Prayer Journal
Friday, October 3, 2003
"He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts." 1 Corinthians 4:5
The Bible says a day is coming when God will judge all men; some for their sin and others for the way they lived their life while claiming to follow Christ.
In the first case, the Great White Throne judgment awaits those who think they don't need a Savior and reject the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. In the second case, the Bema judgment lies in store for Christians. At the Bema, everything hidden will be exposed for all to see, no matter good or bad.
There is no question of guilt or innocence nor is the destiny of the one being judged: the GWT verdict is eternal death and suffering - separated from God forever without chance of reversal. The Bema on the other hand, is appointed for God to praise those who, in this life were persecuted, abused and neglected while remaining devoted and faithful. However, for those believers whose actions in this life were artificial and pretensive, they will know sadness, regret and shame, even though God's word guarantees their eternal security.
What does God's pending judgment mean to you personally? If you're waiting to deal with the issue of sin, you are one failed heartbeat from living in eternity in suffering and regret. If, on the other hand, you believe the inner thoughts of your mind are secret and forever protected from revelation to others, you are in for a big surprise. The confession and forgiveness you now find so easy to neglect will not available to you in the next.
I wonder what we'd do if we knew our death was a few hours away? As a Christian, we have a trust in Jesus and his relationship with the Father that promises eternity in His presence for those covered by His blood. But if we knew our death was imminent, wouldn't we spend our final hours taking care of business - spiritual business that is?
Do you have some business today that needs to be addressed? Why procrastinate. Don't you want your motives to be consistent with your actions?
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
Copyright © 1998-2003
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
