This is without a doubt, one of the the most stunning sunsets I have ever had the chance to photograph. It only lasted about 5 minutes and if my brother Sam hadn’t grabbed me I never would have shot it. It was a great reminder to me of the shortness of the life and the great need to make the most of it, not living for myself in the futility of my mind, making idols of my possessions, but rather to prepare for an eternity in heaven.
Our condition and status in heaven is greatly measured by what we do here on earth and it is worth it to lose this short life of fleeting pleasure in order that I might gain a better resurrection and standing in heaven. We are not saved by what we do, nor is anyone more saved by any works we can do, but there are rewards for faithfulness and diligence, for those who stood firm.
Hurricane Compost by Tyler van der Hoeven
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3-10
Read them again, these are hard things. On earth we are poor spirited, mourning, meek people who are always hungry and thirsty for righteousness who are merciful, pure in heart, are always making peace and are persecuted for it. We are unpopular, vulgar, an offense, all just that we might receive in due time…, the Kingdom of Heaven, comfort, the whole earth, satisfaction in righteousness, mercy, and the sight of God before our very eyes! We shall be sons of God and obtain the kingdom of heaven.
I don’t know about you, but that seems like a trade off that I am more then willing to make.The only problem is that I can’t, apart from the life of God in me. I could never see the value of giving up so much for something I cannot see, touch, taste, smell, or feel. So, God must come, and breath life into me, so that that which was once a rock of offense, breaks me and becomes more than life itself.
4 thoughts on “Seeing Hope in the Sunset of Life”
Well said Tyler. In this world we do seek after the wrong things and don’t care or empathize with the hurting. To be blessed, means to be happy so our joy in the Lord starts here when we demonstrate the beatitudes in our spirit and actions. Thank God for working through us to demonstrate the heart of His Son.
Thank you both for the kind comments. May God grant us all to stand firm that one day we might see God. Checked out both your websites as well! Nice work both of you! Keep it up.
Amen to this post. Blessed are the pure in hearts for they shall see God. This is the narrow way! It’s never easy.
Beautiful sunset! Your words are full of truth. We (I) are so arrogant believing that the things of this world bring happiness and true prosperity. Keep on sharing…we need the truth.
Paul