life in the kingdom.

Your Life And What Comes After (42): Gold And Silver, Or Hay And Stubble

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Lucas dumped his big bin of Legos onto the carpet, but he pushed aside the faded, chewed‑up bricks without a second glance. Today he was building a castle, and not just any castle—his masterpiece. He wanted the bright, solid, perfectly‑shaped pieces, the ones that clicked together with that satisfying snap. He searched for the best towers, the cleanest walls, and the strongest foundation. Anything cracked, bent, or worn‑out got tossed into a little “not‑good‑enough” pile off to the side.

As the castle grew taller, Lucas stepped back and admired it. Using only the best pieces made the whole thing stronger, sturdier, and way more impressive. He realized something: if he wanted to build something that would last, he couldn’t use junk. He needed quality.

Now And Forever

The Bible teaches us that what we do now matters forever.

A lot of people think this life is just “practice” and the real stuff starts when God’s grand plan is realized and we are with Him and each other in God’s heaven‑on‑earth future. But the Bible actually teaches something even more awesome.

The old saying, “You can’t take it with you when you go,” isn’t entirely true. You will take something with you from this life into the world and age to come.

Not your smartphone or your Pokémon card collection—but your choices, your character, your love, your faithfulness. Those things last.

Choose The Best Legos

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says our lives are like a building project. Some people build with gold—good choices, love, serving others, following Jesus. Others build with hay—selfish choices, laziness, ignoring God.

1 Corinthians 3:12
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

When Jesus returns, everything gets tested as if in a fire. The good stuff lasts. The junk burns away. This doesn’t mean you’re in danger of losing the gift of everlasting life with God—but what you build with matters.

Next, we’ll look closer at what all of this means.

Death Row Letters: Replay One

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This is a repost of first letter in our Death Row Letters series.

Dear Everyone,

We’re all on death row.

The rich CEO in the modern high-rise. The homeless man huddled in a filthy blanket on the street. The young housewife in suburbia. The children on the school playground.

We’re all on death row.

I’m not saying this to be ghoulish or overly dramatic – it’s just the truth. The Grim Reaper comes for us all (with some exceptions, which I’ll explore at some point in future letters). It may not be by firing squad or Old Sparky the electric chair or lethal injection in some prison basement somewhere, but the result is the same for each of us (again, some exceptions).

The difference between the the vast majority of us and actual death row inmates is that we get to walk around as we please waiting for The Day, while they are sitting in their cells waiting for The Day. That’s a very big difference, isn’t it? Maybe, maybe not.

Because whether you’re on the ‘outside’ death row or the ‘inside’ death row the questions are the same: What are you doing with your remaining time and what is your state of mind during the wait?

We can waste our time wallowing in despair and self-pity, or we can face our circumstance with courage and hope. We can lead an empty, purposeless existence waiting for annihilation and nothingness, or we can believe in and find something more than the empty darkness we imagine.

There is something more frightening than death, and that is living a life without purpose or hope.

So, until my next letter comes your way, don’t be afraid, we’re all on death row together and there’s more to this than meets the eye.

Sincerely,
Your fellow death row occupant

Your Life And What Comes After (41): Does God Have A Plan For Your Life?

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Have you ever heard someone say, “God has a plan for your life”?

Well, He doesn’t.

The Bible doesn’t teach that God has a detailed personal plan and schedule for every decision in every life or that there is only one specific career, spouse, or path that God has predetermined for you.

Instead, God guides each of us as we choose our own paths and make our own decisions.

Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

As we have already seen, God has an overall grand plan for His creation and His people, and you and I are invited to participate in His purposes. He is directing history to victory, and we make real choices and walk our own paths within God’s purposes.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

So, our heavenly Father doesn’t have a strict script for each of us to follow. He has a great purpose and asks us to walk and work together with Him in that purpose in a way that fits our own talents, personality, and dreams.

God Knows You

Even though God doesn’t plan every detail of your life, He still knows your heart, cares about even the smallest things in your life, and loves you more than you can imagine.

Sometimes in the Bible God calls specific people to do specific things, like Noah building an ark, but it’s always up to the person He calls whether or not to do what God asks. Free will is never taken away.

It could be that you are called to a specific purpose, but don’t make the mistake of sitting around and doing nothing while you wait for God to tell you what to do.

Plug into God’s grand plan by choosing a path and walking that path boldly, and as you do that, listen for His guidance.

Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord… and he shall direct thy paths.

We trust, He guides.

They Said It: Four Quotes On The Book Of Ezra

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Four interesting quotes from about the Old Testament Book of Ezra:

Matthew Henry

“Ezra was a ready scribe in the law of God, and he used his knowledge not for himself, but for the reviving of true religion among the people.”

Charles Spurgeon

“Ezra was a man of the Book, and therefore a man of power. When God means to revive His people, He sets them first to the reading of His Word.”

F. F. Bruce

“Ezra stands as a model of faithful leadership, showing that true reform begins not with walls or institutions, but with the Word of God shaping the hearts of the people.”

Derek Kidner

“Ezra’s story reminds us that restoration is God’s work, yet He chooses to accomplish it through those who set their hearts to study, obey, and teach His Word.”

Watchdog Alert: Christianity In Iran

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Christianity in Iran today is both difficult to measure and impossible to ignore. Estimates vary widely because many believers worship in secret, but most credible sources agree that the Christian population numbers in the hundreds of thousands, with some estimates reaching close to one million when including underground house churches. Iran officially recognizes certain historic Christian communities—primarily Armenian and Assyrian churches—but conversion from Islam to Christianity is not legally protected and can result in serious consequences. This makes accurate data challenging, as many converts do not publicly identify themselves.

Despite the risks, numerous observers describe Christianity in Iran as one of the fastest-growing expressions of the faith in the world. Much of this growth appears to be among Muslim-background converts, particularly younger Iranians who are searching spiritually or expressing quiet discontent with the religious-political establishment. Because registered churches are restricted and monitored, many believers gather in informal house churches, small groups, or private settings. These networks are decentralized and largely invisible, contributing to both their resilience and the uncertainty surrounding population estimates.

At the same time, the environment for Christian converts remains highly restrictive. International religious freedom reports and advocacy organizations document arrests, interrogations, church raids, and prison sentences under national security charges. While historic ethnic Christian communities are allowed limited public worship, converts often face harsher scrutiny. Reports in recent years indicate an increase in arrests and prison sentences tied to alleged “security” concerns related to religious activity. Pressure can come not only from authorities but also from families and local communities.

The overall picture is complex: Christianity in Iran exists in a space of both growth and hardship. Public recognition is limited, legal protections are narrow, and many believers practice their faith quietly. Yet multiple monitoring organizations note that the church continues to expand despite these constraints. Whether viewed through demographic surveys, ministry reports, or human rights documentation, the story of Christianity in Iran today is one of persistence—marked by both significant challenges and surprising resilience.

Your Life And What Comes After (40): Moving Day

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Culley’s family was in that strange in-between time where the old house didn’t feel like home anymore, but the new one wasn’t home yet either. Boxes lined the hallway like a cardboard parade. Everyone knew their job. Dad handled the heavy stuff and kept a checklist on the fridge. Mom sorted and labeled boxes. Culley’s sister wrapped dishes in newspaper and stacked them in the right bins. Even Culley had a role: he carried lighter boxes to the garage and taped the bottoms so they wouldn’t bust. Nobody had to guess what to do, because they weren’t just “cleaning up”—they were moving toward a new place, together.

Two days before moving day, Culley’s friend Tim stopped by after school. He stepped over a row of boxes and stared at the half-empty living room like it had been robbed. “What happened in here?” Tim asked, confused. Culley shrugged and kept taping.

Tim wandered from room to room, picking up a roll of tape, putting it down, then lifting a marker like it was a strange tool from another planet. “Do you want me to help?” he asked, but his voice sounded unsure—like he didn’t know what “help” even meant in a house that looked like it was coming apart. Culley pointed toward the garage and said, “We’re moving across town. This all makes sense if you know what it is we’re doing.” Tim blinked, and Culley saw it click—without the big picture, you don’t know your part. But once you see the purpose, even a little box in your hands suddenly matters.

“…without the big picture, you don’t know your part. But once you see the purpose, even a little box in your hands suddenly matters.”

Now that we understand God’s grand plan a little better, we’re going to start exploring how the things we do in our daily lives help plug us into that plan. Because what you do matters, and when you see how you fit into the big picture and discover your part, your life becomes an exciting, meaningful adventure.

Coming Attractions

So, moving ahead in our quest we’ll be exploring some of the ways you can plug into God’s grand plan and pursue your own dreams while doing it.

Here’s where we’re going:

  • Does God have a plan for your life? Hmmmmm…
  • How do you know what you’re “supposed” to be doing?
  • Does what you do now matter in God’s heaven on earth forever?
  • Some common sense tips and life recipes for living the dream!

And remember—moving day will be here before you know it.

Your Life And What Comes After (39): What Does God Look Like?

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Wells sat at the kitchen table while his mom stirred a pot of soup, watching the steam curl into the air. He had been thinking hard about something all afternoon. “Mom,” he finally asked, resting his chin in his hands, “what color is love?” His mother smiled at the question and turned off the stove, pulling out a chair beside him. She told him love wasn’t just one color—it was all kinds of colors depending on how you see it. “Love can be red when it’s strong and brave,” she said, “like when someone protects you. It can be warm gold like sunshine when someone makes you feel safe. It can be soft blue when someone listens to you, and gentle green when someone helps you grow.”

Wells thought about this quietly, imagining love as a bright painting made of many shades blending together. His mom brushed his hair back and added, “But if I had to choose one color, I’d say love looks like whatever color your heart needs most at the moment.” Wells looked at her, noticing the warmth in her eyes and the comfort of her smile, and decided that love, at least right then, looked like the warm amber glow of the kitchen light and the feeling of his mother’s hand holding his.

What does God look like?

Well first of all, God isn’t an old man with a white beard up in the sky tossing lightning bolts down on us.

John 4:24 a 
God is Spirit…

God is Spirit—not a body, not a face, and not a shape. You can’t take a picture of Him. But remember, “spirit” doesn’t mean ghost or wispy fog. It means a reality beyond what we can see with our eyes.

John 1:18
No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

We can’t see God with our eyes but Jesus shows us exactly what God is like, and we can see that with our hearts and with the Spirit that God has put inside us.

John 14:9 b
…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus in the Bible – not what he may have looked like physically, but what kind of person He was, and is — His love and compassion, His power and His mercy.

When God Comes To Live With Us

One day, God will once again live with us on earth. It’s possible that then we will be able to see more of His glory—more of what He “looks like.”

Revelation 21:1-5
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Until then, we look at Jesus… and we see the heart of God.

Until then, we should be busy finding ways to plug into God’s grand plan right now, today. That means doing things and living our daily lives in ways that make our own dreams come true and God’s dream for us a reality.

That’s what we’ll start digging into next.

Your Life And What Comes After (38): Why Does God Let People Do Evil Things?

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George Washington at Valley Forge

During the brutal winter of 1777–1778, George Washington and the Continental Army were encamped at Valley Forge. His troops were freezing, starving, and discouraged. The American fight for freedom itself seemed close to failure. Washington faced a tough choice: continue the struggle despite the hardship, or quit and give up the fight.

Washington privately prayed, asking God for wisdom, strength, and guidance in the decision before him. He chose to stay and fight—trusting that God would sustain their efforts. The army endured the winter, came out stronger, and eventually won the victory in the American Revolutionary War.

No Robots, Please

God doesn’t want robots who are forced to obey Him – He wants a family, individuals who love Him freely. God doesn’t make us do the right thing or the wrong thing, He gives us the free will to choose

Washington freely chose a course of action, asked for God’s help, and acted in faith. His decision—made with God’s help—shaped history and shows how our choices and God’s guidance can work together.

But along with the freedom to make good choices comes the freedom to make terrible choices. It’s not really freedom if you don’t have the freedom to make the wrong choice.

And sometimes when people make terrible choices, other people get hurt and valuable things get destroyed. God allows people to do bad things, and that means sometimes those bad things happen to good people.

Three Things to Remember

First, you can’t blame God for the bad things people do—that’s on them, not God. The good will be rewarded and the bad will have to face consequences, now and/or in the time to come.

Second, God can and does shield His people, those who seek His divine protection from harm as they ask in faith. Everyone else is on their own, and if they live outside God’s promise of protection, it’s because they choose to be on their own.

There are times when people of faith will voluntarily go against human evil knowing that they may be harmed or even killed. Their reasons for doing that are between God and them.

There are also times when people of faith wander outside the King’s protection through disobedience, ignoring warnings, or plain old rebellion. Bad things can happen when that occurs.

Third, all suffering and evil will be redeemed by God in the future, so trust in the ultimate purpose and plan of God to make things right.

While it’s sometimes hard to understand why bad things happen and why good people suffer—whether by the evil things other people do or by natural disaster or disease—the things suffered now, no matter how long they last, will seem like a tiny mosquito bite compared to the marvelous eternity God has planned for us.

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…

More Than Conquerors

God doesn’t force anyone to do the right thing any more than he forces anyone to believe on Jesus Christ as Savior. We each have complete free-will and we all live with the benefits, and the consequences of that amazing freedom, now and forever.

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Let’s use our free will to do some good—to do some conquering—through our Lord, Jesus Christ.