Religious Christians and Jews once dreamed of pilgrimages to Jerusalem while Muslims dreamed of Mecca. Many still do. But in America today, people of all faiths dream of going to Disney. It’s the new “holy site” for modern pilgrims on vacation.
Two weeks ago I headed south for a family reunion and a visit to the Mouse’s house.
At Downtown Disney I saw little girls transformed into princesses before my very eyes. No, not by a fairy godmother but by parents with loads of cash! It seems every little girl’s wish is to be one of the many Disney princesses—and wishes come true for those with the money.
Everywhere we went we heard, “When you wish upon a star…your dreams come true.”
The World of Walt delights children of all ages. But I had to wonder if kids today know Walt’s fairy tales better than the Bible stories and lessons my generation learned.
Now hold on just a minute. Please don’t take me wrong! I enjoy a good vacation as much as anyone. And no one does theme parks better than the Mouse. So far I’ve been blessed to visit Disney theme parks in Florida, California and Japan. All were a lot of fun.
It’s just that, as I constantly heard about wishing and dreams, it started to sound hollow and empty. I mean, why would you want your children to believe in dreams based on wishing?
Think about this: Your weakest prayer is more powerful than your strongest wish.
Last time I checked, there’s no evidence that stars grant wishes or dreams come true if you’re sincere or wish hard enough. But there are studies confirming that prayer makes a difference. The reason is because the Awesome God of the Bible is a prayer answering God.
I’m a firm believer in teaching children to dream big. But I tell them to imagine what God could do through them if they will live for him and not for themselves.
Now while fantasy can be harmless, Disney dreams and “magic” seem to take a child in the direction of self-esteem, self-promotion and self-centeredness. Is it possible we have taken the “You are special” emphasis a little too far? To be well adjusted you must value others also.
The Bible teaches that when we become God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ, we are children of the King of Kings (a heavenly prince or princess, if you please!). We learn that God has a purpose for our lives. He gives us talents and gifts—not so that we might be a “star” but so that we can serve him! The Bible says we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
Serving God is the only way you can make an impact on this world with eternal results.
If you’re taking your family to a Disney vacation destination this year, I hope you will have a wonderful time. But don’t forget to do a “reality check” with your children. And while you’re introducing them to the Mouse and his friends, don’t forget to introduce them to Jesus before they get too old. Make sure they understand the difference between pretend friends and Jesus, the best friend you will ever have. He promises to be with us always.
Vacations and theme parks can distract us for a while from the problems of life. But the relief is just temporary. There’s an old gospel song that reminds us, “Only Jesus can satisfy your soul; only he can change your heart and make you whole. He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy and Heaven too—For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.”
Do you need a fresh start in life? A vacation can change your location, but Jesus can change your life. The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” When you turn to Jesus, life takes on a whole new meaning.
Listen to the Bible; it’s good for your soul!
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Travel Restrictions
“You can’t take it with you” was never truer than today.
Since September 11, 2001, things once considered harmless can no longer go anywhere near a commercial airplane. Anyone flying since that fateful day is very familiar with the new travel restrictions!
It took me a while to get used to the new reality. In November of 2001 I flew to Arizona with my family to spend Thanksgiving with relatives. Going through airport security, I forgot I was carrying a penknife in my pocket. Suddenly that small knife was enough to keep me off the plane. How could I be so dumb? They could have arrested me on the spot!
Thankfully I was allowed to throw it away and board the plane.
One day we all hope to successfully travel to our final destination. Are you aware that God has “travel restrictions” on what you can bring to Heaven?
Well, hold on just a minute! How can there be travel restrictions for Heaven? --Because the Bible tells us God is a holy God and he cannot permit sin in his presence.
“Holy” means God is clean, pure and separated above all other beings and there is no other god like him. It means his character is totally good and entirely without evil.
The Bible says, “Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” Do you meet the standard? Like the penknife I carry, we’re so used to our sins we forget they’re in our spiritual “pockets.” And even “small” sins will keep us from holiness and Heaven. --Now that’s a travel restriction!
Many people believe the way to get to Heaven is by doing more good things than bad in this life. And when they meet God, they hope the good deeds will outweigh the bad.
But there’s a big problem with that view. The Bible says that all of our good works are like filthy rags in God’s sight. Nothing we do even comes close to his standard. Only perfection makes it into Heaven. And perfection is humanly impossible. You know it and so do I.
Thankfully God is not only holy but he is also a God of love.
Because of his great love for us, the Bible says that God sent his only son, Jesus, to solve our sin problem. Jesus made a way for us to have fellowship with God now and then live with him forever. His perfect life on earth and his death in our place on the cross makes it possible for God to forgive us. The resurrection proved his power to conquer sin’s eternal death penalty.
Before Jesus came, sin was enough to keep us out of Heaven and God’s presence. But since Jesus’ death paid for our sin, the only thing standing between God and us is Jesus Christ.
The Bible says God forgives the sin of whoever accepts Jesus as their personal Savior. They share in his holiness. However, the Bible is just as clear that those who will not believe in Christ still stand condemned because of their unbelief. Their sin is not forgiven.
It’s sad to think that many people will miss Heaven by five letters:
J-E-S-U-S.
For some reason they just can’t bring themselves to accept the Jesus of the Bible. They won’t trust him.
With the summer vacation season upon us, airline travelers need to be aware of travel restrictions before flying. But since any day could be the day of your trip to eternity, think about God’s travel restrictions (and Jesus’ solution) before it’s too late.
Remember--someone tougher than the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will be doing the pre-flight inspection of your “baggage” before you’re cleared for Heaven. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is The Judge of the living and the dead. He is also our Savior.
Listen to the Bible; it’s good for your soul!
Since September 11, 2001, things once considered harmless can no longer go anywhere near a commercial airplane. Anyone flying since that fateful day is very familiar with the new travel restrictions!
It took me a while to get used to the new reality. In November of 2001 I flew to Arizona with my family to spend Thanksgiving with relatives. Going through airport security, I forgot I was carrying a penknife in my pocket. Suddenly that small knife was enough to keep me off the plane. How could I be so dumb? They could have arrested me on the spot!
Thankfully I was allowed to throw it away and board the plane.
One day we all hope to successfully travel to our final destination. Are you aware that God has “travel restrictions” on what you can bring to Heaven?
Well, hold on just a minute! How can there be travel restrictions for Heaven? --Because the Bible tells us God is a holy God and he cannot permit sin in his presence.
“Holy” means God is clean, pure and separated above all other beings and there is no other god like him. It means his character is totally good and entirely without evil.
The Bible says, “Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” Do you meet the standard? Like the penknife I carry, we’re so used to our sins we forget they’re in our spiritual “pockets.” And even “small” sins will keep us from holiness and Heaven. --Now that’s a travel restriction!
Many people believe the way to get to Heaven is by doing more good things than bad in this life. And when they meet God, they hope the good deeds will outweigh the bad.
But there’s a big problem with that view. The Bible says that all of our good works are like filthy rags in God’s sight. Nothing we do even comes close to his standard. Only perfection makes it into Heaven. And perfection is humanly impossible. You know it and so do I.
Thankfully God is not only holy but he is also a God of love.
Because of his great love for us, the Bible says that God sent his only son, Jesus, to solve our sin problem. Jesus made a way for us to have fellowship with God now and then live with him forever. His perfect life on earth and his death in our place on the cross makes it possible for God to forgive us. The resurrection proved his power to conquer sin’s eternal death penalty.
Before Jesus came, sin was enough to keep us out of Heaven and God’s presence. But since Jesus’ death paid for our sin, the only thing standing between God and us is Jesus Christ.
The Bible says God forgives the sin of whoever accepts Jesus as their personal Savior. They share in his holiness. However, the Bible is just as clear that those who will not believe in Christ still stand condemned because of their unbelief. Their sin is not forgiven.
It’s sad to think that many people will miss Heaven by five letters:
J-E-S-U-S.
For some reason they just can’t bring themselves to accept the Jesus of the Bible. They won’t trust him.
With the summer vacation season upon us, airline travelers need to be aware of travel restrictions before flying. But since any day could be the day of your trip to eternity, think about God’s travel restrictions (and Jesus’ solution) before it’s too late.
Remember--someone tougher than the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will be doing the pre-flight inspection of your “baggage” before you’re cleared for Heaven. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is The Judge of the living and the dead. He is also our Savior.
Listen to the Bible; it’s good for your soul!
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