--Sovereign God In A Changing World
--By: John D. Morris, Ph.D.
--(Evidence for Creation)

--Our thoughts, we are told, should always be focused on eternal things, but unfortunately, the affairs of life often crowd in and wrest our attention away.

--War in the Middle East and terrorism on our shores likewise demand our attention, but these too are driving many to prayer. Our nation's security comes only from the Sovereign Creator of nations, and His mighty plan is unfolding. What a joy, what a stabilizing factor to know we are safe, no matter what happens, in His mighty hands. What an impetus to further ministry. What an incentive to let all know.

On what basis does God allow the birth and blessing of a nation, or its death? I'm so glad we have the perspective of God at our fingertips.

We can find our refuge in Him and His plan. A mind fixed on Him and a mindset firmly planted in truth will get us through difficult times. We must keep our eyes on His Kingdom.

In the beginning, the Sovereign, transcendent Creator called the universe into existence, for His glory and according to His will. He fashioned the earth as His handiwork, and fitted it for man. Lastly He created man in His own image, male and female, and gave them stewardship over His creation which was originally "very good"—deathless and sinless. Mankind was in perfect fellowship with God and each other.

But man rejected God and His authority over them, bringing upon themselves the just "wages" of their sin, spiritual and physical death, and upon creation, the "bondage of corruption." Separated from God by our sin and locked in death throes, we are unable to help ourselves.

The Creator, however, desires fellowship with man. His holiness demands sinlessness in His presence and His justice demands sin's penalty of death be paid. So, in the fullness of time, He took upon Himself the form of a man, lived a sinless life for whom no sin penalty was necessary, and died a sacrificial death for sinful man. The wages of sin was paid as Christ died for our sins. God's holy justice was satisfied by this fully sufficient, substitutionary Sacrifice. When all was accomplished, He rose from the dead in victory over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe.

This same Creator, Jesus Christ, (see Colossians 1:13-22), now represents us before the Father as our advocate, and energizes us with His Spirit to live a life pleasing to Him. Daily He accepts into His family those who come to God through Him and welcomes into His presence His children who suffer the indignities of physical death.

One day soon He will return to Earth to bring to fruition His eternal plan, and creation will be what He intended it to be, before it was ruined by sin. We will join Him forever in the new heavens and new earth, "wherein dwelleth righteousness" (II Peter 3:13). There will be "no more death, neither sorrow, no crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
--ICR/HMM -- YOUR LOVE OH LORD~~ Third Day
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